Question about companion missing the first flight but making return flight
Sep 22, 2017, 10:12 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 34
Question about companion missing the first flight but making return flight
We have a trip scheduled round trip. I am the primary flyer and the wife is companion. However she needs to arrive earlier and booked a flight a week ahead of mine. We still intend to return on the same flight...
Will southwest remove her from the trip entirely if she misses the first flight? Need to know if we have to book her a return flight if the companion return flight gets removed.
Will southwest remove her from the trip entirely if she misses the first flight? Need to know if we have to book her a return flight if the companion return flight gets removed.
Sep 22, 2017, 11:01 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,185
I think you should call Southwest and split your PNR into two one-ways.
Then remove her from the first one.
Yet another reason to book one-ways whenever you can.
Then remove her from the first one.
Yet another reason to book one-ways whenever you can.
Sep 22, 2017, 5:24 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: VX Gold/WN Companion
Posts: 682
There is no penalty or fee to modify the flight and have her removed from the fist leg via one of the two methods above so why risk it with a no-show?
Just call and pull her off the first flight. They can do that and keep your CP on the second leg...easy peasy.
Just call and pull her off the first flight. They can do that and keep your CP on the second leg...easy peasy.
Sep 22, 2017, 6:04 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
I concur that this is another great example of why it's best to book one-ways - there is no solution here that doesn't require a phone call, but you'd be able to handle it yourself online if you'd booked them separately. I've had good luck with the hold times lately, but that hasn't always been the case.
Sep 22, 2017, 6:43 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,185
I am not sure I would rely on the technique of just removing her from the outbound and showing up for the return.
Maybe I am just a belt-and-suspenders guy.
Can someone confirm that this process works?
Maybe I am just a belt-and-suspenders guy.
Can someone confirm that this process works?
Sep 22, 2017, 7:14 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DFW
Posts: 1,249
Computers can have a mind of their own no matter how many CS agents say all will be fine. Easier for them to say don’t worry than to split reservation. For my own peace of mind, I’ll work VERY hard to avoid the possibility of my wife’s reservation having a problem.
Sep 22, 2017, 9:04 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,870
I've done this more times than I can count. Have called WN, had them remove companion from either the outbound or inbound when originally on both. Literally dozens of times. Never an issue.
Sep 22, 2017, 10:56 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MDW
Programs: WN CP & A-List Pref, HH Gold, Marriott LT PP
Posts: 708
Just note that if you split your companion's PNR into two one-ways and then cancel the outbound, the $5.60 security fee for both PNRs will become non-refundable and only available as RTFs in her name. WN's new system considers this a "modification" to both PNRs and results in non-refundability. Due to this, I recommend calling and just having her removed from the outbound only as then the security fees can be refunded to original form of payment versus being tied up in RTFs. I personally do not like supporting the Bank of Southwest anymore than I have to.
Sep 23, 2017, 5:52 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,185