It sounds counterintuitive. Why would you pay for a flight that you don't need to take, just to get a free flight later on. Why not just pay for that other flight? Well, here's the deal.
Southwest is currently offering a promotion called "Fly 3, Get 1 Free" that applies specifically to California. If you take three intrastate flights before the end of February, you get one free flight to any of Southwest's 62 nationwide destinations. The reason that I am considering this is that I have already taken one LAX to Oakland trip, and have another LAX to San Jose trip planned for February. Those are both on the company dime. I don't have a business reason to take a third trip.
But here's what I'm thinking. I have friends in San Francisco. I could fly to Oakland, stay overnight, and fly back. I could get the internet special fares of $49 each way. After taxes and security fees, I would be paying $108 for the trip. I get a short visit with some friends out of the deal, and a free ticket to use over the next year. That free ticket would most likely be used for a flight to Portland, Baltimore or Chicago. These are flights that generally run a minimum of $99 each way, and more.
So, What do you think? Would you do it?
That is known as a mileage run. Yea, definitely do it if you think you will be taking a longer trip in the next year. That is financially savvy. But only if you would take the longer trip anyway...
Posted by: Bronco | January 12, 2007 at 10:00 AM
It's so nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easier!! Thanks.
Posted by: MBT Shoes | July 23, 2011 at 12:49 AM