Originally Posted by
LegalTender
A "team doing 100 flights with Southwest this year – with media bags on every trip" needs to call ahead.
Calling ahead is not a requirement outlined in their terms of service to utilize they Media Rate.
I did a lot of research and talked top corporate as we are indirectly in the "Media" business traveling with film and AV equipment but not a broadcaster to better understand the rules and I can assure you...social bias aside, the blogger's experience is NOT unique and the Agent's ignorance of application of their own rules is VERY commonplace system wide when it is not cut and dry like a CNN film crew with credentials (what are all made up anyway).
American Arlines however you get approved in advance there there is note attached to your Frequent Flier account that allows you to use the Media Rate if not a credentialed major network. WN is up to luck of the draw with an ignorant Agent or not and how they want to interpret their own rules.