Southwest Airlines Community

Using your SW credit card to generate RR points to just buy gift cards is not a particularly efficient way to get cash back from your credit card.  Many other cards give more than the 1% you seem to be getting, without the hassle of gift cards.   Unless of course you're buying Southwest tickets with your credit card... But then you'd likely be using those points for additional flights, which is also more efficient than converting them to cash.   ... View more

The answer is yes to both.     But it's based on individual flight demand, which is also based on Covid restrictions.   FLL to SJU is available and cheap.  Their current restrictions are similar to Hawaii, but I'm not going until April, so hopefully it'll be sorted out by then. ... View more

Final update...   https://beatofhawaii.com/latest-testing-rules-fail-hawaii-vacations-upended/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=latest-testing-rules-fail-hawaii-vacations-upended   Skip Hawaii.   Our hotel didn't even want to accept the tests we were forced to take at the airport because CVS lost three tests (completely...still no results).  And they won't let you quarantine there.  The attitude of many of the people is less than friendly.  At least the ones not getting paid for by tourism.   So yes, as of tomorrow, Hawaii is in for a big disaster.   Even the manta rays didn't want to come hang out with the humans last night.  Time and effort for a night dive wasted.   Good luck to anyone forced to come out here.  ... View more

This must be a joke... ... View more

"airframe isn't inherently airworthy without software intervention. "   Plenty of planes are much less airworthy without a computer flying them.   Most modern planes.   Of course they have more redundancy.    Most of the reason they put in the MCAS is for flyability/ similarity to older models,  and for avoiding a small portion of the stall envelope.     The plane is perfectly flyable without software.  It just takes a smarter pilot to avoid stalling.  Just like the smarter pilots who disabled MCAS when it malfunctioned.      Much like traveling under Covid, it's a risk analysis.   Just BETWEEN the two crashes, there were over 150,000 Max flights.  That's pretty good odds... about 10x better than a healthy person dying of Covid.     So if you're that worried about the Max, you're best staying home.      ... View more

Yes, it's a waste with respect to gaining companion pass status.   But it's still points, useful for purchasing flights.  ... View more

Anyone know about the rumour that if you're on the edge, if they'll offer some incentive to buy yourself over the edge?   (I made it to CP for next year...but still curious). ... View more

@shelbyusn wrote: I would fly the 737 Super Max as soon as it comes out of "Lock Down". I don't think they'll have that model out any time soon.  It's still overweight from all the extra steel and concrete.  They did take the windows out, though...so it's got a smooth look to it.   Someone's been watching too many prison documentaries.... ... View more

Update 11/20:   1.  Some of the Vault tests were accepted, tested, and replied within 24 hours of receipt.  So 48 hours of taking the test.  Mine was marked INVALID. These tests were taken over Zoom, with verified serial numbers.  I'm assuming they screwed up and didn't properly document the zoom call. Their phone line is busy and they aren't returning messages.  I'm on hold and probably will be all day.   2.  More importantly, Hawaii has now changed the rules so that they require the negative test result BEFORE taking off on that final leg.     So you've lost 6 or so hours from your 72 hour window to get the test completed.  This is supposed to be implemented "next week".   3.  CVS now says their tests will take 3-4 days to complete.   So my suggestion.  Skip Hawaii.  I'm likely to cancel my January trip.  It's not worth the hassle.  SWA flies to Florida for cheap.  Hawaii has literally designed a system that has no solution by requiring tests from certified testing locations who cannot certify the result will be provided in time.   And then the most promising option to mail it in manages to screw it up royally and not answer the phone... at all.    Luckily I had a backup test.  ... View more

Given all the scrutiny, do you honestly think that plane is any less safe than any other plane in the air?  (Which collectively, are safer than driving to the airport?).   Seriously, you need to rationally think through the risk level here.  Don't think you know more than the experts.  Don't let your emotions take over.   If you are afraid to fly the Max, you need to be afraid to drive.  You should honestly stay home.  No insult intended.  You just aren't accepting the reality.  You can argue the semantics of the two crashes, but all that aside, the planes WERE perfectly flyable by a properly trained pilot.  Now they are being flown by more properly trained pilots, with more understanding of the issue, less likelihood of it happening, or  more indication if it does.   Beyond that, venting here about how you feel about it isn't going to make any difference. ... View more

