Flying Southwest Airlines offers a unique experience, largely due to their open seating policy and focus on low fares. However, for those who desire a bit more comfort, convenience, and a head start on their journey, Business Select is the premium fare option. It's not a traditional "business class" with wider seats or dedicated cabins, but it offers a suite of benefits that can significantly enhance your travel day.
So, how exactly do you get your hands on a Southwest Business Select fare and unlock these perks? Let's dive in!
The Quest for Business Select: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you tired of scrambling for overhead bin space or ending up in a middle seat? Do you crave the peace of mind that comes with a flexible ticket? If so, then securing a Business Select fare on Southwest Airlines might be exactly what you need for your next trip! Let's walk through the process together.
Step 1: Understand What Business Select Offers (and Why It's Worth It)
Before you even start looking for flights, it's crucial to understand the value proposition of Business Select. This isn't just about a different price tag; it's about a different travel experience.
Guaranteed A1-A15 Boarding Position: This is arguably the most significant perk. Southwest's open seating means the earlier you board, the better your seat selection. Business Select gives you one of the first 15 boarding positions, ensuring you can grab a window or aisle seat, or even a preferred spot near the front. No more sprinting to the gate!
Refundable Ticket: Plans change, and with Business Select, your ticket is fully refundable to your original form of payment if you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This offers incredible flexibility, especially for business travelers or those with uncertain schedules.
More Rapid Rewards Points: You'll earn 14 Rapid Rewards points per dollar on qualifying flights. This is significantly higher than other fare types, meaning you'll accumulate points much faster for future travel.
Free Same-Day Change/Standby: If your plans shift on the day of travel, you can switch to another flight with available space departing on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination, without additional airline charges. You can also list for standby. (Taxes and fees may still apply).
Complimentary Premium Drink: On flights over 250 miles, Business Select fares include one free alcoholic beverage. Cheers to that!
Free Checked Bags: Southwest already offers two free checked bags for all passengers (with weight and size limits), but with Business Select, you're guaranteed this benefit without any potential future changes to the general policy.
Is it worth the extra cost? For many, the peace of mind of early boarding, the flexibility of a refundable ticket, and the accelerated points earning make Business Select a worthwhile investment, especially on longer flights or when traveling for business.
Step 2: Choosing Your Booking Method
Southwest Airlines offers several convenient ways to book your flights. For Business Select, the process is largely the same as booking any other fare, but you'll need to select the specific fare type.
Sub-heading 2.1: Booking Directly on Southwest.com (Recommended)
This is the most straightforward and common way to book.
Visit Southwest.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Southwest Airlines website.
Enter Your Flight Details: On the homepage, you'll see the flight search widget. Enter your:
Origin City
Destination City
Departure Date(s)
Number of Passengers
Click "Search": The website will display available flights for your chosen dates.
Select Your Desired Flight: Browse the flight options. For each flight, you will see the different fare types: Basic, Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select.
Choose "Business Select": Carefully select the "Business Select" fare for your chosen outbound and/or return flights. The price difference will be clearly displayed.
Proceed to Payment: Once you've selected all your desired flights with the Business Select fare, proceed through the booking process. You can pay using a credit card, Southwest gift cards, unused travel funds, or even PayPal.
Confirm Your Booking: Review all details before finalizing your purchase. You'll receive a confirmation email with your itinerary.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the Southwest Mobile App
The Southwest app offers a streamlined booking experience for on-the-go travelers.
Open the Southwest App: Download and open the official Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Navigate to "Book a Flight": Tap on the "Book a Flight" option.
Enter Travel Information: Input your origin, destination, and travel dates.
Select Business Select Fare: Similar to the website, you'll see the various fare types. Tap to select "Business Select" for your preferred flights.
Complete Purchase: Follow the prompts to enter passenger details and payment information.
Sub-heading 2.3: Contacting Southwest Reservations
If you prefer speaking to a representative or need assistance with complex bookings, you can call Southwest Airlines' reservations line. Inform the agent that you wish to book a Business Select fare.
Sub-heading 2.4: Booking via a Travel Agent or Corporate Travel Tool (SWABIZ)
If you book through a travel agent or your company uses a corporate travel tool like SWABIZ (Southwest Business), you can request a Business Select fare directly through them. These platforms often provide access to negotiated rates for businesses.
Step 3: Upgrading to Business Select (If You've Already Booked Another Fare)
What if you've already booked a Wanna Get Away or Anytime fare and now realize you want the benefits of Business Select? Don't worry, it's often possible to upgrade!
Access Your Reservation: Go to Southwest.com or open the mobile app and navigate to "Manage Reservations." You'll need your confirmation number and last name.
Look for Upgrade Options: Within your reservation details, you should see an option to "Upgrade to Business Select" or a similar prompt.
