So, you're wondering about "first class" on Southwest Airlines? That's a fantastic question, and one that trips up many travelers accustomed to traditional airlines! The truth is, Southwest operates a very different model from most carriers. They don't have a traditional "first class" cabin with lie-flat seats or dedicated premium sections. Instead, they offer a unique approach to boarding and in-flight perks.
If you're ready to unravel the mystery of Southwest's premium experience and understand what it truly costs, let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest's Unique Approach: No "First Class" in the Traditional Sense
Before we talk about costs, it's crucial to understand a fundamental difference: Southwest Airlines does not offer a traditional first-class or business-class cabin with larger seats, more legroom, or enhanced privacy. Their aircraft are configured with a single cabin of economy seating, and they operate an open seating policy. This means there's no pre-assigned seating; you pick your seat as you board the plane.
So, when people ask about "first class" on Southwest, they're usually referring to ways to get a better boarding position and additional perks that enhance the travel experience, even if the seat itself isn't different. Southwest achieves this through its fare types and status tiers.
Let's break down how you can get the closest thing to a "first class" experience on Southwest.
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| How Much Does First Class Cost On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Acknowledge the Different "Classes" Southwest Offers
Since there's no "first class" cabin, Southwest offers different fare types that come with varying levels of benefits, including priority boarding. These fares are:
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Basic: The most economical option, with the fewest benefits. Flight changes are allowed but require a fare upgrade. Flight credits expire in six months.
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Wanna Get Away Plus: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility with transferable flight credits and same-day confirmed changes (fare difference may apply).
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Anytime: This fare offers greater flexibility, including refundable tickets and earlier check-in (EarlyBird Check-In is included).
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Business Select: This is Southwest's highest fare class and the closest you'll get to a "first-class" experience. It comes with a suite of valuable perks.
Beyond fare types, Southwest's Rapid Rewards program offers elite status tiers that also provide benefits similar to what you'd expect from a premium cabin on other airlines:
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A-List: Achieved by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a specific amount of Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs).
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A-List Preferred: A higher tier than A-List, offering even more enhanced benefits.
Let's focus on Business Select and the benefits of A-List Preferred as they are the direct answers to your "first class" cost query.
Step 2: Deconstructing Business Select - Your Closest "First Class" Equivalent
Business Select is the premium fare offered by Southwest and provides the most comprehensive set of benefits. The cost of Business Select isn't a fixed upgrade fee but rather the price difference between it and a lower fare type for the same flight.
Sub-heading: What Does Business Select Get You?
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
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Priority Boarding (A1-A15): This is arguably the most significant perk. With an A1-A15 boarding position, you're among the very first passengers to board the aircraft. This allows you to:
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Choose your preferred seat (window, aisle, front, back - it's all open seating!).
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Secure overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.
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Refundable Fare: If you cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to departure, you'll receive a full refund to your original form of payment. This offers maximum flexibility.
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Extra Rapid Rewards Points: You'll earn 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on a Business Select fare, significantly more than other fare types (e.g., Wanna Get Away earns 6 points per dollar, Basic earns 2 points). This helps you accumulate points for future reward flights faster.
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Complimentary Premium Drink: On flights over 175 miles, you'll receive one complimentary premium alcoholic beverage (if you're 21+) or other non-alcoholic drink.
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Free Inflight Internet: Stay connected during your flight without an extra charge.
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Two Free Checked Bags: This is a standard Southwest benefit for Business Select, even though some other fare types might incur a fee for checked bags starting May 28, 2025.
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Priority Check-in and Security Lane Access: Where available, you can use dedicated lanes to speed up your airport experience.
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Same-Day Change/Standby: You have the flexibility to switch to another flight on the same day without additional airline charges (fare difference may still apply).
Sub-heading: How Much Does Business Select Cost?
The cost of a Business Select fare varies widely depending on several factors, including:
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Route: Longer, more popular routes will generally have higher Business Select prices.
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Demand: Flights with high demand will see higher prices across all fare types, including Business Select.
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Time of Booking: Booking further in advance generally yields lower prices. Last-minute Business Select fares can be significantly more expensive.
