What if I book a room through Southwest?

[blkshirt]

Say I use Southwest Vacations to book my flight and room together. Is this a bad thing or should I book my flight separately and hotel through the websites (Total rewards, MLife, etc...) and get the reduced rates up front? Or should I take backend comps?

For example, I just got an offer at Wynncore. Encore Resort King suite for the trip in June (3 nights). $135/night. I can't get that deal if I go through Southwest.

I'm asking because I've never done it this way but looking at some various options for myself and also helping a few key people of the main group get a better plan of attack. Basically, it's between me and the main guy retiring to decide everything and trying to get the most bang for our buck.

Thanks!

 

[vegasdev]

results may vary, but I have never found a package deal that was better than separate. and don't forget, the package deals don't include resort fees.

 

[paperposter]

if u book thru any thing but directly the hotel and u gamble enough they cant comp your stay.
they can comp food and other miscelaneoius stuff but not what ever u pre payed for

ive always found that if u poke around u can find the hotel for the same price as a package and this way if u have to cancel u only loose the flight money not the hotel also.

 

[blkshirt]

Thanks!

That's pretty much what I figured... Appreciate the tips!

 

[nostresshere]

Sometimes the package price is so good, you should go for it.

But - you generally get Runof the House rooms. Nothing extra. No changes. You could drop thousands in play and they host can not change that you paid for the room through a third party.

So generally book direct. Same with airlines and cards. Third party leaves you little options.

 

[blkshirt]

Sometimes the package price is so good, you should go for it.

But - you generally get Runof the House rooms. Nothing extra. No changes. You could drop thousands in play and they host can not change that you paid for the room through a third party.

So generally book direct. Same with airlines and cards. Third party leaves you little options.

That is how I have always done it other than when my wife and I went on our honeymoon. We ended up getting an awesome deal by booking it all through United Vacations. (Roundtrip from Cleveland to Montego Bay for first class was $25 more than coach, I'll let you guess what we did). I had a few people in the group ask if this should be an option they should look into. I wanted to do my research so I didn't steer them wrong.

Thanks!

 

[h0und10]

If you did the package wouldn't you be paying more up front, but then it should be easier to get back end comps? At least in theory?

 

[nostresshere]

If you did the package wouldn't you be paying more up front, but then it should be easier to get back end comps? At least in theory?

Sometimes the package costs more.
Sometimes it costs less.
Always make sure taxes are covered. Also make sure the room is not per person vs. the normal per night when you compare.
And - check for booking fee and refundable vs non refundable.