Planning a trip on Southwest Airlines and wondering about the possibility of an upgrade? Southwest's unique boarding and fare structure can make "upgrading" a bit different than on other airlines. This comprehensive guide will break down exactly how much it costs to upgrade your flight on Southwest, what those upgrades entail, and how to snag the best experience for your budget.
Ready to elevate your Southwest journey? Let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest's Fare Structure First
Before we talk about "upgrades," it's crucial to understand Southwest's distinct fare categories. Unlike airlines with traditional first or business classes, Southwest operates with an open seating policy. This means there are no physical "upgraded" seats with more legroom or recline. Instead, Southwest's upgrades primarily revolve around boarding position and fare benefits.
Southwest generally offers four main fare types:
Basic: The most restrictive and cheapest fare. Offers limited flexibility and the lowest Rapid Rewards earning rate. Flight credits from cancellations have a 6-month expiration. No same-day changes or standby allowed.
Wanna Get Away Plus: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility and a higher Rapid Rewards earning rate. Includes free same-day confirmed changes (taxes and fees may apply) and transferable flight credits.
Anytime: This fare offers significant flexibility, including refundable tickets, EarlyBird Check-In, and priority/express lane access at the airport.
Business Select: Southwest's premium fare. It offers the most benefits, including guaranteed A1-A15 boarding, a complimentary premium drink, free inflight internet, and two free checked bags.
When you "upgrade" on Southwest, you're usually either changing your fare type to one with more benefits or purchasing a better boarding position for your existing fare.
Step 1: Identify Your "Upgrade" Goal
Before you pull out your wallet, what exactly are you hoping to achieve with an "upgrade" on Southwest? Are you looking for:
Guaranteed early boarding to get your preferred seat and overhead bin space?
More flexibility with flight changes and cancellations?
Extra Rapid Rewards points?
The full suite of premium benefits like a free drink and Wi-Fi?
Your answer will determine which "upgrade" option is right for you.
Step 2: Upgrading Your Boarding Position (The Most Common "Upgrade")
For many Southwest travelers, "upgrading" means securing a better boarding position. Southwest's boarding is based on groups (A, B, C) and numbers (1-60+). An A1-A15 boarding position is highly coveted as it allows you to board first and choose almost any seat you desire.
There are two primary ways to improve your boarding position:
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding
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 claim one of the best available A1-A15 boarding positions.
When to purchase: This option becomes available within 24 hours of your flight's departure. You can purchase it online (via the Southwest website or app) or at the departure gate or ticket counter. The earlier you try to purchase within the 24-hour window, the better your chances of securing a prime A1-A15 spot.
Cost: The cost for Upgraded Boarding starts from $30 per segment, per passenger and can go up to $149, depending on the flight route, demand, and how close you are to departure. This price is per flight segment, so if you have a connecting flight, you'll need to purchase it for each leg if you want the benefit throughout your journey.
Benefits: Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, allowing you early access to seats and overhead bins. It does NOT include other Business Select perks like a free drink or extra Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In
While not a direct "upgrade" to A1-A15, EarlyBird Check-In helps you get a better boarding position overall by automatically checking you in earlier.
What it is: Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time, securing an earlier boarding position within your assigned group. This is typically a better position than if you were to manually check in at the 24-hour mark.
When to purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In anytime from booking up to 36 hours before departure.
Cost: The cost for EarlyBird Check-In ranges from $15 to $99 per one-way flight, depending on the route and demand.
Benefits: You'll generally receive a better boarding position (often in the A or early B group), giving you a better selection of seats and overhead bin space.
Step 3: Upgrading Your Fare Type
You can also "upgrade" your flight by changing your initial fare type (e.g., from Basic or Wanna Get Away to Anytime or Business Select). This usually involves paying the fare difference between your original ticket and the new, higher fare.
Sub-heading: Changing from Basic to a Higher Fare
Cost: If you initially booked a Basic fare and want to change it, you must first upgrade to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare. You will pay the fare difference between your original Basic fare and the new fare. This difference can vary significantly based on the original price paid, the new fare's price, route, and availability.
Process: You can often do this online by managing your reservation or by calling Southwest customer service.
Sub-heading: Changing from Wanna Get Away / Wanna Get Away Plus to Anytime or Business Select
Cost: Similar to upgrading from Basic, you'll pay the fare difference between your current fare and the higher fare (Anytime or Business Select). This difference can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the specific flight, how far in advance you're changing, and how much cheaper your original fare was.
Process: This can usually be done through the "Change Flight" option in your reservation online or via the Southwest app. If you're having trouble, calling Southwest's customer service line is always an option. They can check availability and provide the exact fare difference.
