Question about voluntary bump/denied boarding: Alternate flight days later?
Dec 8, 2013, 8:21 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 218
Question about voluntary bump/denied boarding: Alternate flight days later?
My partner and I are starting to plan weekend trips using the massive amount of points and companion pass status acquired via the Chase CC promotion.
Since these trips are mostly going to be spur of the moment I was curious about how Southwest handles denied boarding on overbooked flights. I'd love to volunteer to give up my seat if it meant that I could get a voucher ext. but if I do volunteer I'd prefer to change my flight to another weekend instead of flying out 2+ hours light the Southwest site mentions.
Does anyone here have any experience voluntarily giving up your seat, getting the voucher and rescheduling your flight for a week or more later?
Since these trips are mostly going to be spur of the moment I was curious about how Southwest handles denied boarding on overbooked flights. I'd love to volunteer to give up my seat if it meant that I could get a voucher ext. but if I do volunteer I'd prefer to change my flight to another weekend instead of flying out 2+ hours light the Southwest site mentions.
Does anyone here have any experience voluntarily giving up your seat, getting the voucher and rescheduling your flight for a week or more later?
Dec 8, 2013, 9:58 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
I almost volunteered Thursday. I was offered a flight very early the next morning with a plane change. I asked if I could go Saturday and was refused because "it was too far out".
I imagine if you wanted to go another time you could take the flight offered then cancel it. You should get your points back, but may not be able to book a flight to the same destination within a couple of weeks.
I imagine if you wanted to go another time you could take the flight offered then cancel it. You should get your points back, but may not be able to book a flight to the same destination within a couple of weeks.
Dec 8, 2013, 10:20 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 218
This is kinda what I was thinking that the gate agent would say no, but nothing would stop me from canceling the flight or changing it after the fact. Since they don't charge any change fees I guess that could be a viable option.
Dec 8, 2013, 10:55 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Waxahachie, TX
Programs: WN 3 Million Miler, MR Lifetime Titanium, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, AA Silver, United never again
Posts: 509
The best use of VDB is to collect the voucher (IIRC, $350 for a make up flight 4+ hours later), then call reservations to move the flight.
However, I seem to remember getting my original flight reimbursed as well. I believe that it makes the make up flight free ...
I have never missed the make up flight, and usually get on my original flight with a small VDB voucher. Only happened thrice that I can remember.
However, I seem to remember getting my original flight reimbursed as well. I believe that it makes the make up flight free ...
I have never missed the make up flight, and usually get on my original flight with a small VDB voucher. Only happened thrice that I can remember.
Dec 8, 2013, 12:42 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Programs: AC SE100K, F9 100k, NK Gold, UA *S, Hyatt Glob, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 5,187
The system uses your original fare during the issuance of the volunteer voucher (plus $100 or $300). Then it lets the agent book your make up flight using funny money.
Dec 8, 2013, 1:48 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 218
Once you volunteer, your make-up flight cannot be changed online. In addition, if you were originally on a refundable fare, the make-up flight is non-refundable.
The system uses your original fare during the issuance of the volunteer voucher (plus $100 or $300). Then it lets the agent book your make up flight using funny money.
The system uses your original fare during the issuance of the volunteer voucher (plus $100 or $300). Then it lets the agent book your make up flight using funny money.