Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus

Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus: Is This the Sweet Spot for Your Next Trip?

Hey there, fellow traveler! If you've flown Southwest Airlines recently, you might have noticed a new face in the booking lineup: the Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus fare. For years, we relied on the classic Wanna Get Away, but as of mid-2022, Southwest decided to introduce a new option designed for folks who need a bit more flexibility without jumping straight into the high costs of Anytime or Business Select fares.

This middle-ground option has quickly become a favorite for many, but you might be wondering if the added cost is truly worth the extra benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we're going to break down everything you need to know about Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus, helping you decide if this new fare is the perfect fit for your next adventure.

Ready to dive into the details and find out exactly what makes WGA+ special? Let's get started!

What Exactly is the Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus Fare?

The Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus fare slot sits comfortably between the budget-friendly standard Wanna Get Away (WGA) and the mid-tier Anytime fare. It's designed specifically to address the biggest drawback of the standard WGA fare: non-transferable flight credit.

Think of WGA+ as "Wanna Get Away, but with safety goggles." It offers the low price point that Southwest is known for, combined with essential features that provide peace of mind, especially if your plans are prone to change.

The core benefit of the Wanna Get Away Plus fare is definitely the ability to transfer unused flight funds. Additionally, it offers boosted Rapid Rewards earnings and enhanced same-day flight options, making it significantly more appealing than the base fare for frequent flyers or travelers with complex schedules.

Key Benefits That Make WGA+ Stand Out

While the standard Wanna Get Away fare includes the basics—like two free checked bags and no change fees—the Plus version stacks on three really valuable features that differentiate it entirely. These features are often what convince travelers to spend the extra $15-$35 per segment.

These key enhancements focus on financial security, speed, and earning potential. Understanding these perks is essential to justifying the slight bump in price for the Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus fare.

1. Transferable Flight Credit

This is arguably the headline feature of WGA+. If you cancel your flight, the resulting flight credit (which usually expires after 12 months) can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards member.

With the standard Wanna Get Away fare, if you cancel, only the original passenger can use those funds. With WGA+, if you cancel a $200 flight, you can give that $200 credit to your spouse, friend, or coworker, which provides incredible flexibility for families or business travelers.

2. Enhanced Rapid Rewards Earning

Who doesn't love earning points faster? When you book a Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus fare, you earn 8 points per dollar spent, compared to the 6 points per dollar you get with the standard Wanna Get Away fare.

For frequent flyers, this boost can rapidly increase your Rapid Rewards balance, bringing you closer to earning those coveted Companion Passes or free flights.

3. Same-Day Change/Same-Day Standby (Free of Charge)

This feature is a game-changer for business travelers or anyone who needs to adjust their schedule last minute. With WGA+, you can make a free same-day change to a flight departing within the same 24-hour period, provided there is a seat available.

Unlike the basic WGA fare, which requires you to pay the fare difference, WGA+ allows this change at no extra cost, even if the new flight is technically more expensive. If a confirmed seat isn't available, you can opt for free standby, waiting for an open spot.

Comparing WGA+ vs. the Classic Wanna Get Away

To truly appreciate the value of the Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus, it helps to see it side-by-side with its predecessor. Both fares offer the standard Southwest perks like no change fees and free checked bags, but the differences revolve entirely around flexibility and earning potential.

The price difference typically ranges from $15 to $35 per segment, depending on the route and how far in advance you book. You need to weigh the marginal cost against the value of flexibility for your specific travel needs.

Here is a quick breakdown of the core differences:

1. Points Earning: WGA earns 6x points; WGA+ earns 8x points.
2. Flight Credit: WGA credit is locked to the original passenger; WGA+ credit can be transferred to another person.
3. Same-Day Change: WGA requires paying the fare difference; WGA+ allows free same-day change or standby.

Understanding the New Transferable Flight Credit

Let's talk more about that amazing transferable credit, because it's the biggest structural change provided by the Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus fare. Previously, if you booked a standard WGA flight and cancelled, the resulting credit was essentially tied to your Rapid Rewards number, usable only by you.

This was often frustrating for people traveling in groups or for families where one person typically booked all the flights. If Mom booked a ticket and then had to cancel, only Mom could use the credit, even if Dad needed to fly next month.

