Southwest Airlines confirmed today that beginning January 28, 2011, it will “not allow unused travel funds to be applied toward travel for anyone other than the original passenger.” This shift from permissible name changes would negate one of Southwest’s popular selling points and bring the carrier’s position in line with most major competitors.
According to a Southwest spokeswoman, the newly stated policy has been in their Contract of Carriage for years, but making exceptions had become common practice. The new rule will be applied “consistently across all customers who seek to rebook unused funds.”
The change will be communicated in a message on southwest .com and swabiz .com upon booking a flight; on emailed and faxed itineraries; and on ticket receipts at the airport by including the word "nontransferable."
Stay tuned.
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