Previously, this airline was recognized for its adaptable fare options, including complimentary changes and cancellations even on its most economical tickets. Under the now-superseded 'Wanna Get Away' fare, passengers could effortlessly modify their flights without incurring additional costs. A notable perk was the ability to rebook at a lower price if the fare decreased, simply by adjusting the reservation. However, the new 'Basic' fare imposes considerably tighter restrictions. Travelers wishing to alter their plans must now cancel their entire booking—a process that thankfully remains free of cancellation fees—and then rebook. A critical change, however, is that 'Basic' fares are non-refundable, meaning passengers receive flight credit instead of cash. This credit, unlike its predecessors, now carries a six-month expiration period, adding another layer of complexity to travel planning.

The implications of this new credit expiration are particularly significant for round-trip bookings. If a passenger needs to cancel just one segment of their journey, they are forced to cancel the entire itinerary. This could lead to losing out on a favorable fare for the untouched leg of the trip, as its price might have escalated since the initial booking. What began as a cost-effective plan could quickly become more expensive. This is precisely where the strategy of booking two individual one-way tickets gains considerable traction, offering a mechanism to circumvent these potential financial setbacks.

Splitting a journey into separate reservations, one for the outbound flight and one for the return, empowers travelers to manage each segment independently. Should the fare for the departure flight decrease, one can cancel solely that ticket, receive the flight credit, and promptly rebook at the reduced rate. The return flight remains unaffected, thus eliminating the risk of incurring higher costs by having to rebook the entire round-trip. This tactic has been verified by online travel communities, including prominent influencers, surprising many who were unaware of this money-saving method.

Despite the efficacy of this trick, it appears to be a lesser-known secret among the general flying public, perhaps contributing to this airline's relatively low cancellation rates compared to competitors. It is important to note that this strategy is most beneficial for those purchasing the 'Basic' fare. For passengers opting for higher tiers—such as 'Choice,' 'Choice Preferred,' or 'Choice Extra'—these limitations do not apply. These premium options maintain flexibility for round-trip bookings, offering benefits like free same-day changes and standby options for last-minute adjustments. Furthermore, credits from these higher-tier fares are not subject to the six-month expiration window, making them a more secure choice for travelers prioritizing maximum flexibility without the concern of losing credit value.

This airline has been implementing numerous adjustments recently, leading to considerable customer dissatisfaction. The company has even had to publicly address the growing backlash over the removal of some previously unique and customer-friendly policies. Changes such as the impending elimination of the open-seating policy and the discontinuation of the popular 'bags fly free' benefit are further exacerbating customer frustration. These shifts highlight a broader trend of policy reevaluation within the airline industry, prompting passengers to become more strategic in their booking decisions to adapt to evolving travel landscapes.