Southwest Airlines

mgobluetx12

So they're having this 50% off sale today and I decide to book a trip to Vegas for my husband and I. I logged on and selected our flights and used my husband's credit card to make the purchase. It doesn't go through for some reason and I decide to try again later.

So I try again later, this time with my debit card and it doesn't work...AGAIN, so I'm mad, but figured we're better off saving the money.

THEN...my bank calls. Southwest Airlines charged my cards THIRTY SIX TIMES....in excess of $20,000!!!!!! My bank account is drained and my credit card is over the limit. Wonderful. So I spend 90 minutes (not exaggerating on any of this) on hold to speak with someone who says she will reverse the charges and we will get email confirmation.

I call the bank back and they said it will take 7-10 business days for the money to show up back in the account. Until then, I have NOTHING for food, gas, etc.

Can SW get away with doing this to me?

mgobluetx12

Really? No one? Guess I should have titled it 'SW Airlines Screwed Me Over.' That's something people would read. And how they did.

Ayla70

I have no words...

Sitting here reading this with my eyes boggled wide open...

I can loan you 5 bucks...but I'm in Australia lol

erinxo13

wow...that's messed up!!! I hope someone can help you.

DaniKenmir

I'm Aussie too, win! I have no idea if they can do that or not, but qantas went on strike while I was on holidays and I got stuck for 3 days with no money or anything! I'm just lucky I was visiting my folks!
Also I have an old family friend that used to fly for southwest!

Jimmy_Jojo

Oh my God. That is unbelievable. I'm in Australia too, but I have to say even down here I have heard so much bad press about SW Airlines. You'd think they'd have to give you some sort of compensation for that sort of thing, but I'm really not sure. I really hope it works out

StarkLark

This sounds like an great candidate for a submission on http://consumerist.com/. They have a huge following and your case could gain some serious traction there.

If nothing else go to your local branch and plead your case. Find the branch manager and explain. If you get nothing, hit social media and put the word out. Good luck!

**edited to add the website submission link: http://consumerist.com/tips **

thebrianmo

Can SW LEGALLY do that to you? No. They are a giant corporation and think they can get away with anything. Here's what I suggest. File a complaint (you can do this online) with the Attorney General's office for the state you live in. File a complaint with the United State's Attorney General's office. File a complaint with the FAA. Send a formal letter of complaint to

Mr. Gary C. Kelly, CEO
Southwest Airlines
P.O. Box 36647-1CR
Dallas, Texas 75235

File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. And if you have a blog, tell your story. You might also consider contacting the local news affiliates in your area to see if anyone is interested in picking up your story.

I know it seems like a lot of work, but someone has got to blow the whistle on SW.

I might also consider getting a new bank once you have your money back and even a new credit card company. My bank would never allow that many charges to hit in a row like that and with Capital One, they have stopped things in a matter of seconds before.

I'm truly sorry this happened to you and I pray you are able to get your money back as quickly and smoothly as possible without any further negative consequence to you or your family.

mgobluetx12

Thank you, thebrianmo. It's not too much work and I will do everything you suggested. When I called and finally spoke to a rep with SW Airlines, she said I'm not the only person this has happened to today, if you can believe that. They are seriously screwed, I hope.

myfitnessval

EFF THE LETTER. take it to twitter!!! i cant tell you how many times ive gotten companies to cooperate and side with me because its all on blast on twitter!

marvelscale

No, it probably isn't... their site may have been bogged down with traffic due to the 50% off sale. It's why sites warn you to never push your "back" button or click the "enter" button more than once.

wanderinglight

Agree with the local news idea. Or take it to gawker.com. Make sure you save screen shots of you online bank statement showing the charges.

storknursekelly

WOW, and I've never had a problem with SWAirlines ever ! But like everything I guess, there is always a first. I'm so sorry this happened to you. I agree with thebrianmo, defo write the CEO, he actually listens ! I heard him speak before, & have had friends write him and he answered back ! They used to be a great company, as with a lot of companies the economy has caused a lot to change, but it would be worth a free ticket I hope you get or more !! Believe me the CEO does not like bad press !! Also I think going twitter is a great idea as well as going to the branch mgr & taking your biz somewhere else if he can't at least reverse charges a lot sooner than 7-10 days, things always seems to happen on a weekend, interesting why that is. I don't know where you are, but at the least the bank or SWA could do is overnight or hand deliver a visa gift card to your door !!!!!!! Keep us updated !!!! Bless your heart, My prayers are with u.

storknursekelly

DEFO LOCAL NEWS !!!!

