Southwest Rapid Rewards - Rapid Rewards email asking for Freddie Vote

What is the consensus this year for RR and the Freddies? I just received an email from Rapid Rewards soliciting my Freddie Votes. This past year was quite different from the year before. I did vote up WN in the last election. However, I’m not so inclined to this year due to all the changes. What do you think?

On a good note, RR does have my email. However, they seemed to have misplaced it when all the promos came out. ;)

This year's Freddies are based on 2005 performance. So in fairness we should vote on the basis of no capacity controls. Besides, we still don't know if capacity controls will be loose or tight.

However there was that matter of letting the online booking bonus expire without an explicit announcement of the non-renewal. On the positive side we got some good Ding fares now and then. It was clearly a transitional year.

One thing's certain: Next year's Freddie performance will be much weaker than last year's.

Here's my vote for SWA for the Freddies: :td:

Definitely can't look past both the axing of the online booking bonus, the impending axing of the SWABIZ booking bonus, and of course the capacity control changes: :td: :td: :td:

Now if the bonus was based on the 2 RR credits for installing Ding or the 3 RR credits for the fall booking bonus, they might get a ^ ^ .

But unfortunately for SWA :td: :td: :td: - ^ ^ = :td:

This year's Freddies are based on 2005 performance. So in fairness we should vote on the basis of no capacity controls.

I agree. Which makes WN the clear winner in the category that inquires about the ease of claiming an award for one final time.

But come next year, the Rapid Rewards program will be totally undeserving of any support (barring any unexpected positive developments).

But unfortunately for SWA :td: :td: :td: - ^ ^ = :td:

A good one... :D


I do not pay attn to the Freddies. Do not most FF vote for their airline of choice unless they have serious issues? I note in the airline forums, most support to some degree their main choice over the others when comparisons come up.

As to which airline deserves a vote. I guess it is up to the individual and how they feel they were treated. I did not get and email from WN yet.... but they do have me email as I was targeted last month. :confused:

I have been loyal to WN since 1997 with ALL my business but after all the cutbacks I am considering going back to America West :(

But unfortunately for SWA :td: :td: :td: - ^ ^ = :td:

Great math! :D BTW, you have a pm...

I voted for WN in only one category – Best Airline Website.

The reason I did not vote for them in any other area is there were better choices. Especially the Elite Airline Program category - WN does not have one.

WN delivered all the bad news in 2005, which should be counted in 2005. Also, WN is doing targeted promos which I did not get this past year.

WN delivered all the bad news in 2005, which should be counted in 2005.

I agree!

Also, WN is doing targeted promos which I did not get this past year.

No, you must be wrong.........SWA prides itself on it's egalitarianism. :rolleyes:

Although I like a lot of what WN does, less so than a year ago.

And i do not think their WEB site is the best. Seems like I need to re-enter data when looking at a reserv. to do something else (which the system should know). Also lots of areas that they could do easily, but do not --- such as a search for Ticketless Funds. See the Thread on needed SWA.com improvements needed.

And DING fares are targeted in some cases where one can only see selected cities bases on where they put as their home airport. How bad is that for an airline that says to show no preferences (all coach, no seat selection, no elite program, etc.)

Loss of the online booking bonus is going to seriously hurt WN on my ballot. I may have come back to WN for some of my flights, but I'm still smarting about that.

And next year -- look out! I hate capacity controls. I'm hoarding my last awards for as long as possible.

I voted for WN in only one category – Best Airline Website.

The reason I did not vote for them in any other area is there were better choices. Especially the Elite Airline Program category - WN does not have one.

WN delivered all the bad news in 2005, which should be counted in 2005. Also, WN is doing targeted promos which I did not get this past year.
I voted for them in the best bonus (for the limited time double credit) simply because I could not find another bonus ON THE FREDDIE LIST that I thought was worth much.

If they had simply put "earn 10 miles per dollar spent at selected restaurants through June 30, 2006" for ANY airline program (that participates in iDine/Rewards Network), I would have voted for that, or if they'd listed one of those rare "bonus EQMs" promos (at airlines that have EQMs), I would have voted for that (even if it was an airline I don't belong to), but all I saw were earn some random "ordinary miles" bonuses at other airlines (generally from/to specific cities), and it STILL takes way more than 5 flights on those other airlines to earn enough "ordinary miles" to earn a domestic outright award ticket (so I only do domestic awards on Southwest, and only use those other FF miles for things like international upgrades).

