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I checked fares for my annual birthday trip from Lubbock to Cozumel back in December. I was curious if the Southwest effect would lower their fares so looked, found flights for $423 RT (Main cabin, not Basic), and grabbed them since that was $200 cheaper than the previous year. Everything has changed since then and those same flights are selling for $286 - another $137 cheaper yet! As a bonus, they are offering free changes on tickets purchased after March 1, but I accepted that would not apply to me.
Then I finally decided to call and ask if they would give me a break, and they actually allowed me the same change privileges as offered to new sales! No, I could not book for the same dates & flights at the lower fare, but I could change dates and book at the lower fares. I tried changing to a day earlier going & returning, but that failed - same-day flights not available, and I did not want to spend a night in DFW. I was able to move my departure up two days, return by one day, extend my stay by one night, and save $137. I'll probably spend that much or more on an extra day & night there, but that's fine. More diving or sightseeing.
I even got better seats! Aisle seats on rows 11 & 13 both ways! How nice. I'll get a voucher instead of a refund, but that's fine.
Of course, we have no clue as to what the airline may actually do by then, but all we can do is play along. Now I need to change my trip insurance, hotel reservation, and dive plans.
Then I finally decided to call and ask if they would give me a break, and they actually allowed me the same change privileges as offered to new sales! No, I could not book for the same dates & flights at the lower fare, but I could change dates and book at the lower fares. I tried changing to a day earlier going & returning, but that failed - same-day flights not available, and I did not want to spend a night in DFW. I was able to move my departure up two days, return by one day, extend my stay by one night, and save $137. I'll probably spend that much or more on an extra day & night there, but that's fine. More diving or sightseeing.
I even got better seats! Aisle seats on rows 11 & 13 both ways! How nice. I'll get a voucher instead of a refund, but that's fine.
Of course, we have no clue as to what the airline may actually do by then, but all we can do is play along. Now I need to change my trip insurance, hotel reservation, and dive plans.
