Checking for Free Changes With Companion Booked?
Feb 22, 2022, 2:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: MDW
Programs: WN A+,CP (ex-DL Platinum)
Posts: 14
Checking for Free Changes With Companion Booked?
Southwest has a weather advisory for Chicago the next two days. I'm flying with my companion to MDW this evening. I wanted to check if our flight can be changed without a fare increase. If I start a change operation online, I get an error since I have a companion fare. I don't want to cancel the companion fare to check mine for fear I'll lose the seat. Is there a way to work around this?
Feb 22, 2022, 3:11 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,872
Southwest has a weather advisory for Chicago the next two days. I'm flying with my companion to MDW this evening. I wanted to check if our flight can be changed without a fare increase. If I start a change operation online, I get an error since I have a companion fare. I don't want to cancel the companion fare to check mine for fear I'll lose the seat. Is there a way to work around this?
Feb 22, 2022, 5:14 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,072
Check on prices WITHOUT trying to make a change. If there are good options/price, you have two options.
Cancel the companion, book the new flight/change and then add companion.
Or
Call in and have them do it.
( I strongly prefer to do it myself)
Cancel the companion, book the new flight/change and then add companion.
Or
Call in and have them do it.
( I strongly prefer to do it myself)
Feb 23, 2022, 11:12 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX/SMF/PDX/HNL
Programs: Hilton-lifetime diamond, Southwest A+, companion pass
Posts: 1,748
I would search for an alternative flight for 8 passengers, just to be safe. Two seats can disappear in the time between your search and your attempt to rebook. Also, it will give you an idea of the number of seats available at the fare you are shopping.
Feb 23, 2022, 11:38 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 1,924
Don't think OP is wondering about what the fares are now, they want to know if they can make a free change due to the weather without having to pay any fare difference.
If flight isn't sold out, remove companion, then start your change process.
If flight isn't sold out, remove companion, then start your change process.
Feb 23, 2022, 1:54 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,072
And that is one of the reasons I often do not add companion until closer to flight date. If concerned about flight being sold out - you can usually see if a few seats are left, or as another person suggested, try a booking for 8 seats and if it is open, you are in great shape.
And for those that say this is a big pain and to just call in... well, the suggested process takes maybe 3 minutes - good luck getting through on the phone that quick - LOL!
Feb 23, 2022, 4:06 pm
#8
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,624