'Recently got back from a trip I planned online. Just by chance I happened to have booked and flown right in the center of a promotion window where they were offering flyers double Rapid Rewards points for their trip. Upon my arrival back I checked my account points balance and only the base portion of my allocated points had shown up on my account.
I called SWA and had to speak with three c/s reps, and frankly none of them really were able to explain how many actual points were earned for that specific trip versus what I would be also receiving as a bonus. (However, all three of these c/s reps agreed that I qualified and that the bonus points would show up within four days.) The c/s reps were more than eager to forward my call inquiry along to anyone else, so long as they didn't have to delve into my concern. (I got the feeling that their c/s reps don't like dealing with anything to do with the Rewards Program.)
Fast forward to today and now after the four day waiting period has passed, still no sign of any those bonus pts. in hand. I gave them another call (which lasted about 25 minutes / mostly on hold) so as they could AGAIN begin looking into this issue from the starting point. After all was said and done with about 90 minutes of my time invested, I was DECLINED any bonus points because even though I did pre-register for the bonus promotion within the time frame, they claimed I was denied the points because I first made my reservation AND THEN signed up for the bonus promo.
Talk about $plitting hair$...as if it really matter$ to them what order I enrolled in the promo?? Airlines appear to make it virtually impossible to collect on their bonus programs...and of course, none of this "fine print B/S" is highlighted in a reader friendly layout. You'd think they'd program something into their online reservation process that would highlight any promos available to you before you purchase the ticket. (Now I picture them behind the scenes during the customer's reservation process holding their breath, thinking something like "well we got away with fooling another one.) Beyond stringing along many SWA Rewards Program flyers, I guess they don't really want to actually have to honor what they advertise. Misleading customers...not cool for repeat business. Thumbs down to SWA.