I heard that too.    That would help in general, but not for these flights. My test was monitored via Zoom during sample collection.    I suppose if you had a full video monitoring of the at-home process, which then sent an authorization code to the validation facility.  But I suspect that's not the direction that system is going.    "For entertainment purposes only" 😉   @dfwskier wrote: I heard on the evening news tonight that at home tests with results in 30 minutes are being made available.   If available, that would seem to be the best way to go.   ... View more

That might make sense regarding the drink coupons, but I doubt there are enough BS people on any one flight to significantly impact service.      In fact, I'm positive there's always a lot fewer than 15 on every flight I've been on.   And if we're talking solely about a temporary change during Covid (ie. internet vs. drinks), the flights are already running at less capacity.   Alas, unless there were a way to assign free vouchers for access, it's a moot point anyways.    I'm just glad I'm ALP. ... View more

It's somewhere between Utz Pub Mix and Chex snack mix.  Buy both and try them out.  Maybe mix them together   ... View more

Well, I'm sure if it's a great idea, SWA will implement it.    I'm pretty sure they won't.   That'll be a good indication of whether they agree with me or you.  ... View more

@SWFlyer007 wrote:   SWAFlyer, your ticket has a value of 10,000 points, we will allow you to defer your flight to a later date with no refund, and up your point value to 15,000 RR points.  Hummmm, ok, I like that, lets do it, Maybe things will open up by May 2021 and I 5,000 more points to put towards somebody else to fly with me. Sorry, I'm really not tracking with your concept here.   SWA wants you to spend your credits sooner rather than later.   Outstanding liabilities in the form of flight credits is not good for them.   Even more so, given the current low load factors, filling seats NOW is more valuable to them.   So, why would they give you a 50% bonus to delay your flight?  Then, EVERYONE would cancel their tickets, just to get the free bonus.  It would KILL their business.   Not to mention, in June everyone would be competing for the seats, so your points wouldn't be as valuable.  Prepare to pay more than the 50% more you thought you were rewarded.   I see what you're thinking...have SWA pay me interest for the privilege of holding my money.  But they've already done that a lot...by extending deadlines, and allowing us to convert them to points at a fair rate.   I'm also not sure why they aren't just avoiding the headache by extending that same benefit out longer...Covid will be here at least a few more months, and they should have known that in September.  And it's probably a small chunk of their revenue stream...the one-off passengers who can't fly and cancelled ONE trip.  Many of us are either still flying or have found ways to use or extend the funds.   Only they know.  ... View more

I would think Wi-fi would be a better option than drinks in MANY situations, especially now.   1.  Business Select it seems to make MORE sense than alcohol.  Go figure.  Flying for business?  Here, get tipsy. 2.  You can use it if you're under 21 3.  We could get rid of all those expiring tickets, and SWA reduces the future cost burden of redeeming those tickets for alcohol. 4.  Is the profit margin on wi-fi and its consumption really so much higher than drinks that offering it as a perk instead of drinks make them lose money?   I don't pay for wi-fi.  $8 isn't worth it to me on a 45 minute flight.  But I'd gladly get it instead of a drink.   ... View more

The same governor just sent a bunch of workers to Hawaii, and is happily dining indoors in large groups.   He has also lost in court recently so he can no longer make up rules as he goes along.   So what that means is you really need to take the "rules" with a grain of salt.  Key word there is "should".  I'll define that how I see fit.  I doubt even Gavin could define explicitly what constitutes "essential" work, and could do so fast enough to restrict next week's travel...and if he tried, he'd be sued (again) so fast his pretty little coifed head would spin and an injunction issued. Don't worry. ... View more

Logically,  short SW flights shouldn't need chargers.   Batteries provide that function.    Of course, some flights are longer.   And laptops don't always last that long.   And carrying backup laptop batteries isn't common.      But for a phone?   Come on.... everyone has a portable charger.   Don't force them to raise my ticket prices because you can't be bothered to carry one.  ... View more

