Companion Pass: Leadtime to change name?
Jan 31, 2010, 9:58 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 403
Companion Pass: Leadtime to change name?
Sorry for creating a new thread, but I don't think this relates to any previous CP topics.
So I just hit 100 today, and entered my companion pass name. Site says 10 business days, what have you guys seen? This is the initial one...
Now to change the name, I figured I would next day fed ex it into Southwest so I can get in a different name quickly. How fast do you think that would take? Site says 21 says, seems like a drag considering you only have this for 12 months. I bet they hold onto it for a few days on purpose.
So I just hit 100 today, and entered my companion pass name. Site says 10 business days, what have you guys seen? This is the initial one...
Now to change the name, I figured I would next day fed ex it into Southwest so I can get in a different name quickly. How fast do you think that would take? Site says 21 says, seems like a drag considering you only have this for 12 months. I bet they hold onto it for a few days on purpose.
Jan 31, 2010, 10:45 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Texas
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 454
As soon as the site recognizes that you qualify for a CP, you can begin to make CP bookings. The card takes about 5-7 days to arrive, but is not really needed in most cases.
As far as changing the designated companion, it can be done over the phone and the change will take effect immediately. The wiki has the phone number to call. This will delete any tickets issued for the current companion and bookings for the new companion can be made immediately.
I just did this a few weeks ago and I was pleased with how easy it was. The new card came in the mail the following week but will more than likely never be needed and trashed in a few weeks when I switch back to my wife.
Hope this helps!
As far as changing the designated companion, it can be done over the phone and the change will take effect immediately. The wiki has the phone number to call. This will delete any tickets issued for the current companion and bookings for the new companion can be made immediately.
I just did this a few weeks ago and I was pleased with how easy it was. The new card came in the mail the following week but will more than likely never be needed and trashed in a few weeks when I switch back to my wife.
Hope this helps!
Feb 1, 2010, 8:36 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,171
As far as changing the designated companion, it can be done over the phone and the change will take effect immediately. The wiki has the phone number to call. This will delete any tickets issued for the current companion and bookings for the new companion can be made immediately.
I just did this a few weeks ago and I was pleased with how easy it was. The new card came in the mail the following week but will more than likely never be needed and trashed in a few weeks when I switch back to my wife.
Hope this helps!
"The Companion Pass is not transferable. However, the Member may change his/her designated Companion and request issuance of a new Companion Pass up to three (3) times within the 12-month validity period. Requests must be made in writing and accompanied by the current Companion Pass card, which will be canceled, to: Southwest Airlines, Rapid Rewards, P.O. Box 36657, Dallas, TX 75235. In addition, please include the new Companion's name, address, phone number, social security number, and date of birth. Allow 21 days for processing."
I changed Companions a couple months ago, in writing by mail, and it took about 15 days as I recall.
Feb 1, 2010, 9:24 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: HOU
Programs: WN CP, A+, UA Sil, MR Amb LTP, Hyatt Plat, HH Dia, National EE
Posts: 466
If true, this is welcome news, but it's not in accordance with the Companion Pass Rules and Regulations page at southwest.com:
"The Companion Pass is not transferable. However, the Member may change his/her designated Companion and request issuance of a new Companion Pass up to three (3) times within the 12-month validity period. Requests must be made in writing and accompanied by the current Companion Pass card, which will be canceled, to: Southwest Airlines, Rapid Rewards, P.O. Box 36657, Dallas, TX 75235. In addition, please include the new Companion's name, address, phone number, social security number, and date of birth. Allow 21 days for processing."
I changed Companions a couple months ago, in writing by mail, and it took about 15 days as I recall.
"The Companion Pass is not transferable. However, the Member may change his/her designated Companion and request issuance of a new Companion Pass up to three (3) times within the 12-month validity period. Requests must be made in writing and accompanied by the current Companion Pass card, which will be canceled, to: Southwest Airlines, Rapid Rewards, P.O. Box 36657, Dallas, TX 75235. In addition, please include the new Companion's name, address, phone number, social security number, and date of birth. Allow 21 days for processing."
I changed Companions a couple months ago, in writing by mail, and it took about 15 days as I recall.
I've never had anyone ask for my companion's card. And like I said above, just have Customer Relations notate in the PNR if you're traveling before you get the card.
Feb 1, 2010, 11:47 am
#6
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
Is it true you can change names over the phone? No more FedEx'ing a card back to them?
My companions have never needed to show a card in the 4 years I've had a CP. I don't think anyone at WN cares if they have it or not.
My companions have never needed to show a card in the 4 years I've had a CP. I don't think anyone at WN cares if they have it or not.
Feb 1, 2010, 11:48 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 403
From how loose they seem to be about this, what if I book a companion pass trip, and the primary traveler doesn't show up? And what if the companion boarded first, would they pull you off the plane if this primary never boards?
All sounds too strange to me.
All sounds too strange to me.
Feb 2, 2010, 12:08 am
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,862
Have had CP for years, have never taken the card out of my desk. Name changes are done instantly on the phone - the stuff on the WN site is either routinely ignored by the phone operators or is grossly out of date. And don't try letting a CP take a flight without you on board.
Feb 2, 2010, 12:11 am
#11
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,862
Now to change the name, I figured I would next day fed ex it into Southwest so I can get in a different name quickly. How fast do you think that would take? Site says 21 says, seems like a drag considering you only have this for 12 months. I bet they hold onto it for a few days on purpose.
Feb 2, 2010, 8:30 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: HOU
Programs: WN CP, A+, UA Sil, MR Amb LTP, Hyatt Plat, HH Dia, National EE
Posts: 466
Feb 2, 2010, 8:39 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: LAS
Programs: WN:No status in 2015; UA:1K long gone (1995-2003).
Posts: 1,595
In several other CP threads it has been noted multiple times that prior to closing the door, the Ops Agent has a means to verify the companion pass holder is on the plane if a companion has boarded.