Loss of the online booking bonus is going to seriously hurt WN on my ballot. I may have come back to WN for some of my flights, but I'm still smarting about that.

And next year -- look out! I hate capacity controls. I'm hoarding my last awards for as long as possible.
But remember, you can't vote for "worst" or "most devalued" program, you can only vote for best. While you can of course cast your vote for some random other airline, if everyone who's trying to vote "most devalued" for Southwest chooses a DIFFERENT random airline, it's not going to have much effect (as long as there's enough people who still choose Southwest, if simply because lots of other airlines' FF programs are EVEN WORSE, even after all these Southwest "devaluations"!).

sdsearch, I'm rolling my pant legs up as I read your posts.
1) If you have elite status at other airlines, one can certainly get a free domestic ticket in less than four domestic RT's.
2) If you have elite status, most other airlines are better than Southwest.

If you just fell off the turnip truck, that's another story. Definitely, WN should reap the rewards at the Freddies for their recent changes. But, we should not put too much stock into the Freddies. Last year Starwood won best website. When the award was announced, a group of FTer's in the back began to laugh and the *Wood people looked back. That's because the *Wood website is laughable comparatively.

sdsearch, I'm rolling my pant legs up as I read your posts.
1) If you have elite status at other airlines, one can certainly get a free domestic ticket in less than four domestic RT's.
2) If you have elite status, most other airlines are better than Southwest.

.


Let's see..... As SWABIZ, I flew 4 RTs from LAS - PHX. Got 16 credits or 1 RT. If I flew on AA as Platinum, I would get 8,000 miles (the minimum) I think. Only about 17,000 miles short for an Award from LAX - Chicago. So can I CERTAINLY get an Award on AA as Platinum (elite) for ANY 4 RT flights?

And since you said less than 4RTs, can you tell me I can get an Award for THREE RTs on AA for flights of less than 800 miles?? If so, let me know how - as it is CERTAINLY possible. (and I am lifetime Platinum on AA)

And can I use the 25,000 mile Award on AA for a Walk Up flight as long as there is any open seat with only paying the security fee?? (ok, cap. controls start with awards starting next week - but no one knows how restrictive)

PS: How many RTs for a Companion Pass on AA?

and it STILL takes way more than 5 flights on those other airlines to earn enough "ordinary miles" to earn a domestic outright award ticket"

Not true as I stated. Blather on!

and it STILL takes way more than 5 flights on those other airlines to earn enough "ordinary miles" to earn a domestic outright award ticket"

Not true as I stated. Blather on!

Mike:

sdsearch said 5 FLIGHTS. You said less than 4 RTs (which is 7 flights). So I guess you are saying it takes more flights than sdsearch states? :D

If ave flight is 2,000 miles (probably less) x 5 flights = 10,000 miles x 100% bonus (for Platinum) = 20,000 miles. Still not enough for a regular Award. And then if you want to use it at last minute, and extra $50 plus not much availability.

And he said "ordinary miles", so assume he meant no Elite bonuses. If so, above example would be 10,000 miles.

Show me how to get an AA award for 5 domestic flights of average distance - other than some one time bonus.

Mike:

sdsearch said 5 FLIGHTS. You said less than 4 RTs (which is 7 flights). So I guess you are saying it takes more flights than sdsearch states? :D

If ave flight is 2,000 miles (probably less) x 5 flights = 10,000 miles x 100% bonus (for Platinum) = 20,000 miles. Still not enough for a regular Award. And then if you want to use it at last minute, and extra $50 plus not much availability.

And he said "ordinary miles", so assume he meant no Elite bonuses. If so, above example would be 10,000 miles.

Show me how to get an AA award for 5 domestic flights of average distance - other than some one time bonus.On WN 5 flights equals five credits which is less than 16 for a free "regular" reward. So, what is the point? It was blathering anyway you slice it. I can earn free tickets faster on UAL - end of story.

