FindAWay

I think nsx's point is that the more people who take advantage of the current situation that (and vocally demand that) the Chase CC bonuses count as CPQPs, the more likely WN is to enforce the following part of the Companion Pass Rules and Regulations (and end the CC sign-up bonuses counting as CPQPs days):

In other words, drawing more attention and demanding a CP based on what may simply be an IT coding error is more likely to end the "glitch" than simply patiently waiting (for a few days) for the "glitch" to occur would.

If WN can have only 600 of my 1200 or 1800 car rental count as CPQP, I think they could figure out how to not have the 50k CC bonus count as CPQP if they decided to dedicate resources to do so.

facula

"Tier Status Pending". It's almost a joke at this point.

facula

What do you see on your statement for points earned, 2000? That would be something to check just to verify Southwest posted how much Chase said.

When did you finish the $2K spending? There seems to be a delay in triggering the bonus so if you finish the spending too close to your statement date it won't catch it. "Too close" is within a week or so. As long as you have the $2K done (and you're not counting the annual fee in that), the bonus should post a couple days after your next statement closes.

ursine1

Ok, I understand what you're saying now... but I didn't realize that anyone ever considered the situation as a "glitch," since -- even with Southwest's myriad of technological issues -- it would be very hard to believe they'd let one so large continue for so long.

If Southwest or Chase decide to end CPQP's status of the bonus points, I suspect the decision will be made on a cost/profit analysis basis, speaking to the total numbers of credit card customers vs outliers who may game the system.

I agree it's not good form to "demand" your CP after perhaps exploiting the system to your benefit, but no one here has really indicated they were going to do so.

FindAWay

I disagree (but admit "demand" was a bit strong on my part - it's more like "draw attention to") - people seem to be calling WN, and using WN resources to expedite the activation of their CP, which, IMHO, will lead to the accelerated halt of Chase CC sign-up bonuses counting as CPQPs. I don't think people should be calling to expedite their CP being activated unless they have an immediate flight need for it. And, there seem to be a lot of people calling WN and drawing attention to their exploitation of this perk (which makes it more likely to be killed-off):

But, there are some people showing patience and restraint (to try and keep this deal going by avoiding unnecessary attention and WN CSR resources to it) too:

I doubt using CC sign-up bonuses will be an option for people to qualify for CP in 2014 (probably sooner) given the amount of attention people are drawing to it.

antinseattle

Just a thought.... I'm pretty sure the WN CS agent isnt losing sleep over the call to check on CP. guess is call is processed like any of the ther 100 plus calls per agent in a day..What the worry would be, is a EOY report showing 60 pct earning CP without flying. IMO....what's the worry of drawing attention... The rules were set by WN, you (whoever) followed them, and earned CP...

ursine1

Yeah. It's a bit extreme to suggest that it's possible to "draw attention" to something Southwest already knows full well about.

If it dies, cost/profit will kill it.

FindAWay

Of course WN knows about this - they have the detailed information in their databases and reports and lurkers on this forum. But, a company has to determine (a) if the effort to change the current situation is worth benefit that it will receive (b) while comparing that value-added to the value-added from other efforts that could be undertaken with the company's finite resources. The processing of Chase CC sign-up bonuses as CPQPs is not profitable for WN and is contrary to their own CP Rules & Regs. So, changing it is most likely on the company's list of projects (and it may require cooperation from Chase). But, how high-up on that list is it (especially, with AirTran integration, HOU expansion, possible international routes, etc. also on that list)? Do we really want to draw attention to this item and, possibly, push it up that list?

The Worry of Drawing Attention: I have no doubt the WN CSR on the phone doesn't care - but, the WN CSR has a manager, who has a boss, who....all report up. And, the WN CSR may talk about all the calls they keep getting to activate a companion pass in January with their manager, who may report up that a lot of folks are exploiting the system. People run organizations and if those people become annoyed with having to deal with entitled customers who exploit a "glitch" in the manner partner bonuses post (as not only RDMs but also CPQPs) in a customer's account (or any costly benefit for that matter), they're more likely to fix it sooner rather than later. Or, a manager may want to move up in the organization and look for a way to save cost to the company and propose fixing this glitch as a way to make a name for her/himself by saving the company money.

So, I ask you: What is the benefit of unnecessarily drawing attention to this system glitch when the automated system lets folks enroll their designated companion on-line reasonably soon after a CP is earned?

I agree - except, I think it's not an "If" but rather a "When" this dies. And, I have no desire to contribute to its accelerated death.

snangel

Yes my statement balance matched what was posted on Southwest.
Oh I didn't know that spending too close to statement date will cause it to post on next statement. I met the spending on 1/11 and statement closed 1/14. So I guess I'll have to wait until 2/14 to see the bonus posted? It will still count within 3 month period, right?

antinseattle

I think the posting on FT about it, has more potential to end the bonuses, over the calls to WN CS......this is all in writing, here on FT. But I understand the point

stealph

Correct..also keep in mind, the airlines DO dedicate resources to flyertalk and do read these forums... They also can just type "how to get companion pass southwest" in Google and see all the bloggers..hehe. Let's not do all of the information gathering for them

FindAWay

We disagree on your point about which has more impact - I think calling WN CS takes CSRs's time, which costs WN $$, which I think WN cares more about than internet message boards that they don't have to read - but, I understand where you're coming from (and, of course, I could be proven wrong when it dies).

But, I bet we agree that blog posts have more potential to end the bonuses than either posting on FT or calling WN CS!

ursine1

I'll agree that increased knowledge of a particular exploit has an impact on whether that exploit remains viable, but only in that it ultimately increases the numbers of flyers doing so, perhaps skewing the numbers projected by the carrier.

But... isn't that a primary reason Flyertalk exists?

I disagree with the assertion that telephone calls to WN to activate a CP earned through a legitimate method have any influence.

John Scorsone

Has anyone else had difficulty figuring out which points are basic points and which points go to the companion pass AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE using the credit card?

It sure would be nice if when you make a purchase AND THE EXACT MATH OF WHICH POINTS GO WHERE were readily available PRE-CALCULATED before you make the purchase decision.

mtftw

What are you asking? All of the points you get from using a WN Chase card are CPQP. They shouldn't be according to the T&C, but they are.