As jedivader says, Southwest is now telling people that they cannot re-use their own travel funds, which SWA allowed many times in the past. SWA says this policy changed in April 2011. But I received no notice of the change, and as a result, relied on the ability to re-use my own money which SWA had allowed without objection several times before.
This new policy contradicts Southwest's website, which provides that:
Did you know: Not all reservations are refundable, but they are all reusable? Should your plans change, all of our fares can be applied to future travel on Southwest Airlines.
This language is posted on the SWA website at:
http://www.southwest.com/html/custom...STOMER-REFUNDS
Jedivader and others in the same situation should review the language Southwest is relying on for this new policy:
Unused travel funds may only be applied toward the purchase of future travel for the individual named on the ticket.
Southwest will tell you that the person who purchased the ticket may not re-use the funds (despite the contrary language on the website).
But one of the "individuals named on the ticket" is the person who paid for the ticket. The purchaser's name and credit card information are a necessary part of the transaction -- otherwise, there would be no ticket. Southwest will tell you that "individual" means "passenger." But that is not what SWA's own terms provide.
Don't let SWA steal your money -- demand a refund, and if you don't get it, see a lawyer.
Good luck and post your experience here.