I am just now beginning to get into the reserved seat reservations for 2026, and have questions about how best to manage changes. Assume a two-segment trip, with wife (CP) also traveling, booked on points at the "choice" fare level. Connections at the layover point are a little tight, so we purchase select seats for the first segment to allow quicker deplaning, then just standard seats for second segment. The "choice" fare has subsequently dropped several thousand points. How is the best way to manage the change, rebooking at lower points, yet not losing the money spent for select seats?

In the current, choose your seat mode, my preferred action has been to get the new reservation, then cancel the original reservation and have those points restored to my account. My understanding of the "new" rules suggest that a "select" seat charge is refunded as a flight credit which may NOT be used for another seat purchase, but only if paying $$$ for a flight. I have a lot of points, and don't plan on taking any SWA "cash fare" flights as I work to deplete points balance while taking a hard look at other airlines for any "cash" fare purchases. Also, a flight credit limited to flight purchase for my wife is essentially worthless unless it can be used by me, since the only time she flys is on my CP.