Same Day Flight Changes - A-list

[cyberroo]

Has anyone had any luck making the same-day flight change as an A-Lister with a Wanna Get Away fare?  This is the second time that I've been told that it isn't possible to make the change, and it's standby only - once on the phone and once at the airport (where they initially declined to put me on standby).

Before I call back, am I wrong about the policy? it seems pretty clear on the website, but I'm starting to think maybe I am the one who's wrong here.

[TheMiddleSeat]

As long as you are flying alone you seem to have a correct understanding of the policy. If there is an available seat on flight you want to change to you should be able to get a confirmed seat if you call on the same day as the flight. If there's not an available seat you can request to be put on standby at the airport.

Perhaps if you are told no again you can politely request them to inform you of the policy for A-List same day changes. That would get them to tell you the policy as they know it and allow you to discuss from there. I would also submit your issue in writing so it can be addressed from a training perspective, use the contact us link at the bottom of this page and send a message. That won't help you today, but might prevent future issues. 

--TheMiddleSeat

[cyberroo]

I asked on Twitter and was basically told the same thing - standby only.  https://twitter.com/SouthwestAir/status/1545136134941839362

At this point, I can't tell if it's a policy change or failure of training, but I sent an email.  I'm glad I didn't rely on the policy - I have a few times considered booking a cheap morning flight and then using the same-day change to switch to a more expensive flight, but didn't want to deal with the hassle.  (hmm, that might be a good use case for the Plus fare, though...)

[chgoflyer]

The policy is relatively new, and the website is correct. And the reps you've spoken with are wrong. Definitely a training issue.

From this page: Tiers & More A-List

***If there’s an open seat on a different flight that departs on the same calendar day as your original flight and it’s between the same cities, you can get a seat on the new flight free of airline charges. If there isn’t an open seat on this different flight, you can ask a Southwest Gate Agent to add you to the same-day standby list for a flight between the same city pairs that departs on the same calendar day prior to your originally scheduled flight, and you will receive a message if you are cleared on the flight. For both the same-day change and same-day standby benefits, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight or the no-show policy will apply. Based on the flight status contact preference selected during booking, the message regarding your standby status will be an email or text message with a link to access the boarding pass via the Southwest app, mobile web, or you can visit a Southwest Gate Agent to print off the boarding pass. If there are any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, you will be required to pay those. Your original boarding position is not guaranteed. Important: These benefits are available only by seeing a Southwest Gate Agent or calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA®. If you change your flight through any other channel or to a flight that does not meet the requirements outlined above, you will be responsible for the difference in price.

[parpitt1]

Wow, I've learned something, thanks for sharing. As an A'-lister I've done the standby flight change multiple times over the years but was unaware I could make a no charge change. The standby thing only works for me when I do not check bags and about 75% of the time I have to check bags to accommodate PPE for work so a no charge same day change would be a win for me. 

[DancingDavidE]

---

@parpitt1 wrote:

Wow, I've learned something, thanks for sharing. As an A'-lister I've done the standby flight change multiple times over the years but was unaware I could make a no charge change. The standby thing only works for me when I do not check bags and about 75% of the time I have to check bags to accommodate PPE for work so a no charge same day change would be a win for me. 

---

The same-day change is new this year with the WGA+ fare, it was only standby for earlier flights before this.

Agree with you the new method is great if they let you do it since I like to check bags when traveling with some of the gear.

But my habit under the prior rules was generally to book the latest non-red-eye flight available and then try to confirm a standby at the counter which often worked. 

[bec102896]

I’ve tried using it 5 times without success and 1 time with success after going behind the gate agents back by calling because not all agents seem to understand that I can book the wanna get away fare as ALP and still get free same day changes even when I show the website they grow even more confused.