Sub-heading: Benefits of Upgrading Your Fare Type
Upgrading your fare type provides a broader range of benefits beyond just boarding position:
Anytime Fare:
Refundable: Get your money back to your original form of payment if you cancel.
EarlyBird Check-In: Included automatically.
Priority & Express Lanes: Access at participating airports.
Higher Rapid Rewards Earning: Earn 10 points per dollar.
Business Select Fare:
Guaranteed A1-A15 Boarding: Your boarding pass will automatically reflect this.
Refundable: Like Anytime fares.
Complimentary Premium Drink: On flights over 250 miles.
Free Inflight Internet: (This is a significant perk!)
Two Free Checked Bags: Even if you're not an A-List Preferred member.
Highest Rapid Rewards Earning: Earn 14 points per dollar.
Step 4: Special Considerations & Tips
Rapid Rewards Points: If you booked your original flight with Rapid Rewards points, upgrading to a higher fare will require you to pay the point difference.
Credit Card Benefits: Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like reimbursement for Upgraded Boarding (e.g., Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers four upgraded boardings per year). Check your card's benefits to see if you qualify for this.
A-List/A-List Preferred Status: If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status with Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, you already enjoy priority boarding (A-List Preferred members get automatic A1-A15 boarding 36 hours prior to departure, A-List members also receive earlier boarding), dedicated phone lines, and other perks, reducing the need for some "upgrades."
Same-Day Changes: With Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares, you can often make same-day changes to an earlier or later flight between the same cities without paying an airline fee. You may still be responsible for any government taxes and fees. Basic fares do not allow same-day changes.
Availability: All upgrades (Upgraded Boarding or fare type changes) are subject to availability. Popular flights and peak travel times may have limited or no upgrade options available.
Per Segment: Remember that Upgraded Boarding and often fare differences are calculated per flight segment. If you have a connecting flight, the cost will apply to each leg.
In Conclusion
"Upgrading" on Southwest Airlines isn't about getting a bigger seat, but about enhancing your travel experience through better boarding positions and increased flexibility/benefits. The cost varies significantly depending on what kind of "upgrade" you're looking for, your original fare, and the specific flight. By understanding the options and when to pursue them, you can strategically improve your Southwest journey.
Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can upgrade your boarding position on Southwest Airlines by purchasing Upgraded Boarding within 24 hours of your flight's departure (online, via app, or at the gate/ticket counter) or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In anytime from booking up to 36 hours before departure.
How much does Upgraded Boarding cost on Southwest Airlines?
The cost for Upgraded Boarding on Southwest Airlines typically ranges from $30 to $149 per segment, per passenger, depending on the flight route, demand, and how close you are to departure.
How to change from a Basic fare to a Wanna Get Away Plus fare on Southwest?
You can change from a Basic fare to a Wanna Get Away Plus fare by paying the fare difference between your original Basic ticket and the current Wanna Get Away Plus price. This can often be done online through the "Change Flight" option in your reservation.
How to get A1-A15 boarding on Southwest Airlines?
To get A1-A15 boarding on Southwest, you can purchase a Business Select fare, which guarantees A1-A15. Alternatively, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding within 24 hours of your flight, or if you are a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member, you will automatically be assigned A1-A15 36 hours before departure.
How to upgrade from Wanna Get Away to Business Select on Southwest Airlines?
You can upgrade from a Wanna Get Away fare to Business Select by paying the fare difference between your original Wanna Get Away ticket and the Business Select fare. This can be done online by managing your reservation or by calling Southwest customer service.
How to make a same-day flight change on Southwest Airlines?
If you have a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare, you can make a same-day confirmed change to another flight departing on the same calendar day between the same cities for free of airline charges (government taxes and fees may apply). This can be done online or via the app. Basic fares are not eligible for same-day changes.
How to use Rapid Rewards points for a Southwest flight upgrade?
If you want to "upgrade" your fare type using Rapid Rewards points, you will pay the point difference between your original points booking and the higher fare type. Contact Southwest customer service for assistance with this.
How to tell if Upgraded Boarding is available for my Southwest flight?
Upgraded Boarding availability is dynamic and subject to change. You can check for availability and purchase it within 24 hours of your flight's departure on the Southwest website or app, or by asking a gate agent at the airport.
How to get free Upgraded Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
While not universally free, some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card) offer reimbursements or credits for a certain number of Upgraded Boardings per year. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members also receive automatic A1-A15 boarding.
How to choose the best "upgrade" option for my Southwest flight?
The best "upgrade" option depends on your priorities. If you primarily want a better boarding position for seat choice, Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In are good. If you need more flexibility (refundability, changes) and premium perks, changing to an Anytime or Business Select fare type is the way to go. Consider your budget and travel needs.
