Originally Posted by
dmbolp
For argument's sake, why not allow this? One ticket was paid for (with points or cash) and one passenger boarded the plane. How would someone take advantage of this?
If I were running the airline I would probably allow it. The scenario is that 2 people plan a trip together and book and advance purchase fare plus CP for second person. The first person can't go, leaving the second person to buy a ticket at the last minute. If you allow the second person to use the advance fare you have effectively allowed a last minute purchase at the advance purchase price.
Given that points bookings are refundable and CP tickets have last-seat availability, the workaround is to book the second passenger on points. Replace the points booking with a companion booking as soon as travel plans are 100% firm.
You could say that the presence of this workaround makes it silly for Southwest not to allow the switch. You would be correct.