Post all SW questions concerns, etc. here...

[hsmamato2]

Anyone else feel like SWA 'sales' are higher than other days? I was looking at a fare last week, it was cheaper than most of them this week with the 'luv sale'.....

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

If I purchase Anytime fare does my companion get Anytime also, or would they get a WGA?

Technically, neither. They get a companion fare. The taxes are fully refundable, if that's a concern, and if you do a same day change they can do it with you as long as there's a seat on the plane for both of you. No miles are earned since it's a free flight.

That said, a companion is checked in sequentially with the main ticket. So, if the main ticket is Anytime and checked in at 36 hours, then so is the companion. If the main ticket buys Early Bird, then the companion is checked in with them as well. For our family of five, we would put Early Bird on the two cardholders and it would mean that 4 of our seats were EBCI. A weird exception is the Business Select with guaranteed A1-15. Companions on that ticket type are checked in based on their own 24 hour check in time and/or early bird check in add-on. Bizarrely, the most expensive ticket has the worst companion pass situation.

(I had this fail once when flying in 2023. My family's flight had been cancelled we were moved to a terrible connection. I called in to switch flights and they couldn't move one of my companions, had to cancel and give me a new confirm number. When I looked on the SW website, the old companion confirm number was still showing on my confirm. I called, they told me for sure the new number was correct and that she had a seat on our flight, and I left it at that. On check in day, she didn't automatically check in with the rest of us and got terrible boarding position. I spoke to the gate attendant and they just had her board with us. Our main reservation and our first companion all checked in correctly, it was just the second companion with the issue and hers was the confirm number that they were having so much trouble moving, then cancelling. It certainly seems to have been a one-off IT issue as we used those CPs a ton and that was the only time this happened.)

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

A weird exception is the Business Select with guaranteed A1-15. Companions on that ticket type are checked in based on their own 24 hour check in time and/or early bird check in add-on. Bizarrely, the most expensive ticket has the worst companion pass situation.

It's not weird IMO because there's only 15 slots available. Quite frankly SWA is extremely generous on their Companion system to begin with. Restrictions to Business Select carry over to other ticketing and boarding situations.

FWIW If the designated Companion is also an A-list or A-list Preferred member that will also in addition to EBCI interact with Boarding position.

In other words I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth here. We also don't know how Companion Pass will work once assigned seating happens given that the current system is based on all seats being the same and there just being a seat available on the plane.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Can you explain the southwest Visa card to me?
Im not understanding the companion portion too.

Which card is best?
First flight book will be this June- I need to buy 3 flights- husband son and I and right now just interested in getting 1 credit card.

If I had the companion pass- can I book that flight with the other 2?

I opened the SWA Rewards card near the end of November. I spent the required amount rather quickly, too. But I wasn't given my rewards points until mid January, after the statement had been paid. I was able to use the points for airfare for our March trip. So, you might not have enough time to earn your reward before you have to book your June flight.

The only reason I took out the rewards card was for the points for airfare.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

It's not weird IMO because there's only 15 slots available. Quite frankly SWA is extremely generous on their Companion system to begin with.

I think it's weird that the most expensive ticket has the worst companion benefits. Like, companion doesn't get auto EBCI even though a cheaper ticket category does.

I agree that the companion ticket is darn gold and the carryover of ECBI is incredibly beneficial!!! I just think it's odd that the companion of the most expensive ticket gets the worst seating position compared to companions of other, cheaper tickets.

 

[EACarlson]

I think it's weird that the most expensive ticket has the worst companion benefits. Like, companion doesn't get auto EBCI even though a cheaper ticket category does.

I agree that the companion ticket is darn gold and the carryover of ECBI is incredibly beneficial!!! I just think it's odd that the companion of the most expensive ticket gets the worst seating position compared to companions of other, cheaper tickets.

Read the name of the fare class again. Business Select. Companion pass is designed for people that are going for leisure, not business. It would also cut in half the number of BS tickets or upgraded boardings that could be sold. If I buy a BS ticket, wait a few weeks and add a companion, what happens when they have sold out? It's a finite resource. Would you be happier if SW went back to how it was a few years ago and you didn't get checked in with your companion? Where you did have to buy EBCI for both?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I just think it's odd that the companion of the most expensive ticket gets the worst seating position compared to companions of other, cheaper tickets.

SWA limits Business Select period. From EBCI to A-list extended perks. They do it as a matter of necessity because without it the A1-A15 doesn't work. The Upgraded Boarding doesn't work either. The more individual people you count under extended benefits the worse you get on boarding positions. A-list perks being extended to others on the reservation absolutely have affected boarding positions but at least the A-list program isn't structured at the moment to say you get boarding A1-A15.

