Have you ever found yourself staring at your Southwest Airlines boarding pass, wondering if there's a secret handshake or a magic phrase that could get you into that coveted A group? You're not alone! While Southwest doesn't have traditional "first class" or "business class" like other airlines, they offer options to significantly upgrade your experience, primarily through better boarding positions. And the cost? Well, that's where it gets interesting and sometimes a little bit variable.
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about "upgrading" on Southwest Airlines, the costs involved, and how to maximize your travel comfort.
Understanding Southwest's Unique Boarding System
Before we dive into costs, let's quickly recap how Southwest does things. Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat, Southwest operates on an open-seating policy. This means your boarding position is paramount. The earlier you board, the more choices you have for seats and overhead bin space.
Southwest assigns boarding positions in groups:
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Group A (A1-A60): These are the first to board, getting prime seat selection.
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Group B (B1-B60): Board after Group A. You'll still find decent seats, but overhead space might be tighter.
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Group C (C1-C60): The last to board. Seat selection will be limited, and overhead bins might be full, potentially requiring gate-checking your bag.
So, when we talk about "upgrading" on Southwest, we're primarily talking about securing a better boarding position.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Identify Your Current Boarding Strategy & Needs
Alright, let's start with you! Think about your typical Southwest flight experience.
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Are you usually happy with your assigned boarding position?
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Do you dread the scramble for seats?
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Are you traveling with family and need to sit together?
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Do you often carry a larger carry-on that requires overhead space?
Your answers will help determine if an "upgrade" is even necessary for your next trip, and which option might be best for you. Let's explore the primary ways to "upgrade" your Southwest experience.
Step 2: Exploring Southwest's "Upgrade" Options and Their Costs
Southwest offers a few distinct ways to improve your boarding position, each with its own pricing structure and benefits.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15)
This is the most direct way to get a fantastic boarding position. Upgraded Boarding allows you to secure one of the first 15 boarding positions (A1-A15), if available.
How it Works:
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You can purchase Upgraded Boarding within 24 hours of your flight's departure, either at the departure gate, ticket counter, or via the Southwest website/app.
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It's per segment, per passenger. So if you have a connecting flight, you'll need to purchase it for each leg if you want the benefit for both.
How Much Does it Cost?
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The cost for Upgraded Boarding is dynamic and can vary significantly.
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General Range: Historically, prices ranged from $30 to $80 per segment, per person.
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Recent Trends: More recently, customers have reported seeing prices as high as $149 per segment, per person, especially for popular routes or during peak travel times. There have even been anecdotal reports of it being up to $300 for certain flights.
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Factors Influencing Cost:
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Route Popularity: Busy routes will likely have higher prices.
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Time of Day/Week: Peak travel times (e.g., Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons, holidays) will command higher prices.
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Demand for the Specific Flight: If many people are trying to buy Upgraded Boarding for your flight, the price will go up.
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Time of Purchase: While you can buy it within 24 hours, prices can fluctuate within that window. Some users have reported seeing prices drop closer to departure if availability remains.
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Is it Worth It?
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Absolutely if you prioritize overhead bin space, want your preferred seat (window, aisle, front, back), or are traveling with family and want to guarantee sitting together.
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Maybe not if the cost is extremely high and you're a solo traveler who doesn't mind a middle seat.
Sub-heading: Option 2: EarlyBird Check-In
EarlyBird Check-In is a convenient way to get an earlier boarding position without having to remember to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight.
How it Works:
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You purchase EarlyBird Check-In anytime after you book your flight up to 36 hours before departure.
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Southwest automatically checks you in within 36 hours of your flight's departure, before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
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This typically secures you a better B or early C boarding position, though it does not guarantee an A group position. Your position is determined by when you purchased EarlyBird Check-In relative to others on your flight who also purchased it.
How Much Does it Cost?
Similar to Upgraded Boarding, the cost for EarlyBird Check-In is variable.
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General Range: Historically, prices ranged from $15 to $25 per segment, per person.
