When did DING! fares start getting so specific??

[marcyinPA]

I signed up for DING! even though our trip isn't until May. The fares I'm seeing are only good for specific flights, or for a VERY short window of travel. When I booked flights on SW last year, using DING!, there were no "stipulations" except I had to book pronto before the deal ended.

When did SW change things around? I think it STINKS!! There is no way I can wait until like April for a May trip to book airfare!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

It changed when they started asking you which airports you wanted to receive DINGs for.

 

[disneyldwjr]

It has been like this for quite awhile. They also have open flights with a longer duration. Not all are restricted.

 

[CarolA]

I think this has ALWAYS been the purpose of DING. To sell seats that would otherwise go unsold. They were very generous at first, but it appears that the technology has improved to where they can be very specific. (Some dings are for certain flights or certain days only for example)

DING was not really intended for the family of 10 planning the advance vacation. More like those of us who can get up and go on short notice. DL and others do the same type of thing with thier weekend fares for example.

 

[Lewisc]

Exactly. DING is intended to motivate passengers into taking an extra trip. Also to fill flights that aren't selling as well as was projected.

SW has regular internet sales that are geared to families that plan vacations months in advance. Sometimes you can use DING to lower a previously reserved flight. SW is doing a better job, from their perspective, of limiting the number of discounted seats on flights that would sell without deep discounts. The first N/S flight on a Saturday morning for example. Sometimes the choice is the best flight days/time OR the best price. Even SW doesn't make money with a $100 R/T fare to Orlando.

I think this has ALWAYS been the purpose of DING. To sell seats that would otherwise go unsold. They were very generous at first, but it appears that the technology has improved to where they can be very specific. (Some dings are for certain flights or certain days only for example)

DING was not really intended for the family of 10 planning the advance vacation. More like those of us who can get up and go on short notice. DL and others do the same type of thing with thier weekend fares for example.