As far as elite status goes: this is Flyertalk, we are all regular flyers including yourself. Who cares about the guy who just crawled of a tractor and took his first flight? It does mater if one airline gives me 100% bonus and another does not.

And for the record, UAL gives free tickets for 15,000 miles on short routes.

No Freddie vote from me this year for SWA. SWABIZ is worthless without the bonus. Flights with assigned seating are looking better all the time for me and my company.

Those of you who are voting based on changes announced in 2005 but effective in 2006 are encouraging airlines not to provide advance notice of future devaluations. Think about it. @:-)

Here is a link to the Freddie awards ballot. Even though we likely will not like seat limitations that have now started, the RR program should smoke all the other carriers so go vote.

www.freddieawards.com

Those of you who are voting based on changes announced in 2005 but effective in 2006 are encouraging airlines not to provide advance notice of future devaluations. Think about it. @:-)


Maybe, but another way of looking at this is that this gives WN an emphatic message that their consumers don't like what they are doing. (devaluing their program)

In disciplining a child, conventional wisdom says that punishment should be swift and certain - airlines are no different.

--Sioux

On WN 5 flights equals five credits which is less than 16 for a free "regular" reward. So, what is the point? It was blathering anyway you slice it. I can earn free tickets faster on UAL - end of story.

As far as elite status goes: this is Flyertalk, we are all regular flyers including yourself. Who cares about the guy who just crawled of a tractor and took his first flight? It does mater if one airline gives me 100% bonus and another does not.

And for the record, UAL gives free tickets for 15,000 miles on short routes.

When do you ever find a decent fare on United that would make you want to book United versus Southwest?

I got a kick out of the Winter sales on the Ted website yesterday. I am in the Phoenix market. I think Phx/Denver is $99 (WN Ding for Phx/Den has been as low as $34 I think), and my favorite...Ted has Phx/LAX for $99 as a "Winter sale". Phx/LAX was $24 on Ding last week.

Ted will join that debris field soon known currently as "Shuttle by United". And sorry to say, I bet it is just a matter of not "if", but "when" United goes through the bankruptcy thing again (if that's possible). And I sympathisize with the good employees at United.

Even though we likely will not like seat limitations I love seat limitations. I'm going to vote for WN in the "best seat limitation category."

Seriously, they do have the best website, among the ones I use. That's it though.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522117

When do you ever find a decent fare on United that would make you want to book United versus Southwest?

I got a kick out of the Winter sales on the Ted website yesterday. I am in the Phoenix market. I think Phx/Denver is $99 (WN Ding for Phx/Den has been as low as $34 I think), and my favorite...Ted has Phx/LAX for $99 as a "Winter sale". Phx/LAX was $24 on Ding last week.

Ted will join that debris field soon known currently as "Shuttle by United". And sorry to say, I bet it is just a matter of not "if", but "when" United goes through the bankruptcy thing again (if that's possible). And I sympathisize with the good employees at United.Interesting rhetoric; pick one airport and two routes in a new market where WN is dropping their pants to gain market share. Is this a valid comparison; no. That being said, WN may be best for you out of PHX when compared to UAL. The argument is airport specific. I'll think of you from my cubical in the PHX Red Carpet Club.

Out of the Los Angeles area, where competition is fiercer, WN is often not the cheapest. Even our beloved moderator flew over 25K miles on UAL this year.

Maybe, but another way of looking at this is that this gives WN an emphatic message that their consumers don't like what they are doing. (devaluing their program)

In disciplining a child, conventional wisdom says that punishment should be swift and certain - airlines are no different.

--SiouxI would tend to agree with this post. Do we want to reward WN after the substantial devaluation that took place this year? :(

Interesting rhetoric; pick one airport and two routes in a new market where WN is dropping their pants to gain market share. Is this a valid comparison; no. That being said, WN may be best for you out of PHX when compared to UAL. The argument is airport specific. I'll think of you from my cubical in the PHX Red Carpet Club.

Out of the Los Angeles area, where competition is fiercer, WN is often not the cheapest. Even our beloved moderator flew over 25K miles on UAL this year.

I selected one market, specifically the one I typically shop, that being Phx. My "second" market, the one in which I also shop for and purchase significant air travel from, is Seattle. Not that two makes a trend, but have never found decent fares on United there either. Alaska seems to offer the best choice there if not WN.