With WGA+, that flight credit is unlocked. Once you cancel the flight, you can access the credit via your Rapid Rewards account and transfer it to another member. This dramatically reduces the financial risk associated with canceling non-refundable travel.

The Fine Print of Transferring Credit

While the transfer feature is great, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, the credit must be transferred as one lump sum; you can't split a single credit among multiple people.

Second, Southwest has capped the number of times you can transfer credit. You can transfer up to four eligible flight credits per calendar year. This is usually plenty for the typical traveler but is important to note if you run a small business or book for a large extended family.

The ability to transfer unused funds adds significant tangible value, especially when compared to other low-cost fares across the industry that offer zero flexibility once booked.

Who Should Choose Wanna Get Away Plus?

Now for the big question: Is WGA+ right for you? The answer depends entirely on your travel profile and how often your plans change.

If you are a traveler who books months in advance and is extremely confident in your dates and times, the standard Wanna Get Away might save you a few dollars. However, for almost everyone else, the Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus offers fantastic value.

Consider booking WGA+ if you fall into one of these categories:

• The Unsure Planner: You book travel often but recognize that meetings, weather, or life events might force you to cancel. The transferable credit ensures your money is never wasted.
• The Rapid Rewards Hunter: If you are actively pursuing a Companion Pass or just want to maximize your points accrual, the extra 2x points per dollar add up quickly.
• The Business Traveler: Your schedule is inherently unpredictable. The free Same-Day Change/Standby feature is essential if you need to hop on an earlier flight home unexpectedly without incurring hefty fees or fare differences.
• The Family Booker: If you often book tickets for other family members, being able to move the flight credit between accounts is invaluable for managing household travel funds efficiently.

Maximizing Flexibility: Same-Day Change and Standby

One of the hidden gems of the Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus is the ease of making same-day flight adjustments. This policy starts exactly 24 hours prior to the original departure time.

If you arrive at the airport early or finish your work sooner than expected, you can often grab an earlier flight home without opening your wallet again. This is a massive improvement over standard WGA, where that same change could cost $50 or more if the earlier flight was priced higher.

If there are no confirmed seats on the flight you want, WGA+ travelers can simply be added to the standby list at the gate. This is all handled smoothly by the gate agents, ensuring minimal fuss and maximum efficiency for your travel day.

Conclusion: Is Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus Worth the Upgrade?

Absolutely. The Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus fare successfully bridges the gap between the ultra-basic budget fare and the premium options like Anytime and Business Select.

For a small increase in cost, you gain powerful features: the ability to transfer unused flight funds, faster Rapid Rewards earning, and crucial free same-day flight adjustments. These benefits mitigate the risk of cancellations and provide substantial convenience for last-minute scheduling needs.

If you value financial safety, flexibility, and points accumulation, the WGA+ fare is well worth the modest investment. Go ahead and book that trip knowing your funds are secure, even if your plans aren't!

Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus

What is the main difference between Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus?

The main differences are the ability to transfer flight credit to another person (Plus only), increased Rapid Rewards earning (8x points vs 6x points), and free same-day flight change/standby (Plus only).

How much more expensive is the Wanna Get Away Plus fare?

The price difference typically ranges between $15 and $35 per one-way segment, depending on the route, demand, and how far in advance the flight is booked. This extra cost covers the added flexibility features.

How do I transfer a flight credit if I cancel a WGA+ ticket?

After canceling, the flight credit will appear in your Rapid Rewards account. You can then use the 'Transfer Funds' feature within your account dashboard to move the credit to another eligible Rapid Rewards member. Remember, you are limited to four transfers per year.

Does Wanna Get Away Plus include EarlyBird Check-In?

No, WGA+ does not automatically include EarlyBird Check-In. If you want a better boarding position (A1-A15), you would need to book the Anytime or Business Select fares, or purchase EarlyBird Check-In separately.

If I make a same-day change with WGA+, do I lose my existing flight credit?

No. If you make a confirmed same-day change to a different flight, you are not charged any fare difference, and the ticket remains non-refundable. If the new flight is cheaper, you won't receive a refund, but if it's more expensive, you won't be charged extra, making it a great benefit.

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