SWA would have to do what some other airlines do such as limiting how many companions can be on a flight or more broadly how many non-revenue tickets are available on each flight or in each seating option available. We fly Iberia next month who limited avios (which is their points system) purchased seats in their Business Class to just two per flight, imagine buying tickets 1 year in advance like we did just to secure the ability to use points in a particular class. Imagine you did have the perk of Business Select getting automatic check in for companions or for those who are on the same reservation as you but in order for that to work they have to limit how many per flight that was available; I doubt many would be happy with such a restriction.

With all due respect while I get your expensive ticket should equal this thought process it's not how Business Select as a fare class is structured with the present benefits and would negatively impact both the product and the rest of the plane (as you push people further and further back in boarding positions). All bets are off when assigned seating happens (honestly though be careful what you wish for here).

 

[enzy65]

I can’t figured this out so I need some help. Can I use flight credits to pay for EBCI for my April flight?? I log in into my account and I see how I can buy it but it wants a credit card, so it looks like I can’t use credits for this.

 

[RedHead0186]

I can’t figured this out so I need some help. Can I use flight credits to pay for EBCI for my April flight?? I log in into my account and I see how I can buy it but it wants a credit card, so it looks like I can’t use credits for this.

I believe you cannot. You can use flight credits to pay for a flight, but not for EBCI.

 

[enzy65]

I believe you cannot. You can use flight credits to pay for a flight, but not for EBCI.

Thanks I just found something in fine print and it says payment with a credit card. Funny if you google it AI says you can, that’s where I was confused.

 

[RedHead0186]

Thanks I just found something in fine print and it says payment with a credit card. Funny if you google it AI says you can, that’s where I was confused.

AI is just a compilation of sources on the internet, it's not the be-all, end-all. Best to go straight to the source (which you did!).

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Read the name of the fare class again. Business Select. Companion pass is designed for people that are going for leisure, not business. It would also cut in half the number of BS tickets or upgraded boardings that could be sold. If I buy a BS ticket, wait a few weeks and add a companion, what happens when they have sold out? It's a finite resource. Would you be happier if SW went back to how it was a few years ago and you didn't get checked in with your companion? Where you did have to buy EBCI for both?

SWA limits Business Select period. From EBCI to A-list extended perks. They do it as a matter of necessity because without it the A1-A15 doesn't work. The Upgraded Boarding doesn't work either. The more individual people you count under extended benefits the worse you get on boarding positions. A-list perks being extended to others on the reservation absolutely have affected boarding positions but at least the A-list program isn't structured at the moment to say you get boarding A1-A15.

SWA would have to do what some other airlines do such as limiting how many companions can be on a flight or more broadly how many non-revenue tickets are available on each flight or in each seating option available. We fly Iberia next month who limited avios (which is their points system) purchased seats in their Business Class to just two per flight, imagine buying tickets 1 year in advance like we did just to secure the ability to use points in a particular class. Imagine you did have the perk of Business Select getting automatic check in for companions or for those who are on the same reservation as you but in order for that to work they have to limit how many per flight that was available; I doubt many would be happy with such a restriction.

With all due respect while I get your expensive ticket should equal this thought process it's not how Business Select as a fare class is structured with the present benefits and would negatively impact both the product and the rest of the plane (as you push people further and further back in boarding positions). All bets are off when assigned seating happens (honestly though be careful what you wish for here).

I hear what you're both saying and not trying to start a fight. I would think that those companions could at least get checked in at 36 hours, like the next fare class down, so that they aren't treated worse than a lower ticket value companion. Still reserves A1-15 for Bus Select or Upgrade for a charge, but doesn't make a purchaser potentially opt for a lower fare for the sake of getting a better companion benefit.

And, I'm genuinely curious how many people a flight are buying Bus Select and have a companion. There's only so many of that ticket to go around.

Of course, all bets are off with the assigned seating, so this will all be moot soon.

 

[focusondisney]

I think it's weird that the most expensive ticket has the worst companion benefits. Like, companion doesn't get auto EBCI even though a cheaper ticket category does.

I don’t. There are only 15 slots. Why would they give them away for free? Plus when I’ve booked BS on opening day, it’s less expensive than booking WGA & EBCI at a later date. Most airlines restrict their awards fares in some way, this is pretty much the only thing SW restricts. I think it’s pretty reasonable actually.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

Is anyone having a struggle with SW on checked bag size? My luggage is big and by manufacture dimensions is 60in. SW baggage dimensions are 62in. Out of my home airport no one has said boo about my bags. At MCO in Oct and just last week the individual taking our bags has whipped out their tape measure kind of ran it over the top and down the side and announced that they think my luggage is over sized and they are noting it in my file and they will "let it go this time but next time it will be $200". I have reached out SW and am waiting for a response. Was I just the lucky one on my last two flights out of MCO or has this happened to anyone else lately? Also the bag was 4 pounds under weight and definitely not stuff or expanded.

