Ever wished you could board your Southwest flight just a little bit earlier? Maybe snag that perfect window seat or ensure your carry-on doesn't end up three rows behind you? Southwest's unique open-seating policy means that while there's no "first class" or "business class" in the traditional sense, you can significantly improve your boarding experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about "upgrading" on Southwest Airlines, helping you understand the options and how much it might cost.
Let's dive in and elevate your next Southwest journey!
Understanding Southwest's Boarding System
Before we talk about upgrades, it's crucial to understand how Southwest boards its flights. Unlike most airlines that assign specific seats, Southwest operates on an open seating policy. Passengers board in groups: A, B, and C, with positions 1-60 within each group. Your boarding position (e.g., A35, B22, C1) dictates when you get to choose your seat. The earlier your boarding position, the more choices you'll have for seats and overhead bin space.
Generally, boarding positions are assigned based on when you check in for your flight (which opens 24 hours before departure). However, there are ways to get a better position without being glued to your phone exactly 24 hours out. This is where "upgrading" comes in.
Step 1: Identify Your Current Needs – Why Do You Want to Upgrade?
Before you spend a dime, ask yourself: What is my primary goal for upgrading?
Do you desperately need to secure an overhead bin for a valuable carry-on?
Are you traveling with family and want to ensure you can sit together?
Do you just prefer to be among the first to board and get your pick of seats?
Are you aiming for maximum flexibility with changes and cancellations?
Your answer will help you determine the most suitable (and cost-effective) "upgrade" option. Southwest primarily offers two ways to enhance your boarding experience, plus a few fare types that come with built-in perks.
Step 2: Exploring Your "Upgrade" Options – Different Paths to Better Boarding
Southwest offers several avenues to improve your travel experience, each with varying costs and benefits.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15)
This is the most direct way to get a better boarding position on the day of your flight.
What it is: Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase a guaranteed boarding position in the A1-A15 group. This means you'll be among the very first passengers to board the aircraft, giving you prime access to seats and overhead bin space.
When to purchase: You can typically purchase Upgraded Boarding within 24 hours of your flight's departure, or at the airport on the day of travel.
Cost: The cost for Upgraded Boarding starts from $30 per segment, per passenger and can go up to $149 or more, depending on the popularity of the route and demand for the upgrade. It's important to note that this is a per-segment cost, so if you have a connecting flight, you'll need to purchase it for each leg if you want the benefit throughout your journey.
Availability: Upgraded Boarding is subject to availability. If all A1-A15 positions are already taken by Business Select passengers or A-List/A-List Preferred members, it won't be available for purchase.
Who it's best for: Passengers who want immediate access to better seats and overhead bins, especially on busy flights, and who are willing to pay for this convenience on a per-flight basis.
Sub-heading: Option 2: EarlyBird Check-In
While not a true "upgrade" in the same vein as Upgraded Boarding, EarlyBird Check-In is a popular way to improve your boarding position by automatically checking you in and assigning you a boarding position before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in for your flight and assigns you a boarding position 36 hours before departure, before the regular 24-hour check-in period begins. This generally secures you a better boarding position than waiting to check in yourself.
When to purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight, or anytime up to 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
Cost: EarlyBird Check-In typically costs between $15 and $25 per person, per one-way flight.
Guaranteed position? No, it doesn't guarantee an A group boarding position, but it significantly increases your chances of getting an earlier boarding position within your group (e.g., A30 instead of B45).
Who it's best for: Travelers who want a better boarding position without having to remember to check in exactly 24 hours before, and those who prioritize convenience over a guaranteed A1-A15 spot.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Booking a Higher Fare Type (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus)
Southwest offers different fare types, and some of them come with built-in "upgrade" benefits.
Business Select
What it is: This is Southwest's highest fare class and comes with a suite of premium benefits.
Benefits:
Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. This is the key "upgrade" benefit.
Refundable fare: If you cancel, you're eligible for a 100% refund to your original form of payment.
More Rapid Rewards points earned (14 points per dollar).
Complimentary premium drink (on flights over 250 miles).
Free Inflight Internet.
Two free checked bags.
Priority and Express Lanes at check-in and security.
Cost: Business Select fares are significantly more expensive than Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fares. The premium can be 70% to 80% higher than the cheapest fare. For instance, a Business Select fare might cost $795 compared to a $469 Wanna Get Away fare for the same flight.
Who it's best for: Business travelers or those who require maximum flexibility, value the guaranteed A1-A15 boarding, and can justify the higher price point for the bundled benefits.
Anytime
What it is: A flexible fare option that offers a good balance of features.
Benefits:
Refundable fare.
EarlyBird Check-In included.
More Rapid Rewards points earned (10 points per dollar).
Priority and Express Lanes.
Cost: More expensive than Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus, but less than Business Select.
Who it's best for: Travelers who need flexibility and appreciate the included EarlyBird Check-In, but don't need all the perks of Business Select.
Wanna Get Away Plus
What it is: A newer fare type offering more flexibility than the basic Wanna Get Away fare.
Benefits:
Transferable Flight Credit™: If you cancel, you can transfer your flight credit to someone else.
Free same-day confirmed change: If there's an open seat on a different flight between the same cities on the same calendar day, you can switch for free (taxes and fees may apply).
More Rapid Rewards points earned (6 points per dollar).
Cost: More expensive than Wanna Get Away, but less than Anytime or Business Select.
Who it's best for: Travelers who prioritize flexibility for changes and cancellations but don't necessarily need premium boarding benefits.