WN is hardly a newcomer in the Phx/LAX market. I think they entered that market around 1985. Doesn't take much of a promo fare for WN or any other carrier to be viewed as "dropping their pants" in the Denver market. After all, United has been fleecing customers in that market for decades.

Go for it though. I would be interested in learning what markets United offers the best value.

Go for it though. I would be interested in learning what markets United offers the best value."Go for it?" I've been flying both WN and UA for years - more like "already gone for it."

My first try: LAX to SEA, out Feb 22, back Mar. 1
WN = $232 the cheapest "internet special"
UA = $218

Throw in the UA elite status perks and the Red Carpet Club - it's a no brainer. You are now informed, WN is not the cheapest. However, they can be the best choice depending on where you live. Los Angeles, definitely NOT.

"Go for it?" I've been flying both WN and UA for years - more like "already gone for it."

My first try: LAX to SEA, out Feb 22, back Mar. 1
WN = $232 the cheapest "internet special"
UA = $218

Throw in the UA elite status perks and the Red Carpet Club - it's a no brainer. You are now informed, WN is not the cheapest. However, they can be the best choice depending on where you live. Los Angeles, definitely NOT.

Actually, depending upon the WN flight you select tonight, that route can be as low as $225.20; still higher than UAL.

United's advantages: 1) the lowest fare 2) a non-stop option 3) club perks 4) Elite status 5) assigned seating

Southwest advantage: the $99 fare each way is available on every flight except for one outbound leg (the UAL price of $218 is available for only one flight, all other are slightly more expensive than WN)

So you've booked the United flight...2/22 departure and a return of 3/1. And there you sit tomorrow in a Red Carpet Club cubicle, beeming with pride as you savor your FlyerTalk win, when suddenly your cell phone rings. Change of plans. You can no longer travel on 2/22. You must now delay your Seattle trip 'til 2/23.

Oops! That will be $100! (At least that is what UAL charged me the last time my family travel plans changed...$300 for the 3 in our party. The r/t tickets were $122 each...so I had merely a $22 credit per ticket remaining after the change penalty). So what seemed to be a great value is now significantly less attractive.

I really like the flexibility to change with no fee on WN along with typically great fares. I have needed (and wanted) to change itineraries quite often. I personally prefer to forego perks such as Red Carpet Club/Elite benefits in favor of no change penalties.

MikeM

Is the Red Carpet Club free now?? If not, I would not call that a "throw in".

So you've booked the United flight...2/22 departure and a return of 3/1. And there you sit tomorrow in a Red Carpet Club cubicle, beeming with pride as you savor your FlyerTalk win, when suddenly your cell phone rings. Change of plans. You can no longer travel on 2/22. You must now delay your Seattle trip 'til 2/23.

Oops! That will be $100!


Zing!! That was a good one. :)

It really is up to the individual person flying on an individual basis. If MIKEM's company paid for his RCC pass (or if he already had it anyway, making this trip to the RCC "free"), then UA might be a better option. So might the non-stop, so might the extra 3-4" of legroom since he would obviously be in E+. If his plans are solid, then if I were him I'd probably go with UA as well. That's not to say that there aren't times when booking SWA is better, because I'm sure that's the case many times as well. It really is up to the individual on a case-by-case basis which airline is better for them. For me a lot of times UA is better, for me a lot of times SWA is better. Longhauls, UA. Shorthauls, SWA. Solid plans, UA. Unsolid plans, SWA. Elite on UA, UA. Bringing a "companion" on CP, SWA. So it really depends on the circumstances. No need to get in an argument over which airline is better, because NEITHER airline is better ALL the time.

greg is correct. If one airline was best for everyone all the time, there would only be one airline!! So many circumstances that determine one's decision.

I also fly various airlines, often depending on who serves the place I am going to. Usually cost is not a major factor for me. A $20 difference in fare is relatively minor in relation to parking, food, rental cars, and all the other costs of travel. I am always amazed that people will go to Vegas and plunk $200 into a slot machine, then brag that they saved $30 on an airfare by taking the red eye.

