Unlike other airlines that have their own business class cabins, Southwest Airlines does not offer business class seating. However, there is one premium cabin on Southwest Airlines that can be compared to a business class seat upgrade: it is called Business Select. If you are looking for ways to get upgraded seating, boarding, and extra services on Southwest, read this article to know all the details.
As Southwest Airlines follows the open seating policy, there is no option of selecting your preferred seat. Hence, upgrading your seat on Southwest Airlines means buying a more expensive ticket or using certain methods to enhance your boarding process.
Southwest fares have three primary levels:
This fare is what customers usually look for under “Southwest business class seat upgrade.” Even though Business Select doesn’t provide a special cabin and bigger seats, it provides the highest level of boarding position and travel benefits offered by Southwest.
With Business Select, you get the following perks:
As Southwest Airlines doesn’t assign any seats in advance, the only thing that matters is your boarding position. The A-1 to A-15 boarding gives you a good chance to take an available seat, including extra legroom exit rows, which is why people consider Business Select as the business class.
This is the easiest way since you will book Business Select during the purchase process of your flights on Southwest Airlines website or application.
If you have already booked a cheaper fare and want to make an upgrade, then follow these steps to do that:
If Business Select is not available or too expensive, then Southwest Airlines also allows you to buy Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15 board position only without Business Select perks). You can purchase it for a flat fee ranging from $30-$50, and it can be bought up to 24 hours before departure either at the gate or online.
Passengers who do not require all the privileges of the Business Select program but would like a better check-in position can use EarlyBird Check-In service ($15-$25 per segment), which will automatically check you in 36 hours prior to your flight.
Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred flyers get free priority boarding that’s equivalent to Business Select without having to pay for the upgrade each time.
| Attribute | Business Select | Upgraded Boarding | EarlyBird Check-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding Group | A1-A15 | A1-A15 | Improved but not guaranteed |
| Refundable Fares | Yes | No | No |
| Standby on Same Day | Free | Not Included | Not Included |
| Complimentary Beverage | Yes | No | No |
| Additional Rapid Rewards Points | Yes | No | No |
| Average Price | $30-$150 and above | $30-$50 | $15-$25 |
For business travelers who prize their flexibility, no change fees and refunds, and guaranteed priority boarding, Business Select is well worth paying extra for, especially on popular flights or during busy periods when priority boarding is essential to securing a good seat.
For leisure travelers that care only about having a more desirable seat without all the additional flexibility, Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In are much better value choices.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines does not have any business class seats; however, the Business Select is considered their premium class offering the best boarding position and benefits to travelers. If one needs a refundable ticket and the guarantee of early boarding, then he or she will need to choose the Business Select; otherwise, Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In will do just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. There is no separate business class in Southwest Airlines’ one-class cabin. Business Select is a separate fare class that entitles you to premium boarding and some other perks.
The price of Business Select varies depending on the route, travel dates, and availability and usually ranges from $30 to $150 or more over Wanna Get Away fares per flight segment.
Yes, you can. It’s possible to do it by going to “Manage Reservations” on Southwest Airlines’ website or the mobile app, while the fares for Business Select are still available on your flights. Another option is purchasing Upgraded Boarding separately.
Besides a premium A1-A15 boarding position, Business Select offers you a fully refundable fare, free same-day standby service, additional Rapid Rewards points, and a free beverage.
That all depends on what’s important to you. For those who value flexibility and the ability to have a refund, Business Select would be worth it. However, for those who only care about better seats and priority boarding, there are cheaper options like Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In.