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Old Jul 17, 2006 | 9:33 am
  #70  
SAPMAN
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Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: OH & NV
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, WN CP, Latin Pass Bonus
Posts: 3,711
Originally Posted by uastarflyer
When was the option added? Not on their rules site per a quick scan:

http://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewar..._and_regs.html

As I said, WN does not make it well know about the $50 extension.

As to double Awards for Anytime Flying -- It is too expensive unless an emergency - as gg states. gg values Awards a bit higher than I do (although as prices escalate, it is getting closer), but even at the $650 equivalent cost of using 2 RR Awards, 95 % of time I could buy a ticket on legacy or WN for less as I plan in advance and, even if I don't, can fly on late or off peak flights.

I think we will see eventually the Credits left as Credits and not turned into Awards. That would give WN more flexibility -- ie. 12 credits for Anytime flying one way (hard to split up Awards). Or could even offer specials like some legacies on short hauls or planes that fly less than 70% full. Example: 5 credits for flights less than 1000 miles or a late night flight over 1000 miles that is normally 60% full. This would offset some of the dissatisfaction of the cap. controls. And maybe even special DINGs for a long haul flight (MDW - SAN) for 5 Credits each way on non-business day flights (Sat pm - Sun am).

The other problem with WN is the long haul flights (such as transcon) still get only 1 credit, even if they are paying 4+ times the cost of PHX-LAS. A legacy woudl need 8 such segments for a free tix, where on WN need 16 segments. And legacies actually less with Elite status, on line check in etc.
So for the long haul flights, WN is not competitive anymore with Freq. Flyer program. They probably need to offer 2x Credits for flights over 1000 miles.
I think this (plus assigned seats) is a big reason WN has hard time getting more busn. travelers.
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