On other hand, many on FT like to maximize miles, credits, points, etc. more as a hobby/game than the true benefit. Sort of an addiction.

And I don't book exclusively on Southwest...almost, but not quite. For instance, Alaska offers better fares than WN around holiday weekends like Thanksgiving in the markets I fly.

I also think Southwest needs to be careful going forward. There were things we as WN customers had to "give up" in '05, things such as credits for booking on line and the advent of capacity controls.

If Southwest ever starts charging a change/cancellation penalty, then the playing field will have been more than leveled. I like seat assignments and the ability to book flights out farther than four months. My loyalty to WN will be over with implementation of a change/cancellation fee .

These last few posts are very rational and relevant. I firmly believe that each city and the routing make all the difference. The airline of choice is highly dependant.

My company pays for everything I do and I fly over 100,000 miles per year. Having the comforts of the RCC makes a difference to me. Also, E+, and boarding first to get the over head storage.

I would like to see WN go into Charlotte. US Air hoses that airport and I believe WN would do well there.

Lastly, UA has thrown so many promos my way this past year that I have gone out of my way to fly them. I only fly UA and WN. So, WN lost. The only WN promo I got this past year was two credits for installing Ding.

Except for one area, I did not vote for WN. I switched to WN as my main carrier a few years ago, after DL went downhill fast. I would drive 2.5 hours each way to fly on WN. WN's new FF program is the pits - and it means I now fly without considdering FF programs at all in my calculation. This results in my flying WN 25% of the time instead of 75-90% of the time.

My feeling is that I am not alone. When times get tough, the day will come that if WN had 1% more pax they may have had a break even year... and I will be one of those 1% that did not fly as much as I could have on WN.

Seems to me WN has lost focus that the customer is first. Will be interesting to see what the Freddies yield this year and if WN does poorly, if they will send out an email reminder to vote next year. Somehow I get the feeling WN management still thinks the FF is great and the customers love it - sort of like every time DL management takes something away they say the customers asked us to get rid of it... out of touch with reality - headed to lower profits or losses.

Somehow I get the feeling WN management still thinks the FF is great and the customers love it - sort of like every time DL management takes something away they say the customers asked us to get rid of it... out of touch with reality - headed to lower profits or losses.

Is this like WN saying they improved their RR program by extending qualifing for an Award to 2 years, BUT starting cap. controls and keeping the 1 year needed to use the award and eliminating the 1 credit for using swa.com. Of couse, we FFers would get an award every 4-8 months anyway, so it was a a total LOSS for us. And those that only fly one RT every 4 - 8 months (which I think are the majority of liesure travelers) still will not quality for an award.

Most, if not all, here think the "enhancements" were really a take away. I agree with you, WN will lose business with this change. If not for their no penalty for cancellations, they would be a "lower quality" airline without enough offsetting benefits to get much business from those that travel a lot.

Is this like WN saying they improved their RR program by extending qualifing for an Award to 2 years, BUT starting cap. controls and keeping the 1 year needed to use the award and eliminating the 1 credit for using swa.com. Of couse, we FFers would get an award every 4-8 months anyway, so it was a a total LOSS for us. And those that only fly one RT every 4 - 8 months (which I think are the majority of liesure travelers) still will not quality for an award.

Most, if not all, here think the "enhancements" were really a take away. I agree with you, WN will lose business with this change. If not for their no penalty for cancellations, they would be a "lower quality" airline without enough offsetting benefits to get much business from those that travel a lot.

It sure is! My feeling is that I would fly WN more often if their FF made enough of difference for me to calculate that into my ticket buying equation. Since it does not make enough difference I don't care what they offer anymore, which means, why bother to have a FF program. Either offer one that attracts customers or get rid of it. Just seems to me WN should be offering better benifits to ensure they have loyal customers. Almost all the people refuse to fly DL unless there is no other choice. Most of them say they saw this nightmare from DL long before the airlines went into self-destruct as the first sign was the devaluation of the FF program.

The "no fee to change" to a cheaper/different flight keeps me on some flights and, I think, the main benefit they offer over the legacies. That and any 3x or (4x credits for a few) - which are rare and AA has a bonus program just as good (or better) - will have me flying.

