BEWARE: Southwest will steal your points !
Mar 20, 2019, 2:41 pm
#31
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: Delta Plat
Posts: 3,363
AA sent me snail mail and emails when my miles were about to expire even offered me ways to use them before they did.
Mar 20, 2019, 2:55 pm
#33
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Southwest says they send one notification. But so many people report never receiving anything that I suspect it is a matter of using an older email address, or those notifications ending up in junk folders. However, many people report receiving marketing messages and flight confirmation messages, but not any notification (even after checking their junk folder). I'd suggest that it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect them to send more than one notification, or to implement a pop-up on the website, etc. if they really wanted to stop customers' points from expiring (which, as we know, they do not).
Mar 20, 2019, 3:00 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: Hilton-Diamond Lifetime Platinum AA UA, WN-CP, SPG Gold.
Posts: 7,377
Southwest says they send one notification. But so many people report never receiving anything that I suspect it is a matter of using an older email address, or those notifications ending up in junk folders. However, many people report receiving marketing messages and flight confirmation messages, but not any notification (even after checking their junk folder). I'd suggest that it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect them to send more than one notification, or to implement a pop-up on the website, etc. if they really wanted to stop customers' points from expiring (which, as we know, they do not).
Mar 20, 2019, 3:22 pm
#35
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: DL Plat, Marriot Plat
Posts: 349
OP SW may do something via twitter. Give them a try.
On the other hand, if OP has been with SW for over 16 years then he went through the transformation when they went from a credit system to a point system and it was clearly laid out there that points expire after two years of no use. It has pretty well become the standard (except for Delta) that between 18 and 24 months of no use, points will expire
On the other hand, if OP has been with SW for over 16 years then he went through the transformation when they went from a credit system to a point system and it was clearly laid out there that points expire after two years of no use. It has pretty well become the standard (except for Delta) that between 18 and 24 months of no use, points will expire
Mar 20, 2019, 3:59 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
With the reduction/elimination of nonstop service by Southwest LAS-CLE I've been forced to use Frontier. I've actually found them to be not bad at all. The timing of their nonstops is a little odd, but as long as you spring for the extra legroom seat they're fine. Even adding on The Works, which includes bags, the extra legroom seat, priority boarding and full refund ability, the cost is significantly less than WGA for a connecting flight. I've done this five times in the last six months and not been delayed more than 15 minutes. Contrast with Southwest, where my last three flights were delayed over an hour, (one three and a half hours).
Mar 20, 2019, 4:36 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: ATL
Programs: UA, DL, HH Silver, IHG plat
Posts: 32
Best advice I have is setting up a 1$ amazon reload or Wikipedia donation every month on the co-branded card, even if you don't use the card (Chase United Explorer) but the benefits are worthwhile it ensures that both the card account and the miles stay active. AFAIK miles never expire with the co-branded card active, but to make sure it stays active after being sock drawered the 1$ charge makes it simple to not have to remember it.
Mar 20, 2019, 4:43 pm
#40
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Best advice I have is setting up a 1$ amazon reload or Wikipedia donation every month on the co-branded card, even if you don't use the card (Chase United Explorer) but the benefits are worthwhile it ensures that both the card account and the miles stay active. AFAIK miles never expire with the co-branded card active, but to make sure it stays active after being sock drawered the 1$ charge makes it simple to not have to remember it.
Mar 20, 2019, 6:14 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
This discussion reminded me of the following post in this thread from last year, where someone had claimed that 1) their expired points were returned after they "emailed the CEO," and 2) Southwest was considering changing the policy, and an announcement was forthcoming.
I was skeptical then, and I remain skeptical.
My understanding is that the initial edict to no longer allow agents the discretion to reinstate forfeited points came directly from upper management.
OP: If you try emailing the CEO and have any luck with that approach, please do let us know.
I was skeptical then, and I remain skeptical.
My understanding is that the initial edict to no longer allow agents the discretion to reinstate forfeited points came directly from upper management.
OP: If you try emailing the CEO and have any luck with that approach, please do let us know.
Quick update. Got my 50k points reinstated into my account by SW. Emailed the CEO and it worked.
Talked with a senior exec and was told they are considering some changes. Potential points won’t expire rule change or other favorable changes eluded to and told to stay tuned for coming announcement. Don’t have an exact timeline but sounds like maybe in August or September.
Talked with a senior exec and was told they are considering some changes. Potential points won’t expire rule change or other favorable changes eluded to and told to stay tuned for coming announcement. Don’t have an exact timeline but sounds like maybe in August or September.
Mar 20, 2019, 7:40 pm
#42
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,607
This is one of the reasons I keep my INK card. I transfer 1000 points/miles once a year ( Outlook reminder set up ) to Southwest, Hyatt, IHG, UA and Marriott to keep my points/miles alive
I see no value in paying an AF on a co branded card as my wife and I switch off getting cards and one of us is always working towards 0/24.
In 2 years or so, get the card and the SU bonus again.
I see no value in paying an AF on a co branded card as my wife and I switch off getting cards and one of us is always working towards 0/24.
In 2 years or so, get the card and the SU bonus again.
Mar 20, 2019, 7:52 pm
#44
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BNA (Nashville)
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 6,229
I have been a WN FF since 1997. I am making my statement out of my experiences. Your experiences may vary.
I fly SW when it makes sense and I lower my expectations during IRROPS. But I don't drink the LUV koolaid.