[Ombudsman]

I'm really not sure what your issue really is. When I make a hotel reservation on Hilton's website it can take anywhere from one to four hours for the reservation to show up in my profile. If I call the property directly it can take one to two days. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. Making a note of, printing out, or taking a "screen shot" of the confirmation isn't a bad idea but in most cases unnecessary since most airlines, hotels, etc. will immediately e-mail your confirmation.

As for the info while on hold...even my doctor's office does this. What makes Southwest or any other airline any different? Put the hold music on speakerphone, make yourself a cup of tea, and when you hear a live voice pick up the phone.