Southwest Airlines Community

I'd think if you had a sophisticated program you COULD track past flights. Furthermore, I have a suggestion. Why don't you just scrap the new program since it looks like the majority of your "former" and die hard loyal passengers dislike it and just leave things the way they were? That would alleviate all the problems!!! Again, it's obviously not for our benefit but for Southwest's! ... View more

P.S. Brian--I do not have a problem with a rewards program based on the frequency of flights versus the dollars spent. That doesn't bother me. What does bother me is the conversion of current unused credits that will be transferred at an unfair rate in some cases. Your rationale doesn't make much sense. Shouldn't I then be very angry about the customer who has a credit for a $29 fare and will get the same 1200 points that I will for an $829 fare? ... View more

Brian--thanks for your quick comment. You say there's no way to track my flights taken in December and January so I could be given the appropriate number of points, but guess what? I've still got copies of my confirmations from SW showing exactly what dollars were paid and what fare category was paid? So, it could be done! Now what do you say to that? ... View more

Hey, Brian--regarding your answer to me that you can review below where you state "you would have earned 6,840 points". All unused credits should be transferred at the appropriate point conversion. It's unfair that we're each going to lose out on 5,640 points EACH! You're the ones who changed the program so we shouldn't be penalized! Angry doesn't begin to describe how I feel right now. I'm always suspect when a company tries to say they're making changes for their customers' benefits when it really means they're making changes for their own benefit! I don't begrudge SW making money--certainly that's why you're in business--but don't candy coat unwanted and unfair changes to try and make your customers believe you're doing it for us! We know better! "strikeapose, you have hit upon the biggest inequality in the old system. You are right, you would have earned 6,840 points for each of you, due to the amount of money you paid for your recent trip. However under the old system, a flight credit was the same no matter if you paid a $29 one way fare or $465.40 like you did. The 1200 points per flight credit is an average value of the old system. With the new system, you earn based on what you pay. Brian Lusk — Fri, 01/07/2011 - 14:55" ... View more

I always considered SW to be an airline that respected all their fliers--not just the high-paying business travelers that all the other airlines cater to! However, little by little you've shown that you're just like all the rest. This recent move only proves it! And if you were trying to make your Rapid Rewards Program as confusing as possible, congratulations! I think you've done it! Shame on Southwest. ... View more

I've got a question. My husband and I recently flew r/t from LI to Ontario, CA @ a total cost of $829.80 EACH! How come our 2 credits each for that trip were only given a 1200 pt. value when in fact, if you go by what your website says, it should be a total of 6,840 for each of us! The outbound fare was an Anytime Fare of $465.40 ea. (x 10 = 4654 pts) and the return was a Wanna Get Away fare of $364.40 ea. (x 6 = 2186 pts). Would you please tell me why the credits we already earned were only valued at 1200 pts??? I'm very angry about this and it is extremely unfair of Southwest! I will definitely start shopping fares where previously I automatically booked SW regardless of whether or not I could find a cheaper fare. ... View more

I'd love to know where those customers are who have been asking for these changes? I know a lot of people who fly SW and so far haven't found anyone who's happy about the changes. If you really want to know how your customers feel, send a questionnaire out to all your customers who have an email registered with you. Yes, that would be a lot of work but aren't your customers worth that respect and time? I respectfully ask you to rethink these changes. ... View more

I have flown SW since your beginnings out of Love Field in Dallas and remember the "stewardesses" in their white go-go boots and hot pants! I have often sung your praises and told friends they should fly SW because of your great rewards program. Many times we have paid more in airfare to fly SW just to collect reward credits. Perhaps I shouldn't jump to conclusions, but except for the elimination of blackout dates (which weren't too restrictive anyway) I'm not impressed by your new program. First of all, anytime you pitch something because it's so great for your customers I get skeptical. Let's face it, you're in the business of making a profit so obviously this new program is geared towards that goal! It's not to help your customers. I've got a question--my husband and I flew roundtrip from Long Island to California over the holidays on SW and paid over $800 each for our trip. When I looked on my account it looks like I'll only get 2 credits for those flights. So much for credits based on money spent on the fares! We fly very frequently and have many choices of airlines and airports. As of today, I will start comparing fares and will no longer be a loyal SW customer. Sorry but I have too look out for my pocketbook--not Southwest's! ... View more

Perhaps I'm still living in the dark ages, but I DO carry cash and though I'm sure most of your passengers are happy with the new change, I would appreciate it if you would also continue to accept cash besides accepting credit and debit cards. I don't believe it is a huge inconvenience for the flight attendants on those few occasions when change is needed and I'm always happy to give change if I've got it. For those of use who like to know that there aren't big credit card bills coming in at the end of the month and choose to pay cash, please extend the courtesy of having that option. Thank you for your consideration. ... View more