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Recent Trends: Prices have increased, with reports of EarlyBird Check-In costing anywhere from $15 to $99 per segment, per person.
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Factors Influencing Cost: Similar to Upgraded Boarding, demand and route popularity play a significant role.
Is it Worth It?
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Yes, if you want convenience and a generally better boarding position than if you waited for the standard 24-hour check-in. It removes the stress of needing to be online right at the 24-hour mark.
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Less so if you're a pro at checking in precisely at 24 hours and often get a good position anyway.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Upgrading Your Fare Class (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus)
While not a direct "add-on" purchase at the gate, booking a higher fare class from the outset is a form of "upgrade" that comes with built-in perks, including better boarding positions.
Southwest's Fare Types (as of May 28, 2025, with further changes expected later in 2025):
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Basic: New lowest price point with less flexibility and limited Rapid Rewards points earning. (Formerly Wanna Get Away)
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Wanna Get Away Plus: Offers more flexibility like same-day confirmed changes and more Rapid Rewards points. (Likely to be renamed "Choice")
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Anytime: More flexible than Wanna Get Away Plus, typically includes EarlyBird Check-In, and allows same-day changes/cancellations with full refundability. (Likely to be renamed "Choice Preferred")
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Business Select: Southwest's highest fare class. Always includes A1-A15 boarding, a premium drink coupon, free inflight internet, and the highest Rapid Rewards points earning. (Likely to be renamed "Choice Extra")
How Much Does it Cost?
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
The cost difference between fare classes can be substantial.
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You'll see this difference when you search for flights on the Southwest website.
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Example: A Wanna Get Away Plus fare might be $50-$100 more than a Basic fare, while a Business Select fare could be hundreds of dollars more than a Basic or Wanna Get Away Plus fare on the same flight.
Is it Worth It?
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Business Select: Absolutely, if you value guaranteed A1-A15 boarding, maximum flexibility, and the additional perks. It's often favored by business travelers whose companies pay for flights.
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Anytime: Good for travelers who need flexibility and a generally good boarding position but don't want to commit to the highest fare.
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Wanna Get Away Plus: A solid step up from Basic for those who want more flexibility without the significant price jump of Anytime or Business Select.
Step 3: Leveraging Rapid Rewards & Credit Card Benefits
Did you know your loyalty to Southwest or certain credit cards could help you "upgrade" your experience for free or at a reduced cost?
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred
If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status comes with fantastic benefits:
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A-List: Automatically assigned an earlier boarding position (generally after Business Select but before general EarlyBird Check-In).
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A-List Preferred: Also automatically assigned an earlier boarding position and earns more Rapid Rewards points.
These statuses are earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a certain number of Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year. The "cost" here is your loyalty and flight activity!
Sub-heading: Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
Several Southwest co-branded credit cards offer perks that can help with boarding:
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Some Southwest credit cards offer a certain number of complimentary Upgraded Boardings per year. For example, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card often includes 4 Upgraded Boardings per year. This is a fantastic way to experience A1-A15 boarding without the direct cash cost.
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Some cards also offer EarlyBird Check-In credits.
The "cost" here is the annual fee of the credit card, but the benefits can often outweigh that fee if you fly Southwest frequently. Always check the specific card's benefits.
Step 4: Timing Your Check-In (The Free Option)
Even without paying for an upgrade, your check-in timing is critical.
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Southwest's online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
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Set an alarm! The moment check-in opens, log in and check in for your flight. The faster you check in, the better your assigned boarding position (among those who haven't paid for upgrades). This is the free way to try and get a better boarding group.
Step 5: Considering the Value Proposition
Now that you know the options and their costs, let's consider when an "upgrade" is truly worth it for you.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
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Traveling with young children: Securing an A boarding position (especially A1-A15) through Upgraded Boarding or Business Select is invaluable for finding seats together and getting settled without stress.
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Carrying valuable or fragile items in your carry-on: Guaranteed overhead bin space is a huge plus.
