SouthWest refund question....

[Sunshine1010]

In the past, I've bought tickets from SW. Then, found a cheaper price and received a credit that I used for my next flight.

I've recently read a post from here where they did the same thing. They purchased tickets, found some cheaper ones.....but the difference being in the fact that they had their money credited back to their credit card.

How do I do this? I always thought you could just have a credit....or get cash back if you do all the red tape paperwork.

Thanks in advance.......

[faline]

I guess they got to talk to someone who agreed to give them the refund rather than the credit. I suspect you'd need to ask to speak to a supervisor but I don't think there's any guarantee they'll agree to refund the cash.

[TikiGoddess]

When I called to inquire about a cash refund, the lady told me that you had to stay in the same fare bracket to be eligible for a refund. For example, if you switched from a $119 Internet Fare to a $99 Internet fare, you could get a cash refund. But if you switched from a $119 Internet Fare to a $59 Ding Fare, you would only be able to receive Ticketless Travel Funds, to be used on a SW flight in the next year. I did read that it might be possible to extend the time for 6 months or so if you call and ask, but I haven't personally tried it out.

I have $64 in funds to use and what a great excuse to go to the Intercot gathering in October. "But honey, if we don't use the refund we'll lose it..."

TikiG

[LauraF]

I just got off the phone with SWA a few moments ago and they told me they do not offer cash refunds until after the trip has been taken, AND as long as it's the same type of ticket change AND same exact flight. You then submit a refund request in writing or accept the difference as a credit for future travel.

So if you switch from Internet Special to Refundable Anytime or Discount to Ding!, then you cannot get a refund even if its the same flight # because it's a different ticket type.

Example:
I bought internet special tickets for $99
I saw the price drop to $63 FOR THE SAME FLIGHT NUMBERS
I applied to change my flights
Once I fly, I'll submit for refund.

Per SWA website:
"Refunds - Any change to this itinerary may result in a fare increase. To make application for a refund of any unused air fare, please write Southwest Airlines Refunds Department - 6RF, P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611. Refund requests must include a copy of this document and/or your confirmation number, date of travel and flight number, and all credit card billing information including the amount and purchase reference numbers."