a quirky Southwest Airlines rebooking policy

When does a refundable ticket become non-refundable? I just received the following Southwest Airlines Advisory from the Brownell Air Desk:

In order to maintain the refundability of your original REFUNDABLE ticket when changing itineraries, you should REFUND the original ticket and make a new reservation. Otherwise, if you make changes to refundable tickets, they become NON-REFUNDABLE!

Don't know whether this applies only to travel agency bookings, or whether it applies as well to internet and phone bookings with Southwest. While Southwest is tops in the industry in terms of charging no change or cancellation penalties, you pay top dollar for refundable tickets.

The solution is simple. Don't make date changes to a full-fare Southwest ticket. Just cancel and refund your ticket, then make a new booking. This will protect the refundability of your fare. This is a stupid policy, making more work for everyone ... but something to be aware of if you're traveling on Southwest.

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