    I got my tests done today.   Yep, two of them.   One by Vault Health, one at CVS.  Both were easy.   No charge at CVS, Vault just dropped from $150 to $120.   There was a pile of packages at UPS waiting to go to Vault.  Yep, just at ONE STORE.   I bet they will be backlogged, but they seem efficient and will hopefully handle it.   CVS likely won't have the same relative spike in testing, since they are testing for more than just Hawaii.   I'm hoping CVS keeps up their reported quicker turnaround.    Remember  the 72 hours is from time of departure of your flight segment to Hawaii.  Not when you land, not of a connecting flight.   The time your plane leaves the mainland.    I'll update when I can.    Oakland may no longer be a good option.  See below.    They also talk about enforcing the rule to have the test result BEFORE you take off.   Not sure how they can,  without loosening that 72 hour window.  And as I read it, it's just a recommendation so far.    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cityhealth-urgent-care-changes-covid-testing-protocol-at-oakland-international-airport-301173070.html ... View more

That does seem strange. They have a system to buy an extra seat,  based solely on the somewhat subjective concept of being overly large... but you can't use it.  Are they going to tell you you're too skinny?    Especially if you're not asking for a refund.  ... View more

That's just it.  I'm sure I can find a potential test site, but I don't feel comfortable that they will feel obligated to get it done.  If it were affiliated with the airport or airline, I'd have more confidence.   Apparently, Hawaii has an official site..   https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/   Looks like only Alaska Airlines and Oakland airport have anything specifically targeting Hawaii.   A quick check of Walgreens...all full.  Only allows reservation 3 days out, so not useful for a planned trip.   CVS :  On the list but results take "2-3 days".  Um, that won't work well, Hawaii.  Are you bad at converting hours to days?   Quest diagnostics...none available.   Carbon Health...only in Seattle.   Vault Heath mail order...looks promising.   But done by mail/UPS.  Slightly risky.   So, out of the entire list of "approved" testing, I have one mail order option, and one drive-thru that I can't count on.   I didn't hear the President say there were millions of free tests, but I can't find them.  Hence...my comments here.   Of course, Southwest just cancelled half or more of the flights to Hawaii in November, so we might not even make it.  They moved our flights to different days, and it took an hour to get them sorted out...from direct flights to now connecting flights with 1-2 stops.  I get to fly from Hawaii to Oahu to Maui, just to leave the state.  Fun. ... View more

You don't have to.  If your flight is moved, you should get the ability to move it online for no charge, even to adjacent airports and different days.   If this offer wasn't presented, you should call and talk to an agent. ... View more

It's added.  I just wish they would tell us where the flights are FROM... Rather than making us dig around.   Looks like right now, it's Oakland, Denver, and Phoenix. ... View more

The intent is for your personal item to fit under the seat in front of you, if that helps.  Definitely smaller than most carryon luggage.   These days, with fewer passengers, you can probably get away with something bigger and fit it in the overhead.  But lugging two carry-on sized pieces of hardware is tough in the first place.   I won't get started on the people that inevitably put their personal items in the overhead, when it's otherwise full.  Ah, the good old days. 🙂     ... View more

The flight schedules for Oct-Dec are currently being pared back due to Covid.  I am getting multiple notifications a day.  Just give it time to settle out.   Always try to go online first and see if you can "fix" your flight.  If you have a new flight assigned, changing it should be easy.  If it's just cancelled, sometimes you can't access the flight using the record locator anymore.  But it sounds like you have been assigned a new flight. ... View more

Wow, you really managed to fall through the cracks in their policy.  You tried to do everything right, and instead got the short end of the stick.  You have my sympathy.   I suppose you've called them and asked if you can convert the funds to points, in light of your purchase and (original) cancellation dates? ... View more

Connecting through OAK? ... View more

And don't forget "points" are really only achievable with higher fares.    The easier route mentioned is "flights"...to get to the 25 legs.  The old either/or, and for most of us I think the 25 flights is the easier milestone to hit.  I doubt many people get it on points unless they are flying cross country on Anytime fares for business.  But I think that's what youare looking for.   One other thing to consider with Covid is the reduced schedule.  You likely have fewer flights to choose from to get those legs in, and hopefully the price isn't higher.   If you have time to book out in the future for best fares, there may be one other trick/glitch.  All my flights for Oct and Nov have been shifted to the reduced schedule, so now I get the choice of moving them with no increase in fee.    The December flights appear to have the full schedule, so you may be able to load some flights at that time, in the cheap seats, and have the added flexibility to move them around to more opportune times when and if they shuffle the schedule in the coming weeks. Hope that makes sense.     ... View more