You've decided to elevate your travel experience with Southwest Airlines and are curious about upgrading to Business Class. But wait, if you're thinking of "Business Class" in the traditional sense with lie-flat seats, private cabins, and gourmet meals, Southwest Airlines has a different approach. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest does not offer a traditional first or business class cabin with larger seats or separate sections. Instead, their premium fare option is called "Business Select."
So, when you talk about "upgrading to Business Class" on Southwest, you're essentially looking at purchasing a Business Select fare or enhancing your existing booking with perks that offer a more premium experience within their unique open-seating model. Let's break down what that means for your wallet and your journey.
Understanding Southwest's Fare Structure
Before diving into upgrade costs, it's crucial to understand Southwest's fare categories. This will help you see where Business Select fits in and why its "upgrade" cost varies. Southwest currently offers four main fare types (as of May 2025 changes):
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): This is Southwest's most affordable and restrictive fare. It offers the essentials but comes with limitations on changes, cancellations, and Rapid Rewards earning.
Wanna Get Away Plus: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility, including transferable flight credit and free same-day changes.
Anytime: More flexible than Wanna Get Away Plus, with refundable tickets, EarlyBird Check-In, and priority lanes.
Business Select: This is Southwest's highest fare class, designed for travelers seeking maximum flexibility and perks.
Step 1: Define What "Upgrade" Means to You on Southwest
Are you envisioning a larger, more comfortable seat, or are you primarily interested in priority boarding, flexibility, and additional perks? Your answer will significantly influence your approach and the potential cost.
If you're looking for a physically different seat, you'll be disappointed, as Southwest planes have a single cabin with consistent seat sizes.
If you're seeking a more convenient and flexible travel experience with benefits like early boarding, then exploring Business Select or other add-ons is your path.
Engage with me right now: What's your primary motivation for "upgrading" on Southwest? Knowing this will help you choose the best option!
Step 2: Exploring Your "Upgrade" Options and Their Costs
Since Southwest doesn't have a traditional business class cabin, "upgrading" typically refers to either purchasing a higher fare class (Business Select) or adding specific benefits to your existing reservation.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Purchasing a Business Select Fare Outright
This is the most direct way to get the full "Business Class" experience Southwest offers. When you book a Business Select fare, you automatically receive:
Guaranteed A1-A15 Boarding Position: This is arguably the most valuable perk on Southwest, ensuring you board among the first passengers. This gives you your pick of any available seat and ample overhead bin space.
Bonus Rapid Rewards Points: You'll earn 14 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent, which is the highest earning rate among Southwest fares. This helps you accrue points faster for future travel.
Complimentary Premium Drink: On flights over 175 miles (previously 250 miles, as of recent changes), you get a free alcoholic beverage or other premium drink.
Free Inflight Internet (Wi-Fi): While Wi-Fi is usually a paid amenity, it's included with Business Select.
Fully Refundable Ticket: If your plans change, you can cancel your flight and receive 100% of your ticket value back to your original form of payment.
Free Same-Day Changes/Standby: This offers incredible flexibility if you need to adjust your flight time on the day of travel.
Two Free Checked Bags: Southwest already offers two free checked bags for all fares, so this is a consistent benefit, but it's worth noting as part of the Business Select package.
Priority and Express Lanes: Where available, you'll get access to dedicated lanes for check-in and security.
How much does it cost? The cost to upgrade to Business Select (or rather, to purchase it initially) varies significantly based on the route, demand, and how far in advance you book. It's typically the most expensive fare option.
You'll pay the difference between your current fare (e.g., Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, or Anytime) and the Business Select fare. This difference can range from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars per segment.
For example, a Business Select fare could be $300-$500 more than a Wanna Get Away fare on certain routes, or even more for longer flights or popular times. One example cited a Business Select fare being $326 more than a Wanna Get Away fare for a round trip.
To find the exact cost for your specific flight, you need to check Southwest's website or app.
Sub-heading: Option 2: Upgraded Boarding (Purchasing A1-A15)
This is a popular option if your primary goal is to secure a better boarding position without paying for the full Business Select suite of benefits.
What it is: Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase a boarding position in the A1-A15 group for flights departing within 24 hours.
How much it costs: The cost for Upgraded Boarding typically ranges from $30 to $80 per segment, per passenger. This price can fluctuate based on the specific flight, route, and demand.
When and where to purchase: You can typically purchase Upgraded Boarding:
Within 24 hours of your flight's departure via the Southwest website or mobile app.
At the departure gate or ticket counter on the day of your flight (if available).
Sub-heading: Option 3: EarlyBird Check-In
While not a direct "upgrade to Business Class," EarlyBird Check-In improves your boarding position and can make your travel experience more comfortable.
What it is: Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, typically securing you an earlier boarding position than the general public. While it doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it significantly increases your chances of getting a better spot (often A16-A30).
How much it costs: EarlyBird Check-In generally costs between $15 and $25 per person, each way.
When and where to purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you initially book your flight or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before departure.
Sub-heading: Option 4: Using Rapid Rewards Points
You can also use your Rapid Rewards points to book a Business Select fare directly.
How it works: When searching for flights on Southwest's website, you can view fares in points. The number of points required for a Business Select fare will be significantly higher than for other fare types.
Cost in points: Similar to cash prices, the points cost is dynamic and varies by route and demand. You'll simply pay the difference in points between your current fare type (if changing) and the Business Select fare.
