What's With Southwest Airlines - Can't Book Return Flight?!!

[heaven2dc]

I'm trying to book a return flight from MCO for 5/8/10 online and it won't let you book anything further beyond 5/7/10. My travel agent was trying the same thing a week ago and I've left umpteen messages and she hasn't returned my calls. (This is for a friend who is going to WDW 05/02-05/08/10). Anyone else have this problem?

 

[patsal]

Southwest is just like that. They only open to a certain date. Book it one way and when they open up the dates then book the return trip.

 

[dcfromva]

I'm trying to book a return flight from MCO for 5/8/10 online and it won't let you book anything further beyond 5/7/10. My travel agent was trying the same thing a week ago and I've left umpteen messages and she hasn't returned my calls. (This is for a friend who is going to WDW 05/02-05/08/10). Anyone else have this problem?

The schedule should open up on Dec 16th (usually around 9am or10am eastern time) The best strategy is to do as patsal recommends.

From the Travel Tools page on Southwest.com:

We strive to provide you with everything you need not only to fly but also to drive, cruise, stay and even shuttle. Check out the tips and tools below to see how a little planning upfront can help you relax from takeoff to touch down and even after.
Now accepting reservations through May 7, 2010.
On December 16, we will open our schedule for sale through August 13, 2010. This date is subject to change! Please check back frequently.

link to southwest.com

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm really disturbed that the travel agent didn't know that SW doesn't book ages in advance.

Was just going to post:

"Now accepting reservations through May 7, 2010.
On December 16, we will open our schedule for sale through August 13, 2010. This date is subject to change! Please check back frequently."

That's at the top at the Travel Tools page.

But I see I was beaten to the punch.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

I'm really disturbed that the travel agent didn't know that SW doesn't book ages in advance.
QUOTE]

I just thought the same thing. Anyone who has booked with SWA frequently knows that they open up booking windows only a few months at a time. Jet Blue books a little bit further, but is similar.

I have also found they release the new flights between 9am and 10:30am EST on the release date.

 

[bakalorber]

Lots of airlines do this.

 

[travelin' tigger]

Anyone who has booked with SWA frequently knows that they open up booking windows only a few months at a time. Jet Blue books a little bit further, but is similar.

Since they only open their flight up a few months at a time, they rarely, if ever, change their schedule once posted - unlike some of the major carriers like Delta that change their schedule alot.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Since they only open their flight up a few months at a time, they rarely, if ever, change their schedule once posted - unlike some of the major carriers like Delta that change their schedule alot.

YUP, great airline! We fly them almost exclusively!

 

[heaven2dc]

Thanks everyone! I did call my travel agent yesterday (if you can call her that!!) and she said they should be opening the window any day now. Great help she was lol

I am going to leave this in her and my friend's hands from here on out. You are all so much more helpful than she ever was!

 

[nuke]

Don't get so down on the travel agents. They make nothing on airline tickets unless they charge a service fee. Their money comes from packages.

 

[heaven2dc]

I didn't mean to be so hard on travel agents - I am actually earning my degree in travel/tourism/hospitality and was certified back in 1972 to become one (just never found a job close to home as a travel agent) and always have had good luck using their service. I just had to say that the one my friend has been using has had zero to no communication with him and his family and I tried to help out by giving her a call. Her responses have always been that she'll "get back to you on that" and she never does. So my apologies to all travel agents out there - you guys work hard for your money and I know you don't make the commissions you use to!

 

[bumbershoot]

Don't get so down on the travel agents. They make nothing on airline tickets unless they charge a service fee. Their money comes from packages.

I think we're down on THIS travel agent. No one has mentioned any others.