Just took our first trip w/Southwest, loved it! However, now it's time to book my son (age 17) a flight and we're having problems. He plans to return from CA 8/9/06. More than one week ago when we tried, were told "Sorry, too early to book that far out, try again in a few days". We tried again last night, and same exact answer! I asked the reservations clerk on the phone, she said they never know when the schedule will be updated! Is that possible? We can't wait forever (need to let work & school know), but hate to book on another airline since SWA will likely be cheaper. Can't use sites like EXPEDIA due to his not being 18. Any ideas? Thanks

Like many of us, you gotta wait. Keep checking! Not much else you can do.

Southwest usually allows you to book 3 mos in advance. They havn't put August yet into the reservation system, but I imagine it will happen any day now.Unless you are flying a route that has a limited number of departures you should have no trouble booking.

they seem to extend the schedule toward the end of even numbered months. so i expect it to be extended out in couple weeks. just keep checking.

sign up for "DING", they will notify your desktop when they have opened up past Aug. 3! Plus with DING you get even better deals!!

Please check this thread on the "airlines" forum.

htt://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=126&tid=34785435

Just curious - what is it about not being 18 and Expedia? I thought if you had a credit card, you could buy air or hotel.

Also, Southwest does not list on Expedia, Travelocity, etc.

I love Southwest and I would not think they are going out of business. It is just the way they run there airlines. They are doing well.

Southwest doesn't sell online except on their own website. That's just one of the ways they keep their fares low.

I'll second the advice to use "Ding!" to see when they start booking that date. It's very, very close. I bought my late July airfare a few weeks ago...

Does your computer actually "Ding" - that is the most annoying commercial I have seen recently.

I fly SWA twice a week. Currently the schedule is only open till 8/03. Any day they should open aother 90 or so days. I wake up each morning and check first thing or just after midnight if I'm up. If you can do that also, it's worth waiting for. FYI, they have the best cancellation policy of any airline. Should you cancel you get 100% credit toward any future flight within 12 months.

THIS IS KILLING ME! I have to get it off my chest or I will not be able to get to sleep tonight.

Southwest SUCKS! It has always SUCKED! It will always SUCK!

Thank you for your understanding. I feel better now.....
8-)

THANKS ALL! We signed up for DING last night, I have high hopes!