01-07-2011
06:17 PM
1 Love
Just read Notsohappyshorthauler's post (Fri, 01/07/2011 - 15:13) and really like that idea. I just don't get why SWA feels the need to make this thing so dang complicated.
0-750 miles= 1 RR credit
751-1950 miles= 1.5 RR credit
1951 miles plus= 2 RR credit.
In response to Brian at 15:54, I'd rather have a simple, straightforward system with a few drawbacks such as blackout seat restrictions than this mess we've been presented with.
Honestly, if you need a new website with videos & complicated conversion charts, and customer service folks manning message boards to respond to nearly 100% complaints, it's not a good system.
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01-07-2011
06:03 PM
1 Love
Brian (reply to 14:55) With the exception of people at the high and low limits, the inequality in the old system took care of itself. Sometimes I'd pay high fares for a long distance or short notice flights, and other times I'd pay low fares for short distance or wanna get away flights. I would get a credit for each one whether I spent a lot or not. Once I got my 16 credits, I'd have a free roundtrip. Simple. And I could fly with that award where I wanted. Simple. Now I have to do a pathetic amount of math to determine if the flight I'm selecting to earn points or the flight I'm selecting to redeem points is a good deal to me or not. And, on average, I will now need to fly 10 roundtrips to earn an award for what used to take 8 credits. Thanks a lot for that.
I will definitely be doing more price comparisons between SWA and other airlines when booking future flights. I really don't see the benefit in being loyal to Southwest anymore.
Also - I'm on my way to earning A-List status but I probably won't hit the 32nd flight until after March 1. What happens to all of the flights I accrued in 2010?
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Is there any way to find out how far ahead in the line I'll move if I purchase an EarlyBird pass? What if the plane is full of Biz Select, A-Listers, families with kids who board after A, and other EarlyBird people? I would be very unhappy if I paid $10 (or $40 for my entire family) and I still end up with a C pass. At least on other airlines with the advance seat assignment fee you know what you're paying extra for.
Oh and I also read in the FAQ that if you purchase an EarlyBird pass and then need to cancel your flight you lose the EarlyBird payment, no refund, no exchange. Nice.
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Not a fan of this. Previously, everybody had the same opportunity to get an early boarding pass by checking in 24 hours ahead of time without having to pay an extra fee. This was fair and part of the reason I really like Southwest. Now, if I don't pay the fee not only am I guaranteed to get a later boarding pass than the Business Select & A-List customers (which I'm fine with), now I'm guaranteed to get a later boarding pass than people who can afford to pay an extra fee. What if this program really takes off? All of the A & B passes will be taken up by the fee-payers and everyone else will end up with C. I thought Southwest was the no-fee airline? I guess this tagline no longer applies. EarlyBird Check-in is just a nice name for an Advance Seat Assignment Fee.
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