Southwest Rapid Rewards - B-A-J-E-S-U-S WN's fares have gotten OUTRAGIOUS!

Regardless of when I want to travel - or to where - last minute - or advance purchase, the fares on WN have just become exorbitant!

I find it impossible to travel with them anymore. Other carriers, particularly AA, are almost always cheaper.

No wonder they offer 'free bags!' They've just added at least $50 into their fares... and make it sound like the bags are free!


Are the high fares a fnc of their merger with AirTran... the lack of competition... or have they just become greedy? :mad:

It's like they've become one of the big boys now... and to use an old expression, they really "want to flaunt it!'

So where's the cheap fares WN... and why can't I get 'em WHEN I WANT THEM?

Regardless of when I want to travel - or to where - last minute - or advance purchase, the fares on WN have just become exorbitant!

I find it impossible to travel with them anymore. Other carriers, particularly AA, are almost always cheaper.

No wonder they offer 'free bags!' They've just added at least $50 into their fares... and make it sound like the bags are free!


Are the high fares a fnc of their merger with AirTran... the lack of competition... or have they just become greedy? :mad:

It's like they've become one of the big boys now... and to use an old expression, they really "want to flaunt it!'

So where's the cheap fares WN... and why can't I get 'em WHEN I WANT THEM?

I have found similar. But, when I try to book an alternate, there is a three hour layover in Detriot, MSP or CLT, the good fares are very early in the morning or late at night, the fare price is exactly $50 checper than WN and I must check a bag.

In the end, I get where I need to go at get there as cheap or less than the others, I do not have to fly very early or very late.

I booked a one way from SEA->MDW on 08/15 and the lowest (non stop) price was $289. Ended up taking a later flight that costs $311. Compare that to the costs of the ORD options and WN is the cheapest non stop option.

Just make sure to keep checking the WN prices as the flight I am on went to $426, then back to $311. I'll keep checking for price drops, yah never know.

i am seeing $105 one ways from DAL to LAS I do not find that to be outrageous at all

I've noticed very high prices at gas stations, too. I wonder if the two trends are related? :rolleyes:

Secondarily, we've repeatedly observed that Southwest extracts peak prices for peak flights. Early August is a peak travel period. I expect that in October Southwest will look much better relative to its competitors.

I actually disagree a bit. People compare apples and oranges since with WN (even on WGA) you can cancel your ticket and get credit to use for up to 1 year. Almost all other carriers charge you something like $75-150 to cancel or change. So effectively I compare WN anytime/BS against other carriers unrestricted fares and find they are usually similar or often less.

I've given up on airline loyalty, and just book what makes the most sense from a #1 cost, #2 schedule standpoint. Around half the time that is WN, the other half someone else. I don't see why it should be surprising that WN is not always cheapest. Their goal is to make as much money as possible, not to be the cheapest option on every route they fly on every day.

I don't see why it should be surprising that WN is not always cheapest. Their goal is to make as much money as possible, not to be the cheapest option on every route they fly on every day.

Here's why it may be surprising.

For many years Southwest had a large cost advantage over its competitors. At first that advantage was lower labor cost. Then it was locked-in lower fuel cost. Now it's nothing.

During the years of cost advantage Southwest passed that advantage on to customers as lower fares. The objective was to gain market share rather than to maximize current profit. We became accustomed to the absurd generosity of earning a free round trip worth $300 after 8 double-credit $29 flights. It wasn't all that long ago.

When people yearn for the return of Herb Kelleher they are usually yearning for the return of a major cost advantage. That isn't going to happen.

Here's why it may be surprising.

For many years Southwest had a large cost advantage over its competitors. At first that advantage was lower labor cost. Then it was locked-in lower fuel cost. Now it's nothing.

During the years of cost advantage Southwest passed that advantage on to customers as lower fares. The objective was to gain market share rather than to maximize current profit. We became accustomed to the absurd generosity of earning a free round trip worth $300 after 8 double-credit $29 flights. It wasn't all that long ago.

When people yearn for the return of Herb Kelleher they are usually yearning for the return of a major cost advantage. That isn't going to happen.

Very well stated.

