2011/01/06

Suck It, Southwest

DaGoddess @ 17:07

Southwest has changed their Rapid Rewards program so that it’s now based upon points rather than credits. And there’s a new structure for redeeming the flight credits. Instead of being able to use 16 credits to get a flight anywhere Southwest flies, it now appears that your points dictate how far you travel. X number of points will get you to another state, more points get you further, etc.

Depending on what fare you pay, where you travel determines how many points you earn. So forget customer loyalty! You have to pay more and travel further to earn points “faster” (according to their new program it’s “faster”, but that’s bullshit).

For the traveler who frequently flies short trips, you’re gonna have to work a lot harder to earn that free flight from L.A. to the East Coast. If you don’t mind earning a trip to San Diego or Las Vegas, no worries. You can still do that. But that’s about it. You have to spend way more, fly further to earn that free flight. I’m one credit away from my free flight “anywhere Southwest flies”. As long as I take that trip before 3-11-2011, I guess I’m good. But after that? Forget it. I can only travel within this very tiny box they’ve set up.

Thanks bunches, Southwest. You used to be my favorite airline. Now? I kinda don’t like you at all.

Guess I should start looking at Jet Blue or Allegiant or something.

4 Comments

  1. I love JetBlue, but not for the points. I know SW management has long publicly hates frequent flier points. I don’t see why they don’t just discontinue the program. Gypping people creates bad will.

    Comment by rob sama — 2011/01/11 @ 12:20

  2. I just wish SW would quit messing with a good program.

    Have yet to try JetBlue, but I’m heading in that direction quickly

    Comment by DaGoddess — 2011/01/11 @ 20:53

  3. I still like SW. I’ll take free luggage and low fares over frequent flier points anyday, but that’s because I don’t fly enough to rack up a bunch of points anyway. Plus, SW has a great history of no crashes http://www.planecrashinfo.com/rates.htm

    Comment by Stu — 2011/01/12 @ 08:54

  4. Yeah, there is that free luggage thing and the safety record.

    I just want to be able to earn my points and get my free flight, though! Sooner, rather than later. I’m really that petty and cheap. I have no problem admitting that. :)

    Comment by DaGoddess — 2011/01/12 @ 16:08

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