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You have a tight connection: Boarding earlier allows you to be among the first off the plane, giving you more time to make your next flight.
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You prefer a specific seat: Whether it's a window for the view or an aisle for easy access, an earlier boarding position dramatically increases your chances.
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Your company is paying: If expenses are covered, Business Select is a no-brainer for the perks and flexibility.
Step 6: Making the Purchase or Strategizing
Sub-heading: How to Purchase Upgraded Boarding:
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Online/App: Within 24 hours of departure, log into your reservation on the Southwest Airlines website or app. Look for the "Upgraded Boarding" option.
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Gate/Ticket Counter: On the day of your flight, ask a Southwest Agent at the check-in counter or the gate if Upgraded Boarding is available for purchase.
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Remember, it's subject to availability. If all A1-A15 spots are sold out, you won't see the option.
Sub-heading: How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In:
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During Booking: You can typically add EarlyBird Check-In during the initial flight booking process on southwest.com.
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After Booking: If you've already booked your flight, you can go back into your reservation on southwest.com and add EarlyBird Check-In, up to 36 hours before departure.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Your Chances Without Paying Extra:
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Be Punctual: As mentioned, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight.
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Check-in for All Segments: If you have connecting flights, check in for all segments at the 24-hour mark.
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Consider Companion Pass holders: If you have a Southwest Companion Pass, your companion will board with you, so if you get a good boarding position, they do too!
Related FAQ Questions
How to check the current cost of Upgraded Boarding for my flight?
You can check the cost of Upgraded Boarding within 24 hours of your flight's departure by logging into your reservation on the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app, or by asking a Southwest agent at the airport's ticket counter or gate. The price will be displayed if available.
How to know if Upgraded Boarding is available for my flight?
Availability for Upgraded Boarding is shown when you attempt to purchase it online, through the app, or with an agent within the 24-hour window before departure. If the option is not displayed or offered, it means all spots are sold out.
How to use my Southwest credit card Upgraded Boarding benefits?
If your Southwest co-branded credit card offers complimentary Upgraded Boardings, you'll typically purchase the Upgraded Boarding as usual (within 24 hours of departure), and the charge will be automatically reimbursed by Chase (the card issuer) as a statement credit, up to your annual benefit limit.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest for free?
The best free way to get a better boarding position is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. Be online, ready to go, the moment check-in opens.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In after booking my flight?
Yes, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In after booking your flight by logging into your reservation on the Southwest Airlines website. Look for the "Add EarlyBird Check-In" option. You can add it up to 36 hours before departure.
How to tell if EarlyBird Check-In is worth it for my specific flight?
Consider if you need to sit with someone, have a large carry-on, or simply want to avoid the stress of checking in right at 24 hours. If those factors are important, EarlyBird Check-In can be a worthwhile investment.
How to upgrade to Business Select on Southwest?
You don't "upgrade" to Business Select from a lower fare class after booking. You must purchase a Business Select fare at the time of booking your flight. It is Southwest's highest fare tier and includes premium benefits from the outset.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest?
The most reliable way to ensure your family sits together is to purchase Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15) for everyone, or book Business Select fares. Alternatively, if you have A-List/A-List Preferred status, your family members on the same reservation will board with you. Otherwise, checking in exactly 24 hours before departure as a group gives you the best chance in lower fare classes.
How to use a Southwest travel credit to pay for an upgrade?
Southwest travel credits generally apply towards the base fare of a new flight booking. They are typically not directly usable for ancillary purchases like Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In, which often require a credit card.
How to understand the new Southwest fare categories (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra)?
Southwest is phasing in new fare categories (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) starting May 28, 2025. "Basic" is the new lowest fare, "Choice" replaces Wanna Get Away Plus, "Choice Preferred" replaces Anytime, and "Choice Extra" replaces Business Select. Each tier offers increasing levels of flexibility, Rapid Rewards earning, and included benefits. You'll see these options when you search for flights.
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