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Day of the Week: Weekends and peak travel days often have higher prices.
Expect Business Select to be anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars more than the lowest "Wanna Get Away" fare on the same flight. For example, a short-haul flight might see a Business Select fare that's $75-$150 more, while a longer, cross-country flight could see a difference of $200-$400+. There's no single fixed price for "first class" on Southwest because it's a fare type, not a separate cabin with a set price list.
Step 3: Leveraging Elite Status for a "First Class" Feel
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status can give you many of the "first class" perks without necessarily paying for a Business Select fare every time.
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred: The Ultimate Southwest Experience (Without Buying Business Select Every Time)
A-List Preferred is the highest tier in Southwest's Rapid Rewards program and offers substantial benefits:
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Priority Boarding (Automatically Assigned A1-A15): Just like Business Select, A-List Preferred members (and everyone on their reservation) get earlier boarding positions, typically A1-A15. This is a game-changer for seat selection.
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Two Free Checked Bags: A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags.
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Free Inflight Internet: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on board.
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100% Earning Bonus: You earn double the Rapid Rewards points on qualifying flights, helping you rack up points even faster.
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Same-Day Standby: The ability to stand by for an earlier flight on the same day without extra fees.
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Priority Lane and Express Lane Access: Expedited check-in and security where available.
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Dedicated A-List Preferred Phone Line: Access to a dedicated customer service line.
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Up to Two Complimentary Premium Drinks: On select flights over 250 miles, similar to Business Select.
Sub-heading: The "Cost" of A-List Preferred Status
A-List Preferred isn't something you "buy" directly for a single flight. It's earned through your flying activity:
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Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year, OR
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Earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) in a calendar year.
TQPs are earned based on the fare type you purchase:
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Business Select: 12 TQPs per dollar
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Anytime: 10 TQPs per dollar
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Wanna Get Away Plus: 8 TQPs per dollar
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Basic: 2 TQPs per dollar
So, while there's no direct dollar cost for A-List Preferred status, the indirect cost comes from the money you spend on Southwest flights throughout the year to qualify. This can easily amount to thousands of dollars in airfare.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Step 4: Alternative Strategies for a Better Southwest Experience (and Their Costs)
If Business Select is out of budget, or you don't fly enough to earn elite status, there are still ways to improve your Southwest experience, though they might not fully replicate the "first class" feel.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding (Purchased at the Gate or Online)
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What it is: This allows you to purchase an A1-A15 boarding position on the day of travel, if available. It's a limited number of spots sold per flight.
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Cost: Typically ranges from $30 to $80 per person, per segment. The price varies by route and demand. You can purchase it within 24 hours of departure online or at the gate.
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Benefit: Guarantees you an early boarding spot, allowing you to pick your seat and get overhead bin space. However, it does not come with the other Business Select perks like a free drink, Wi-Fi, or extra points.
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Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In (Purchased in Advance)
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What it is: Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, before the general 24-hour check-in window. This gives you an earlier boarding position than if you checked in manually at the 24-hour mark.
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Cost: Generally ranges from $15 to $25 per person, per segment.
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Benefit: Improves your boarding position, usually placing you somewhere in the A or early B group. It does not guarantee A1-A15. While helpful, it's not as impactful as Business Select or Upgraded Boarding for securing the absolute best seats.
Sub-heading: Southwest Credit Cards with Boarding Benefits
Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits that can enhance your boarding experience:
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card / Performance Business Credit Card: These cards come with 4 Upgraded Boardings per year. This is effectively $120-$320 in value if you maximize this benefit, as each Upgraded Boarding can cost $30-$80.
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Cost: These cards have annual fees (e.g., Priority Card often has a $149 annual fee, Performance Business around $199).
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Benefit: These credits allow you to secure those coveted A1-A15 boarding positions without paying cash for them on individual flights.
Step 5: Putting it All Together - Real-World Cost Examples
Let's consider some hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the cost of a "first class" equivalent on Southwest:
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Scenario A: Short-Haul, Off-Peak (e.g., Delhi to Mumbai)
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Wanna Get Away Fare: $75
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Business Select Fare: $150
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Cost for "First Class" (Business Select): $75 more than base fare.