Step 3: Deciding If the "Upgrade" is Worth It
Now that you know your options and potential costs, it's time for some self-reflection.
Consider the value of each perk: Is the guaranteed A1-A15 boarding worth an extra $50, $100, or more to you? Do you value the free Wi-Fi and complimentary drink?
Evaluate your specific travel needs:
Business travelers often find Business Select highly valuable due to the flexibility, refundable tickets, and early boarding, which helps with securing preferred seats for productivity.
Leisure travelers might find Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In a more cost-effective way to get a good seat without paying for all the Business Select perks.
If you're traveling with family or a group, early boarding can be incredibly beneficial to ensure you all sit together.
Think about: How much comfort and convenience are you willing to pay for on your upcoming trip?
Step 4: Step-by-Step Guide to "Upgrading"
Here's how to go about it, depending on your chosen method:
Sub-heading: To Purchase a Business Select Fare (Initial Booking or Change)
Visit Southwest.com or use the Southwest Mobile App: This is the easiest way to manage your bookings.
Search for Flights: If you're booking new travel, simply search for your desired route and dates.
Select Your Fare Type: When the flight options appear, you'll see the different fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and their corresponding prices in both cash and Rapid Rewards points. Choose "Business Select."
Review and Purchase: Proceed with the booking process, reviewing the total cost and benefits before confirming your purchase.
If you already have a ticket and want to change to Business Select:
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the app.
Go to "Manage Trips" and select your existing reservation.
Look for an option to "Change Flight" or "Change Fare." Southwest's interface is generally intuitive, and you should be guided through the process.
Select the Business Select fare for your desired flight. You will be shown the fare difference you need to pay.
Confirm and Pay: Complete the payment for the fare difference. You will not incur change fees, only the difference in fare.
Sub-heading: To Purchase Upgraded Boarding (Within 24 Hours of Flight)
Check-in for your flight within 24 hours of departure via Southwest.com or the mobile app.
Look for the "Upgraded Boarding" option: After checking in, if Upgraded Boarding is available for your flight, you'll see a prompt or option to purchase it.
Follow the prompts: The system will display the price per segment.
Complete the purchase: Use a credit card to pay for the upgrade. Your boarding pass will then reflect your new A1-A15 position.
At the Airport: If you miss the online window, ask a Southwest agent at the ticket counter or gate if Upgraded Boarding is available for purchase. Availability is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sub-heading: To Purchase EarlyBird Check-In (Anytime Before 36 Hours of Flight)
When Booking: During the initial booking process on Southwest.com or the app, you'll often see EarlyBird Check-In as an add-on option before finalizing your purchase.
For Existing Reservations:
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the app.
Go to "Manage Trips" and select your reservation.
Look for the option to "Add EarlyBird Check-In."
Follow the prompts and complete the payment.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Enhanced Southwest Experience!
Whether you opt for the full Business Select package or just a better boarding position, you're now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your Southwest travels. Remember, the true "upgrade" on Southwest is about maximizing convenience and flexibility within their unique operational model.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Airlines Upgrades
Here are 10 common questions related to "upgrading" on Southwest Airlines:
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines? You can get a better boarding position by purchasing a Business Select fare, buying Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15) within 24 hours of your flight, or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In which automatically checks you in earlier. Being an A-List or A-List Preferred member also provides priority boarding.
How to know if Upgraded Boarding is available for my Southwest flight? Upgraded Boarding availability is displayed when you check in for your flight online or via the mobile app within 24 hours of departure. You can also inquire at the ticket counter or gate on the day of your flight.
How to purchase Upgraded Boarding using Rapid Rewards points? Currently, Upgraded Boarding can only be purchased with a credit card, not directly with Rapid Rewards points. However, you can use points to book a Business Select fare, which includes A1-A15 boarding.
How to transfer flight credit from a cancelled Southwest flight to another person? With a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare, if you cancel your flight, the flight credit can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards member, as long as both have Rapid Rewards accounts.
How to get complimentary drinks on Southwest Airlines? Complimentary premium drinks are a perk of the Business Select fare on flights over 175 miles. A-List Preferred members also receive up to two complimentary premium drinks on select flights over 250 miles.
How to change my Southwest flight for free on the same day? Same-day confirmed changes are free of airline charges for Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. A-List Preferred and A-List members also have this benefit (though for Basic fares, A-Listers will need to upgrade to a higher fare type first).
How to know the difference between Southwest's fare types? Southwest's fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) differ in terms of flexibility (refundability, change fees), Rapid Rewards earning rates, and included perks like priority boarding, Wi-Fi, and checked baggage allowances. Details are available on Southwest.com.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines? Free inflight Wi-Fi is included with the Business Select fare. A-List Preferred members also receive complimentary Wi-Fi on eligible flights. Otherwise, Wi-Fi can be purchased onboard.
How to get access to priority check-in and security lanes with Southwest? Access to Priority and Express Lanes (where available) is a benefit of Business Select and Anytime fares, as well as for A-List and A-List Preferred members.
How to check if my Southwest credit card offers upgrade perks? While Southwest credit cards typically don't offer free ticket upgrades, some (like the Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Premier Credit Card, or Premier Business Credit Card) may include benefits like EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding credits. Check your specific card's benefits guide or your online account details.
