Southwest Reduces Advance Group Booking Window

July 1, 2003

Southwest Reduces Advance Group Booking Window
Southwest Airlines announced today that it will no longer accept group bookings made beyond its current open schedule, which generally runs from four to six months in advance.

As an NTA Transportation Provider, Southwest has allowed NTA tour operators to book groups as far in advance as one year. NTA has contacted Southwest to see if such privileges will continue to be offered under the provider program.

Key points to the new policy include:

Effective July 1, 2003, group customers may reserve space only on Southwest’s current published flight schedule, and not on dates beyond that schedule.

All group bookings made prior to July 1, 2003, will be honored. Accepted changes include passenger counts and name changes to the current itinerary.

Those with questions about a group booking are directed to contact the airline’s Group Reservations at 1-800-433-5368.

NTA will keep its members informed of any updates it receives concerning the new policy.