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Alternatively, for a Wanna Get Away Fare:
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Upgraded Boarding: $40
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Total cost: $115 ($75 + $40)
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Scenario B: Mid-Range, Moderate Demand (e.g., Chennai to Bangalore)
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Wanna Get Away Fare: $150
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Business Select Fare: $350
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Cost for "First Class" (Business Select): $200 more than base fare.
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Alternatively, for a Wanna Get Away Fare:
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EarlyBird Check-In: $20
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Total cost: $170 ($150 + $20)
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Scenario C: Long-Haul, Peak Travel (e.g., Kolkata to Pune)
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Wanna Get Away Fare: $300
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Business Select Fare: $700
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Cost for "First Class" (Business Select): $400 more than base fare.
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Alternatively, if you're an A-List Preferred member:
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Your cost for the "first class" experience on this flight is effectively $0 beyond the base fare, as it's a benefit of your status. The cost was incurred over the year to earn that status.
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Important Note: These are illustrative examples. Actual prices will vary dynamically based on the route, date, time, and how far in advance you book. Always check Southwest's website directly for current pricing.
Conclusion: Is "First Class" on Southwest Worth It?
The "first class" experience on Southwest isn't about luxury seats, but about convenience, flexibility, and priority.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
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If having the first pick of seats, guaranteed overhead bin space, refundable tickets, and bonus Rapid Rewards points are crucial for your travel needs, then Business Select is absolutely worth the added cost. It provides a seamless and stress-free experience from airport to aircraft.
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If you fly Southwest frequently, earning A-List Preferred status is arguably the best "value" for a "first-class" experience, as many of the premium perks become complimentary once you've qualified.
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For occasional travelers, Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In can be cost-effective ways to get a better boarding position without committing to the full Business Select fare.
Ultimately, the "cost" of first class on Southwest is a flexible concept, varying based on your chosen level of enhanced service and your travel patterns. By understanding the different options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your budget and preferences!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to book Southwest Business Select?
You can book Southwest Business Select fares directly on Southwest.com when searching for flights. Simply select the "Business Select" option presented alongside the other fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime) for your desired itinerary.
How to upgrade to Southwest Business Select after booking?
You can often upgrade a previously purchased Wanna Get Away or Anytime fare to Business Select by paying the fare difference. This can be done online through Southwest's "Change Flight" option or by calling their customer service.
How to get A1-A15 boarding on Southwest?
You can get A1-A15 boarding by purchasing a Business Select fare, buying "Upgraded Boarding" (if available) within 24 hours of departure or at the gate, or by being an A-List Preferred member (who automatically receive early boarding).
How to earn Southwest A-List Preferred status?
You earn A-List Preferred status by flying 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) within a calendar year. TQPs are earned based on the fare type you purchase.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How to use Southwest Upgraded Boarding credits from a credit card?
If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority or Performance Business credit card, you'll receive Upgraded Boarding credits. You can typically use these by purchasing Upgraded Boarding online or at the gate, and the cost will be automatically credited to your account.
How to check in early for Southwest flights?
You can check in 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. If you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before departure, giving you an earlier boarding position.
How to get free checked bags on Southwest?
All fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) include two free checked bags. However, starting May 28, 2025, Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares may incur checked bag fees, while Business Select will continue to receive two free checked bags. A-List and A-List Preferred members also receive free checked bags.
How to change a Southwest flight without fees?
Southwest is famous for "no change fees." While you won't pay a change fee per se, if you change your flight to a more expensive one, you will pay the fare difference. Business Select and Anytime fares offer the most flexibility for changes.
How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points for "premium" travel?
Since Southwest doesn't have a separate "premium" cabin, you use Rapid Rewards points to book any of their fare types, including Business Select. The number of points required will directly correlate with the cash price of the fare (dynamic pricing).
How to get a complimentary drink on Southwest?
You can receive a complimentary premium drink on Southwest by purchasing a Business Select fare or by being an A-List Preferred member (on select flights over 250 miles).
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