 

[Marrila]

Is anyone having a struggle with SW on checked bag size? My luggage is big and by manufacture dimensions is 60in. SW baggage dimensions are 62in. Out of my home airport no one has said boo about my bags. At MCO in Oct and just last week the individual taking our bags has whipped out their tape measure kind of ran it over the top and down the side and announced that they think my luggage is over sized and they are noting it in my file and they will "let it go this time but next time it will be $200". I have reached out SW and am waiting for a response. Was I just the lucky one on my last two flights out of MCO or has this happened to anyone else lately? Also the bag was 4 pounds under weight and definitely not stuff or expanded.

I know you said you reached out to SW.
But have you carefully measured your bag (including wheels) recently? If it were me I'd want to know for sure before I pack if it's fine or not.
Bags can sometimes vary from what a manufacturer advertised.

 

[honeymo78]

Is anyone having a struggle with SW on checked bag size? My luggage is big and by manufacture dimensions is 60in. SW baggage dimensions are 62in. Out of my home airport no one has said boo about my bags. At MCO in Oct and just last week the individual taking our bags has whipped out their tape measure kind of ran it over the top and down the side and announced that they think my luggage is over sized and they are noting it in my file and they will "let it go this time but next time it will be $200". I have reached out SW and am waiting for a response. Was I just the lucky one on my last two flights out of MCO or has this happened to anyone else lately? Also the bag was 4 pounds under weight and definitely not stuff or expanded.

At MCO are you going to the counter or using the skycaps at curbside? I find the skycaps to be less concerned about weight and size (unless grossly overweight/oversized).

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

At MCO are you going to the counter or using the skycaps at curbside? I find the skycaps to be less concerned about weight and size (unless grossly overweight/oversized).

One of each. Skycap and SW agent.

 

[EACarlson]

Is anyone having a struggle with SW on checked bag size? My luggage is big and by manufacture dimensions is 60in. SW baggage dimensions are 62in. Out of my home airport no one has said boo about my bags. At MCO in Oct and just last week the individual taking our bags has whipped out their tape measure kind of ran it over the top and down the side and announced that they think my luggage is over sized and they are noting it in my file and they will "let it go this time but next time it will be $200". I have reached out SW and am waiting for a response. Was I just the lucky one on my last two flights out of MCO or has this happened to anyone else lately? Also the bag was 4 pounds under weight and definitely not stuff or expanded.

Most luggage dimensions given don't include wheels or handles, the measurement requirements include such. So if your bag is 60" without wheels it's probably 64" with the wheels. I have a 28" Samsonite that is that way. I've never been questioned about it, but I'm aware that it's oversize.

I have a coworker that regularly uses the skycaps outside to avoid possible overweight charges as his checked bag is always right up to the limit according to his scale. If his scale is slightly lower than the one the airline is using, he figures the $5 he tips the skycap is cheap insurance against the $75 overweight charge.

 

[Disneytam]

Is anyone having a struggle with SW on checked bag size? My luggage is big and by manufacture dimensions is 60in. SW baggage dimensions are 62in. Out of my home airport no one has said boo about my bags. At MCO in Oct and just last week the individual taking our bags has whipped out their tape measure kind of ran it over the top and down the side and announced that they think my luggage is over sized and they are noting it in my file and they will "let it go this time but next time it will be $200". I have reached out SW and am waiting for a response. Was I just the lucky one on my last two flights out of MCO or has this happened to anyone else lately? Also the bag was 4 pounds under weight and definitely not stuff or expanded.

Interesting that you are asking this question. We fly to MCO at least twice a year and my husbands bag has been the same on that he has used for at least 10 years. On our last trip at the MCO Skycap the weight was fine at 45 pounds but he noted that the bag was to bulky and that it was now an oversized bag. He said it was just a warning but to be aware that they are getting picker about bags. Note to self to measure the bag I guess.

 

[focusondisney]

There’s a new sale, 30% off for some April & May flights. I looked at the May 4 & 7th to & from Buffalo. No flights are included in the sale for those dates & routes. I looked at the days before, just to see. On Friday the 10th only 2 flights show available which have horrible itineraries with 2 stops & an 8 hour timeframe. The nonstops are less than 2.5 hours. Similar on Friday the 3rd.

Not a great sale for my time frame & cities.