Pay the Fare Difference: You will be prompted to pay the difference between your original fare and the current Business Select fare for that flight. Note that the price difference can fluctuate, so it's best to upgrade sooner rather than later if you're sure you want it.
Confirm the Upgrade: Once payment is processed, your ticket will be updated to Business Select, and you'll gain all the associated benefits.
Step 4: Maximize Your Business Select Experience
Booking Business Select is just the first step. To truly get the most out of it, consider these tips:
Arrive on Time for Boarding: While A1-A15 gives you a prime spot, you still need to be at the gate when your boarding group is called to take full advantage of it. Don't be late!
Utilize Your Drink Coupon: Remember that complimentary premium drink on flights over 250 miles. Make sure to present your mobile or printed boarding pass to the flight attendant.
Leverage the Flexibility: If your plans are even slightly uncertain, the refundable nature of Business Select is a huge asset. Don't hesitate to change or cancel if needed, knowing your funds are protected.
Track Your Rapid Rewards Points: Keep an eye on your Rapid Rewards account. Those 14 points per dollar add up quickly, bringing you closer to your next free flight.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives or Enhancements (Optional)
While Business Select offers excellent value, there are other Southwest options that might complement or even substitute some benefits, depending on your needs.
Sub-heading 5.1: EarlyBird Check-In
What it is: Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you an earlier boarding position than those who check in at the 24-hour mark.
Why it's different from Business Select: EarlyBird doesn't guarantee A1-A15; it just improves your chances of a better boarding position. Business Select guarantees A1-A15. EarlyBird is also an additional fee, whereas it's included with Business Select.
Sub-heading 5.2: Upgraded Boarding
What it is: On the day of travel, if available, you can purchase an A1-A15 boarding position at the gate or ticket counter.
Why it's different from Business Select: This is a last-minute option and isn't always available. It doesn't include the refundable ticket, extra Rapid Rewards points, or free drink coupon that comes with Business Select.
Sub-heading 5.3: Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
What they offer: Several Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like bonus points, anniversary points, and sometimes even complimentary EarlyBird Check-In credits, which can help improve your boarding position on other fare types.
Why it's an enhancement: While not a direct substitute for Business Select, these cards can help you earn points faster and enjoy some perks on other fares.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the elevated travel experience that Southwest Airlines Business Select offers. Happy flying!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get the best price for Southwest Business Select?
The price of Business Select fares varies based on demand, route, and how far in advance you book. Generally, booking as early as possible for your desired travel dates can help you secure a better price. Also, keep an eye on Southwest's promotions and sales, though Business Select fares are less frequently discounted than Wanna Get Away fares.
How to check in for a Southwest Business Select flight?
While Business Select guarantees you an A1-A15 boarding position, you still need to check in for your flight. You can do this online at Southwest.com or via the Southwest mobile app starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Your boarding pass will show your assigned A1-A15 position.
How to use the complimentary drink coupon from Business Select?
When you purchase a Business Select fare, your eligibility for a complimentary premium drink will be noted on your mobile or printed boarding pass for flights over 250 miles. Simply show this portion of your boarding pass to a flight attendant onboard to redeem your drink.
How to change a Southwest Business Select flight?
Southwest Business Select fares offer free same-day changes. On the day of travel, you can switch to another flight departing on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination, provided there is space available. This can be done via the Southwest app, website, or by speaking to an agent.
How to cancel a Southwest Business Select flight and get a refund?
Business Select fares are fully refundable. To receive a refund to your original form of payment, you must cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to its scheduled departure. You can do this through "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or the mobile app.
How to earn more Rapid Rewards points with Business Select?
By consistently booking Business Select fares, you automatically earn 14 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on qualifying flights, which is the highest earning rate offered by Southwest. This will significantly boost your Rapid Rewards balance for future travel.
How to find out if Business Select is available for a specific flight?
When searching for flights on Southwest.com or the mobile app, after you enter your travel details, the results page will display all available fare types for each flight, including Business Select, if it's offered for that particular route and date.
How to tell the difference between Business Select and other Southwest fares?
Business Select is easily identified by its unique benefits: guaranteed A1-A15 boarding, full refundability to original payment, 14 Rapid Rewards points per dollar, free same-day change/standby, and a complimentary premium drink. Other fare types have varying levels of flexibility and fewer perks.
How to ensure I get a good seat with Business Select?
The A1-A15 boarding position guaranteed with Business Select is your key to a good seat. By boarding among the first passengers, you'll have your pick of any available seat on the plane, allowing you to choose your preferred window, aisle, or exit row (if eligible) seat.
How to use Business Select for corporate travel?
For corporate travel, many companies utilize Southwest's dedicated business platform, SWABIZ. Through SWABIZ, companies can easily book Business Select fares for their employees, manage travel, and potentially access specific corporate benefits and reporting tools.
