So I've been flying Southwest forever and I have not used my free flight credits yet. I decided to book a flight today and I noticed that they have some crap now called "FREEDOM REWARDS" instead of RAPID REWARDS. So I call them up and ask why can't I book my flights for free with my free credit? the dates were not on the blackout list. They explain that they set a limited amount of free flight credits per flight, but I can use my two free flight credits to get ONE FREEDOM REWARD, which means I can get one way for free by swapping in my 2 flight credits. WHAT BS!! Who else here flies Southwest and noticed that we're getting screwed now?
Dude, it use to be FREE CREDIT . 2 FREE CREDITS = 1 Round trip Now: 2 FREE CREDITS = 1 Round trip IF available Now: FREEDOM CREDITS = higher priority free credit 2 FREE CREDITS = 1 FREEDOM CREDIT (swapping a free round trip for 1 free one way) so basically I'm looking at round trip. I could only use one free credit. but if I had 4 free credits I could swap them to one round trip cause FREEDOM CREDITS are less restricted. Basically a year ago: 8 round trips = 1 free round trip Now : 8 round trips = 1 free round trip if the 'standard free trips' aren't booked up (7 seats per flight now) now: 16 round trips = 1 free FREEDOM trip (no restrictions) see how you are getting screwed?
ok, if you have a free round trip a year ago, you have free round trip. now you can't have a free round trip unless you have these upgraded credits. "sir, you can't use your credits cause there are none available for that flight. However if you use both credits we'll let you fly one way for free"
Yes, you got screwed. But sorry ... they're a giant corporation with lots of money and good lawyers. There's nothing you can do about it except complain on an internet BBS. They can steal your lunch money with impunity because they are bigger than you are. It's good for the economy!
I was about to book my ticket home from them, but then decided that I would pay the $1.11 extra and go w/ Virgin. Virigin > SW (at least for flights from SF to LA). But SW has some really good deals from time to time.
yeah most of the airlines have done this - they allocate a very small number of seats per plane towards the frequent flier redemptions, and once they're gone, you're out of luck unless you want to pony up 2x the free credits. It's called devaluation of currency.
I flew Virgin for the first time not too long ago cross country. It was nice but I'm not sure if the extra inch of room was worth it. There was also a crying baby behind me, so it probably soured my experience. The Virgin tv is okay, but I liked Continental's tv more. I know it's free on Virgin, along with internet access for your laptop, and some other interesting tv things like video games (Doom). Still though, the Virgin tv only had 10 channels or so and Continental's had the entire Directv lineup. And even though it's $6, nothing really kills time better than watching a basketball or football game. Southwest is all about cheap fares, but it's like the worst airline to kill time on.
SWA didn't use to be this way, but I guess their getting smarter...Bags fly free, but an Unaccompanied Minor isn't...I was going to fly my son up for a Cowboys game a day early, but it'll cost an extra $50...having him fly with my friend instead to save $$$...
would the round trip fare ever be available under the Rapid Rewards fare if you chose different dates?
I fly southwest all the time for business and have been racking up the free trips...most of the times i use my free tickets they aren't ever blacked out..i mean it's just something you deal with.
only if the dates have 'available' seats. They said the dates I picked were 'sold out' for rapid rewards. http://www.rapidrewards101.com/#/redeem A Standard Award is your ticket to fly free, roundtrip, to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies. After you earn 16 credits in 24 consecutive months, we’ll deposit a Rapid Rewards® Standard Award in your account. Convert two Standard Awards into one Freedom Award, and with the exception of a few blackout dates, you'll be free from any seat restrictions. If there's an open seat, it's yours.