Of course I will use my Awards and Comp. Pass :D - but those are non rev. for WN.

The BIG question mark right now is how strict WN will be on Cap. Controls. If I were in their shoes (and kept C.C.s), I would be very liberal with restrictions at first and tighten over the next 24 months, so customers would not notice. AND as there will only be a relatively few C.C. Awards issued over the first 2-3 months, the demand will not be too high, making it look easy to get seats.

The BIG question mark right now is how strict WN will be on Cap. Controls. If I were in their shoes (and kept C.C.s), I would be very liberal with restrictions at first and tighten over the next 24 months, so customers would not notice. AND as there will only be a relatively few C.C. Awards issued over the first 2-3 months, the demand will not be too high, making it look easy to get seats.Agree! This seems to be a no-brainer. We'll see.

Earlier in this thread I stated that I cast my vote to WN for "Best Website," let me tell you why. When you pick the two airports, dates, etc, a flight spreadsheet format comes up. All I have to do is click on a dot in a matrix. I can see which fare is refundable, all the possible times and routing (for the most part). If I need to change the date, I'm a click or two away without loosing what I already did.

This portion of the website is where most of us spend our time and it is very good.

Since it does not make enough difference I don't care what they offer anymore, which means, why bother to have a FF program. Either offer one that attracts customers or get rid of it.

I wonder if SWA (or any other carrier) has ever seriously considered just completely dumping their FF program. I wonder how much RR costs SWA (between the free award tix and all the employees required to man phones, program their computers, figure out promos, etc). Say it's 15% of total revenue. I wonder if the SWA bean counters have ever considered just slashing prices by 13% and cutting the whole RR program?

I doubt if it is 15%.

First, many Awards are used for seats that would not be filled by a paying passenger anyway. How many flights go out 100% full, not incl. standby passengers or late connects? If it is 15%, then the 85% Award travel costs WN about $10. (This will be lower with Cap. Controls)

As it is automated already (I rarely talk to an agent when using Awards), that is sunk cost and will not result in any savings. Yes, maybe some tweaking, but nothing major.

They could cut back on the Drink Coupons and save a bit of postage. But that is probably $ .50 per Award.

I imagine the FF program more than pays for itself in getting loyality, even from many who likely never earn enough Credits for an Award - but think they might.

My guess is less than 1% of Revenue (ticket sales) needed to cover the FF program. Anyone else care to throw out a number.

I wonder if SWA (or any other carrier) has ever seriously considered just completely dumping their FF program.

I'm sure they review this annually. If redemption on the other majors remains as difficult as it now is, it's possible that people will begin viewing miles as essentially worthless. At that point, WN may indeed kill RR.

It has happened before: look at the history of S&H Green Stamps.

If they dump it they become RyanAir. I have to say I would move away from WN if they dump RR.

If they dump it they become RyanAir. I have to say I would move away from WN if they dump RR.

WN would still have a long way to go in order to sink to the level of Ryan Air. However, I think current WN management may in fact have sinking to that level as their goal.

If they dump it they become RyanAir.

If you think RR is the only thing separating FR and WN, why are you flying WN?! :confused:

Other airlines might be difficult but they allow you to book a year in advance and offer destinations like Mexico, Hawaii and even Europe. Passengers who are willing to plan can use their miles for good vacations. They also let you use more miles for first class or even double miles for little or no capacity controls.

RR will lose most of its value to me if the only flights I can book to FL are the same flights I could book a $120 R/T DING or internet sale fare on.

The flights I use my RR tickets on frequently have fare sales of $120 to FL or $200 to Vegas. The ability to book peak flights at the last minute is really the only thing that makes the program beneficial.





I'm sure they review this annually. If redemption on the other majors remains as difficult as it now is, it's possible that people will begin viewing miles as essentially worthless. At that point, WN may indeed kill RR.

It has happened before: look at the history of S&H Green Stamps.

RR will lose most of its value to me if the only flights I can book to FL are the same flights I could book a $120 R/T DING or internet sale fare on..

Very good point. I use my Awards when traveling without more than a week or two lead time AND there are no cheap fares out there. If the RT fare is less than $200, I usually just pay.