Sub-heading: Option 4: Attaining A-List or A-List Preferred Status
For frequent Southwest flyers, elite status offers automatic boarding advantages.
What it is: Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, offers A-List and A-List Preferred status based on your flight activity or spending on co-branded credit cards.
Benefits:
A-List: Automatic priority boarding (positions generally assigned 36 hours prior to departure, before general check-in). You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position. Also includes one free checked bag, 25% earning bonus, and same-day standby.
A-List Preferred: All A-List benefits, plus a 100% earning bonus on flights, free Inflight Internet, and up to two complimentary premium drinks on select flights. You also get two free checked bags.
How to achieve status:
A-List: Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in one calendar year.
A-List Preferred: Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in one calendar year.
Cost: The "cost" is indirect, as it requires frequent travel or significant spending on Southwest credit cards.
Who it's best for: Extremely frequent Southwest flyers who value consistent priority boarding and other perks on all their flights.
Step 3: Executing Your Upgrade – How to Purchase
Once you've decided on your preferred "upgrade" method, here's how to make it happen.
Sub-heading: For Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15)
Online/App (Within 24 Hours):
Log in to your Southwest Airlines account or use the Southwest mobile app.
Access your reservation within 24 hours of your flight's departure.
Look for the "Upgraded Boarding" option. If available, you'll see the price per segment.
Proceed with the purchase using a credit card.
Pro Tip: Be ready right at the 24-hour mark for popular flights, as these spots can go quickly.
At the Airport (Day of Travel):
Approach the Southwest Airlines ticket counter or your departure gate.
Ask a Southwest Customer Service Agent if Upgraded Boarding positions (A1-A15) are available for your flight.
If available, you can purchase it with a credit card. The agent will issue you a new boarding pass reflecting your A1-A15 position.
Sub-heading: For EarlyBird Check-In
During Booking:
When you're selecting your flight on Southwest.com, you'll see an option to add EarlyBird Check-In for an additional fee.
Select this option before completing your purchase.
After Booking (Up to 24 Hours Before Departure):
Go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or within the app.
Locate your reservation and look for the option to add EarlyBird Check-In.
Complete the purchase.
Sub-heading: For Higher Fare Types (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus)
During Booking:
When searching for flights on Southwest.com, you'll be presented with the different fare options (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and their corresponding prices.
Simply select the fare type that includes the benefits you desire. The price shown will reflect that fare.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Benefits – Tips and Tricks
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Several Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like free Upgraded Boarding credits or tier qualifying points that can help you achieve A-List status. For example, some cards offer 4 Upgraded Boarding credits per year. This can be a significant saving if you frequently utilize this option.
Check Availability: Always remember that Upgraded Boarding is subject to availability. Don't assume it will always be there, especially on popular routes or during peak travel times.
Connecting Flights: If you purchase Upgraded Boarding, remember it's per segment. If you have a layover, you'll need to purchase it for each flight leg if you want an A1-A15 position on both.
Know Your Fares: Understand the different fare types (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and their included benefits before you book. Sometimes, booking a slightly higher fare like Wanna Get Away Plus for the flexibility might be more valuable than paying for individual upgrades later.
A-List/A-List Preferred: If you fly Southwest frequently, working towards A-List or A-List Preferred status can be the most cost-effective long-term "upgrade" strategy as it provides consistent priority boarding and other perks without per-flight fees.
Upgrading on Southwest isn't about getting a bigger seat, but about gaining control and convenience over your boarding experience. By understanding the options and their costs, you can strategically choose the best way to make your next Southwest flight a more relaxed and enjoyable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Upgrading on Southwest Airlines
Here are 10 common questions about upgrading on Southwest, with quick answers:
How to purchase Upgraded Boarding on Southwest?
You can purchase Upgraded Boarding through the Southwest mobile app or Southwest.com within 24 hours of your flight, or at the ticket counter or gate on the day of departure, if available.
How to get an A1-A15 boarding position on Southwest?
You can get an A1-A15 boarding position by booking a Business Select fare, purchasing Upgraded Boarding (if available), or by being an A-List or A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards member.
How to use Rapid Rewards points for upgrades?
You cannot directly use Rapid Rewards points to purchase Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In. However, you can use points to book a Business Select fare, which includes an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to check the cost of Upgraded Boarding?
The cost of Upgraded Boarding starts from $30 per segment and varies based on the route and demand. You will see the exact price when you attempt to purchase it via the app, website, or at the airport.
How to get free Upgraded Boarding on Southwest?
Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer complimentary Upgraded Boarding credits each year. A-List and A-List Preferred members also receive priority boarding as a benefit of their status.
How to know if Upgraded Boarding is available?
Availability for Upgraded Boarding is displayed on the Southwest app and website when you try to purchase it within 24 hours of your flight. You can also ask a Southwest agent at the airport.
How to get EarlyBird Check-In?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you initially book your flight or anytime up to 24 hours before your flight's departure via Southwest.com or the Southwest app.
How to change my fare type to Business Select?
If your original ticket allows changes, you may be able to change your fare type to Business Select through "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or the app, by paying the fare difference.
How to benefit from A-List status for boarding?
As an A-List or A-List Preferred member, Southwest automatically assigns you and those on your reservation earlier boarding positions (typically 36 hours prior to departure) without needing to purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
How to get a better boarding position for connecting flights?
If you want a better boarding position for each leg of a connecting itinerary, you would need to purchase Upgraded Boarding for each individual segment, or ensure your fare type or A-List status covers all segments.