Its also funny how everyone wants the best service, but really buys tickets based mostly on cost. I personally don't mind paying a bit of a premium for service and allowing airlines to make money. As legacy carriers cut everything to the bone flying became a commodity while people still expected top line service. You can't have everything.

Its also funny how everyone wants the best service, but really buys tickets based mostly on cost. I personally don't mind paying a bit of a premium for service and allowing airlines to make money. As legacy carriers cut everything to the bone flying became a commodity while people still expected top line service. You can't have everything.

In addition, I support the a la carte pricing model that many airlines have adopted. If I want something to eat, I don't mind paying for reasonable quality food or snacks. If I want a premium seat, I don't mind paying extra for it. Of course, WN is keeping (for now) its free baggage poicy, which may make a difference on longer trips.

In addition, I support the a la carte pricing model that many airlines have adopted. If I want something to eat, I don't mind paying for reasonable quality food or snacks. If I want a premium seat, I don't mind paying extra for it. Of course, WN is keeping (for now) its free baggage poicy, which may make a difference on longer trips.

Agreed but you can take it too far like Spirit and Ryanair. I know some people love the low prices, but the hidden fees are not worth it for me.

Thanks to my odd work schedule and the free refare policy I have always flown on pretty good fares aside from the few times that I had to fly on prime days or times. Granted, their fares are pretty steep on said prime days and times but they aren't exactly running a charity staffed with volunteers...

Here's why it may be surprising.

For many years Southwest had a large cost advantage over its competitors. At first that advantage was lower labor cost. Then it was locked-in lower fuel cost. Now it's nothing.

During the years of cost advantage Southwest passed that advantage on to customers as lower fares. The objective was to gain market share rather than to maximize current profit. We became accustomed to the absurd generosity of earning a free round trip worth $300 after 8 double-credit $29 flights. It wasn't all that long ago.

When people yearn for the return of Herb Kelleher they are usually yearning for the return of a major cost advantage. That isn't going to happen.

I agree. Although I do miss the days of the $29 double credit flights!

The inevitable happened. My work schedule went south and I had to change my return inside 24 hours from departure. Amazingly, WGA still available at T28 (happens from time to time). Made the change, paid just $47 more.

This is the sort of thing that keeps me with WN.

WN is the only nonstop on BNA-BWI and they're taking advantage of it. Lowest WGA fares are hovering around $150-$190 when comparable distance routes nearby are $80-$100 (BWI-RDU, BWI-CHS, BWI-SDF and BNA-ECP, BNA-ORF, BNA-CMH etc.). Only the once-in-three-months-sales are competitive. So there are examples where they are pricing outside of their own norm.

WN is the only nonstop on BNA-BWI and they're taking advantage of it. Lowest WGA fares are hovering around $150-$190 when comparable distance routes nearby are $80-$100 (BWI-RDU, BWI-CHS, BWI-SDF and BNA-ECP, BNA-ORF, BNA-CMH etc.). Only the once-in-three-months-sales are competitive. So there are examples where they are pricing outside of their own norm.

But, if you want to fly into another airport close, IAD and DCA are available for $675+ on US, UA or AA for tomorrow. For WN, I get to BWI for $192 WGA, yes still available for tomorrow, BS for $339.

There are even 3 NS BNA-BWI available with standard awards for tomorrow.

Yep - as related as phoney British Airways fuel charges and highway robbery. Or Bernie Madoff and Pond Scum.:p

I've noticed very high prices at gas stations, too. I wonder if the two trends are related? :rolleyes:

Secondarily, we've repeatedly observed that Southwest extracts peak prices for peak flights. Early August is a peak travel period. I expect that in October Southwest will look much better relative to its competitors.

But, if you want to fly into another airport close, IAD and DCA are available for $675+ on US, UA or AA for tomorrow. For WN, I get to BWI for $192 WGA, yes still available for tomorrow, BS for $339.

There are even 3 NS BNA-BWI available with standard awards for tomorrow.


I agree completely, they're still a lot better than the legacies. Just trying to show that WN no longer prices according to cost/distance. BWI-BNA is semi hub-to-hub and apparently that commands a premium compared to my examples above. Fortunately, my schedule is set months ahead and I simply book all my travel when the right sale comes up.

I agree. Although I do miss the days of the $29 double credit flights!

Dont we all!

I dont see those types of fares coming back any time soon though.