Originally Posted by
bigrob
Anyway, having had to change flights once or twice and getting hit with the $100 change fee, I was lamenting how nice it would be if UA did this. I understand SW is a low cost airline without any frills and UA needs that revenue to have things like first class and entertainment and such. But it was so nice to be able to go on and be able to switch the flight without any worry about change fees and such--it's nice that SW recognizes that this is an easy operation that doesn't involve $100 worth of work for them to do so they don't charge for it.
I often book Southwest when I see that they have a very cheap fare (i.e., under $200 BWI-OAK) and I have doubts as to whether I will be able to go on the trip or not. I like knowing that I can cancel the trip and apply the funds to another one... I'm not in a position to pay the United full fare tickets just to waive change fees, even with the 1P bonus miles incentive.
One catch with the Southwest policy is that the original funds must be used on a flight *flown* (not purchased) within one year of the original purchase (not flight). I have gone on short weekend excursions (BWI-PVD can be under $50 R/T) to use up unused funds.
Personally, I'd pay an extra $10 or so per ticket to United just to have the ability to apply the funds to any other flight w/o the $100 change fee.