How to Book a Ticket with Flexible Dates
Apr 29, 2011 | 2:02 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: StarAlliance, ThankYou, CO, UA
Posts: 8
How to Book a Ticket with Flexible Dates
Hello, thanks so much for the previous post about HKG travel tips. I have another question regarding flexible ticketing. My sister is expecting a baby and currently lives in NYC. I reside in Chicago. I travel often between NYC/PHL and CHI airports, but all of these tickets have been on fixed dates. The baby's due date is 7/10, but the baby could "pop out" anytime a week before or after.
Because I have no clue when the baby will "pop out", is it possible to book a ticket with flexible dates from 7/3 through 7/17? I'm sure this has a premium, but what is the procedure in booking this type of ticket online if available? Thanks in advance.
Because I have no clue when the baby will "pop out", is it possible to book a ticket with flexible dates from 7/3 through 7/17? I'm sure this has a premium, but what is the procedure in booking this type of ticket online if available? Thanks in advance.
Apr 29, 2011 | 3:46 pm
#2
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 16,214
Southwest charges no fees to change your ticket, though some tickets are "non-refundable," meaning you'll just get a credit good toward future travel.
When you look at Southwest's fare chart, you'll see a few price levels. Business Select and Anytime fares are fully refundable. You can also make same-day flight changes for free. The Wanna Get Away fare is the least expensive, but non-refundable and same-day changes cost a fee (plus the fare difference, I believe).
As a point of comparison, the MDW-PHL fare range (Business Select-Wanna Get Away) on July 10 is $285-185. On July 7, it's $287-104. (Friday-Sundays seem more expensive.)
If you fly Southwest frequently, I'd just book several flights at the Wanna Get Away fares on the assumption that you'll use one, cancel the others and use the credit on future travel.
If that's more credit than you'd like to accrue, maybe book Anytime flights on July 8, 9 or 10, then book some a Wanna Get Away flight on July 7 & 11. Worst case, you'd have $200 of credit, because the July 8-10 fares are fully refundable.
When you look at Southwest's fare chart, you'll see a few price levels. Business Select and Anytime fares are fully refundable. You can also make same-day flight changes for free. The Wanna Get Away fare is the least expensive, but non-refundable and same-day changes cost a fee (plus the fare difference, I believe).
As a point of comparison, the MDW-PHL fare range (Business Select-Wanna Get Away) on July 10 is $285-185. On July 7, it's $287-104. (Friday-Sundays seem more expensive.)
If you fly Southwest frequently, I'd just book several flights at the Wanna Get Away fares on the assumption that you'll use one, cancel the others and use the credit on future travel.
If that's more credit than you'd like to accrue, maybe book Anytime flights on July 8, 9 or 10, then book some a Wanna Get Away flight on July 7 & 11. Worst case, you'd have $200 of credit, because the July 8-10 fares are fully refundable.
Apr 29, 2011 | 3:48 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SAN
Programs: PR Premier Elite
Posts: 1,951
Most US airlines will let you book unrestricted fares on their web sites. Go to "Advanced" page if its doesn't appear as an option. But it won't be cheap and there is not necessarily a whole lot of price benefit over just paying up booking last minute.
Apr 29, 2011 | 5:32 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: StarAlliance, ThankYou, CO, UA
Posts: 8
Thank you both, Mabuk dan gila and chgoeditor. I am definitely gonna research the Southwest fares this weekend! I've never taken them before as I've always used Continental and United due to their frequency.