Prayforya

They have addressed this issue on their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Southwest

RebelliousRibbons

Is there *any* way you can get a cash advance from the bank? *Surely* this is a rare and extreme circumstance, and someone *must* understand? >,<

Ready2Rock206

That sucks! I had a Bank of America credit card once and I sent them a payment for $30 or something and they took $3000 instead. Overdrew my bank account, it was the Friday before my son's birthday and I hadn't purchased his present yet or anything else for his birthday. Bank of America was like whatever - we'll return your money when we get around to it. Luckily my Mom was able to loan me money so my son's birthday wasn't ruined. I finally did get all my money back but it was a pain! You definitely have my sympathies! Hopefully they'll refund you sooner rather than later!

jk262

OH NO! I'm sorry this happened to you, but I bought a flight on there today, oh shoot I hope this doesn't happen to me! START TWEETING. and FB. seriously, social media is awesome for stuff like this. I would do everyone else's suggestions also. I will start on your behalf! I hope everything works out for you in the end

staps065

I doubt SWA screwed you. They really don't have to scheme and charge somwonw $20K in false charges to survive. I fly SWA all the time (in fact again tomorrow morning! - to Vegas!) and have never had this problem. Probably a server glitch due to traffic. I'd say it was your bank or CC company that should be able to tell you didn't mean to but $20K worth of airfare and cancel the majority of them and put some $$ back into your account.

Just saying! SWA is not that evil....

MzBug

Since you used your debit card online it was used as a credit card and subject to the return policy of the company (and your bank) for credit card charges. Some companies do instant returns, some can take up to 90 days. Just an FYI...when you use your card as a debit card (enter your pin number) they have to credit your return immediately or give you cash. Good luck with SW!

mgobluetx12

This was DEFINITELY Southwest Airlines' mistake and I'm not the only one this happened to. They still haven't fixed it and can't tell me when they will get around to doing it since they charged HUNDREDS of people multiple times. This is so unreal. Thanks to everyone who cared enough to write back.

seventwenty

This was DEFINITELY Southwest Airlines' mistake and I'm not the only one this happened to. They still haven't fixed it and can't tell me when they will get around to doing it since they charged HUNDREDS of people multiple times. This is so unreal. Thanks to everyone who cared enough to write back.

Well, they're looking into it. http://www.southwest.com/html/air/technical-difficulties.html Keep a good record about anything you purchase b/w now and when this is all sorted. When Southwest gives you compensation in addition to correcting the problem, and they will try to compensate you with something like frequent flyer miles, shoot back with your expense data.

macpatti

I've had this happen with another company. Someone from SWA can call your bank and have it expedited. They just don't tell you that. Get on the phone and complain!

Ocarina

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
20k!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ACK !!!!!
HOLY CRAP!!!

Ugh heh. I really really hope you get your money back. Whatever way. That is absolutely ridiculous.

dlwyatt82

Your bank should have immediately reinstated your balance while their fraud division investigated. That's what they normally do when someone reports charges that they're disputing.

IamSheaMc

Just saw a lady on the news with a similar story...that's crazy!

mgobluetx12

Two days later and we haven't received a DIME of our money back. Southwest keeps telling us to call the bank and the bank tells us to call Southwest. This is ridiculous and we have NO money to use for anything and our mortgage was due yesterday.

ScatteredThoughts

Two days later and we haven't received a DIME of our money back. Southwest keeps telling us to call the bank and the bank tells us to call Southwest. This is ridiculous and we have NO money to use for anything and our mortgage was due yesterday.

That is ridiculous. Maybe take it to the local media? Or try to get something going on Twitter and such? I don't think Southwest wants that kind of negative publicity.

Angel1066

Wow so sorry for you, but i can't imagine why your bank would let such a thing happen without checking first. That's so scary fingers crossed its resolved soon.

ExplorinLauren

Can SW LEGALLY do that to you? No. They are a giant corporation and think they can get away with anything. Here's what I suggest. File a complaint (you can do this online) with the Attorney General's office for the state you live in. File a complaint with the United State's Attorney General's office. File a complaint with the FAA. Send a formal letter of complaint to

Mr. Gary C. Kelly, CEO
Southwest Airlines
P.O. Box 36647-1CR
Dallas, Texas 75235

File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. And if you have a blog, tell your story. You might also consider contacting the local news affiliates in your area to see if anyone is interested in picking up your story.

I know it seems like a lot of work, but someone has got to blow the whistle on SW.

I might also consider getting a new bank once you have your money back and even a new credit card company. My bank would never allow that many charges to hit in a row like that and with Capital One, they have stopped things in a matter of seconds before.

I'm truly sorry this happened to you and I pray you are able to get your money back as quickly and smoothly as possible without any further negative consequence to you or your family.

Fantastic advice!
SOooooo sorry this has happened to you!! I would be freaking out!
I use SW alllll the time to fly my kids back to FL to see their dad... I've never had a problem so far...
But I would def get on this ASAP. Where did you hear of this 50% off deal? On their site?
Good luck to you!!

ScatteredThoughts

Looks like Southwest screwed a lot of people because of problems on their side.

http://t.co/FAe7Oxg5