Flying out of Las Vegas on Southwest — we’ll be back someday!
On my trip to Bradenton in May, my outbound flight on Southwest was delayed for four hours. Luckily, I live close enough to the airport that I could just stay home (extra snuggles with the dogs) before heading to the airport.
I breezed through security (TSA pre-check = worth every penny!) and was waiting at the packed gate.That’s when the gate agent announced that we needed to come see her to receive our vouchers.
Vouchers? Were they canceling the flight after all? I turned to the travelers near me, who were also confused.
Turns out the vouchers were just to compensate us for the four-hour delay. I gaped at the agent – “So you’re still getting us there today and giving us a voucher?”
“Yes!” she smiled.
See, other airlines? No double-booked passengers, no one being dragged off an oversold flight (I’m looking at you, United), and no bag fees.
Just happy travelers.
Southwest Rapid Reward points
I could certainly accrue Southwest Rapid Reward points by signing up for the Southwest credit card, but we’re not ready to do that at this point.
So in the meantime, how am I earning points?
flights to/from Bradenton
After my mom’s health struggles began in the fall of 2016, I’ve been flying to Bradenton every few months to check on my parents and help out. Southwest flies non-stop to Tampa (TPA), about an hour from Bradenton. Sure, the Sarasota airport (SRQ) is only 30 minutes from their home, but Southwest doesn’t fly there, nor are there nonstop flights between Pittsburgh and SRQ.
So Tampa is my best option both in terms of price and speed of travel.
Who wants to get stuck in a layover airport if a storm comes through? Not me. Been there, done that.
SuperShuttle
I take the shared ride van to/from the airport, and when I make my reservation I provide my Rapid Rewards number to earn points.
Rapid Rewards dining program
By linking my every day credit card to the Rapid Rewards dining program, I earn miles for eating at my favorite pizza place. Easy peasy.
