fastpoint

I typically change/modify my existing reservation when SW reduces fares.

However, today when I click change to select a new flight, I see this message for the first time. What does it mean? My flight is currently booked with points.

"Before you modify

Modifying a fully refundable fare will result in the fare becoming NON-refundable. To ensure your new ticket is refundable, cancel your existing reservation, request a refund of the refundable balance, and create a new reservation. Non-refundable fares may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines for the originally ticketed Passenger only.

The new reservation inherits the earliest expiration date from any funds applied from the old ticket. Therefore, the expiration date of your new reservation and all associated funds may be less than 12 months. Your new expiration date will be displayed on the confirmation receipt sent to you."

FindAWay

See #2 in the first post of this thread from last month: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/south...-9-2017-a.html

PAX62

Welcome to the new and improved WN IT system!

I like to call it Trans-FU@CK-ery Transfarency.

lougord99

It doesn't give them a pass on this horrible new "feature", but at least they are warning about it.

toomanybooks

I think from now on I am just going to use points for all WN purchases.

willywilkes

Just to clarify, means nothing for a points booking.

ursine1

Yes, non-applicable to points bookings.

Does the system show this on all changes? (I haven't made any lately.) Or all "refundable" bookings? Or all bookings made on the new system? Seems like they would try to target this somehow, to avoid creating any extra confusion, beyond that which the policy change will generate by itself. (Likely a lot.) Or IT couldn't figure out how?

elevatorgeek

And I thought this was supposed to be an improved reservation system.

ursine1

Southwest benefits from many improvements.

ftnoob

Not sure I agree.

The warning probably applies to the $5.60 (or multiple thereof) security fee that would be refundable if the points ticket is cancelled. I expect that if the OP were to try to cancel the reservation the security fee(s) would not be refundable.

I'll note that on Jan 10 I changed a points booking for a flight in April, and the security fee was showing as refundable just moments ago. I don't recall seeing the warning when I made the change, though I simply have missed it. More data is needed.

Colin

$5.60 is indeed non-refundable for a point ticket cancelled that had been previously changed.

if you don't like keeping track of 6-digit codes for a fiver in value, always cancel & rebook.

ursine1

Unless something has changed recently, TSA requires that the September 11 fee be refunded upon request. If the mechanics of this "system limitation" are indeed true, then they are in conflict with the law.

Colin

such a statement requires proof

ursine1

See post 7 in this thread:

Refundability of U.S. government imposed taxes and fees

As I said, this may have changed recently... but it's always been my understanding.

edit: Another reference:Refundable fees on canceled airline tickets is a well-kept secret

Google is your friend.

xliioper

The language above only says the "fare" is non-refundable, nothing specifically about fees being non-refundable. The CoC provides for the refund of fees "as required by applicable regulations". Just because WN does not automatically generate a refund upon cancellation in these cases does not mean they will not provide a refund upon request. My guess is that they do not automatically refund after a change as that would essentially be an open-ended commitment to keep your original form of payment on file. It's also a liability for the airlines (government taxes and fees are forwarded to the government shortly after purchase, they are not held by the airlines until you fly).