If the New Awards are only good for when I can get < $200 fares anyway, the value of the Award goes way down. Especailly if, two weeks in advance, it limits me to only 1 or 2 flights per day (or even worse, 3-4 days per week).

IF the above is true, the Value of an Award IMHO would go from $230 to about $170 (discounted due to fact I get no RR Credit when flying on an Award). That is about $10 per RR credit.

Of course, many expect WN to be liberal in Cap. Controls for the 1st 6 - 12 months and gradually tightening to prevent a shock to those that travel a lot. If true, it may be next year until we see the real effect.

RR will lose most of its value to me if the only flights I can book to FL are the same flights I could book a $120 R/T DING or internet sale fare on.

Geez, I never thought about it exactly like that. That is a good point. I really hope this isn't the case, though I guess time will tell.........

If you think RR is the only thing separating FR and WN, why are you flying WN?! :confused:
Did I say RyanAir was a bad airline?

I like WN's efficiency and their prices.

Did I say RyanAir was a bad airline?

Yes.

Wouldn't it be amusing if capacity controls were so light this year that we end up wishing we had gotten the new awards for holiday travel rather than the old ones?

Wouldn't it be amusing if capacity controls were so light this year that we end up wishing we had gotten the new awards for holiday travel rather than the old ones?I still have an award from last year that expires in May, will it carry over another year or expire?

I really like the flexibility to change with no fee on WN along with typically great fares. I have needed (and wanted) to change itineraries quite often. I personally prefer to forego perks such as Red Carpet Club/Elite benefits in favor of no change penalties.

IMO, WN's change policy, and reasonably priced full fare tickets, are a huge advantage over the legacy carriers. You can change your plans at will, and there's less standby competition if you decide to try an earlier flight. Rather than sit in the RCC I'll take the earlier flight. The whole "cattle call" thing is so exaggerated I won't even address it. I like UA, and choose them for my longer trips, but I choose WN when they make sense.

I still have an award from last year that expires in May, will it carry over another year or expire?
It'll still expire. Only the accrual of credits changed and credits now carry over for 24 months before expiration. The actual RR award still expires 12 months after it is issued.

I still have an award from last year that expires in May, will it carry over another year or expire?

Mike, I believe you can extend the Award for $50 fee. You can even do it after it expires, I think. So maybe in April you can guage if you will use it.

Or you can try to trade it to someone that needs to travel before then that has an Award that expires later. Coupon connection can do this, but I find many WN travelers do not do there that often (or at least do not have many offers).

Thanks guys! I'm going to use it in April I have decided.

Reading the thread, I must say the fact that the reward still expires in a year is not good. Also, the capacity controls are unsettling. It does not matter what the behavior of WN is for a given period of time. At any moment, a WN bean counter can change the number of seat awarded. It just takes one bad quarter.

At any moment, a WN bean counter can change the number of seat awarded. It just takes one bad quarter.

WN always acts with a long-term view. Always. They think things through. Sometimes they goof up, but it's never because of short-term thinking.

WN always acts with a long-term view. Always. They think things through. Sometimes they goof up, but it's never because of short-term thinking.Being able to change award availability on the fly may be their long term plan.

WN best FF program ^

WN best FF program ^
At least I got a good laugh on FT today....................

At least I got a good laugh on FT today....................

Tee-hee. And SQ for best international, or runner-up :p

Tee-hee. And SQ for best international, or runner-up :p
Tell me about it..........in my pre-FT days I was Elite on SQ for a couple years (Krisflyer Silver) from flying to Asia on SQ often.............until I found out that my FF miles expired after 3 years and there was nothing I could do about it. So I dropped them like a bad habit..................but if their service isn't the best ever I don't know what is.

Tell me about it..........in my pre-FT days I was Elite on SQ for a couple years (Krisflyer Silver) from flying to Asia on SQ often.............until I found out that my FF miles expired after 3 years and there was nothing I could do about it. So I dropped them like a bad habit..................but if their service isn't the best ever I don't know what is.

Yep. Great service. What I do with the KrisFlyer miles is use them for inter-Asian flights. Yes, I don't like the early expiry either. So when I am over there on business, I will stay around after the gig and take mini vacations in the region, like to Cambodia, Bali, etc. Way cool! ^