Do you often find yourself looking at your Southwest Airlines boarding pass, wondering if there's a better way to board, a way to secure that coveted window seat or overhead bin space without the mad dash? You're not alone! Southwest's unique open-seating policy can be a blessing and a curse. While it offers flexibility, it also means boarding position is key. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading your boarding pass on Southwest Airlines, including the costs, options, and strategies to get that prime spot.
Understanding Southwest's Boarding System
Before we dive into upgrades, let's briefly recap Southwest's boarding process. Unlike most airlines with assigned seats, Southwest uses a "free-for-all" system once you board. Your boarding pass will have a group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60+). Passengers board in order: A1-A60, then B1-B60, and finally C1-C60+. The earlier your group and number, the better your chances of getting your preferred seat and storing your carry-on close by.
So, how do you get a better boarding position? Primarily through:
Check-in Time: The earlier you check in (exactly 24 hours before your flight), the better your chances of a lower boarding number.
Fare Class: Certain fare classes come with built-in boarding advantages.
Upgrades: This is where we're headed!
Step 1: Are You Considering an Upgrade? Let's Find Out Why!
Before we talk numbers, let's explore why you might want to upgrade your Southwest boarding pass. Are you:
Tired of boarding in the C group and fighting for a middle seat?
Worried about overhead bin space for your carry-on?
Traveling with family or friends and want to sit together?
Simply looking for a more relaxed boarding experience?
If you answered yes to any of these, an upgrade might be a great option for you! Understanding your motivation will help you choose the best upgrade path.
Step 2: Exploring Your Southwest Boarding Upgrade Options
Southwest offers a few distinct ways to improve your boarding position, each with its own benefits and costs. Let's break them down.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15)
This is the most direct way to get a premium boarding spot.
What it is: Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase a spot in the highly coveted A1-A15 boarding group. This guarantees you'll be among the very first to board, giving you your pick of seats and ample overhead bin space.
When to purchase: This upgrade is typically available within 24 hours of your flight's departure and can often be purchased at the gate or check-in counter on the day of travel, or sometimes through the Southwest app or website if available.
How much it costs: The cost for Upgraded Boarding varies significantly depending on the specific flight segment, demand, and route. Prices generally range from $30 to $149 per segment, per passenger. So, if you have a connecting flight, you'd pay for each segment.
Who it's best for: This is ideal for those who prioritize guaranteed early boarding and seat selection, especially on busy flights or if traveling with specific seating needs.
Sub-heading: Option 2: EarlyBird Check-In
While not a direct "upgrade" to A1-A15, EarlyBird Check-In is a popular way to improve your boarding position automatically.
What it is: When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens, giving you a significantly better chance of getting a lower boarding number (often within the A or early B group).
When to purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking your flight or add it later up to 26 hours prior to your flight's scheduled local departure time. It's subject to availability, so it's best to purchase it sooner rather than later if you want it.
How much it costs: EarlyBird Check-In prices vary from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight. The price depends on the popularity and length of the flight.
Who it's best for: This is a good option for travelers who want to avoid the rush of checking in exactly at the 24-hour mark and generally want a better boarding position without necessarily needing the absolute first spots. It's also great for families who want a better chance of sitting together.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Upgrading Your Fare Class (Business Select or Anytime)
This isn't an "add-on" like the previous two, but rather a different way to purchase your ticket that includes superior boarding benefits.
What it is: Southwest offers several fare types: Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select®.
Business Select®: This is Southwest's highest fare class and automatically includes an A1-A15 boarding position. It also comes with other premium perks like a complimentary premium drink, free inflight internet, higher Rapid Rewards point earnings, and two free checked bags.
Anytime: This fare class typically includes EarlyBird Check-In automatically, offering a better boarding position than Wanna Get Away or Basic fares, along with increased flexibility regarding refunds and changes.
How much it costs: The cost difference to upgrade to Business Select or Anytime is dynamic and depends entirely on the original fare you booked and the current price of the higher fare classes for your specific flight. This can range from a small difference to hundreds of dollars per segment. You'd pay the fare difference between your current ticket and the Business Select/Anytime fare.
Who it's best for:
Business Select: Ideal for business travelers, those who absolutely must have the earliest boarding, or those who value all the included perks.
Anytime: Good for travelers who need more flexibility with their plans and appreciate the included EarlyBird Check-In for a better boarding position.
Step 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your Boarding Pass
Now that you know your options, let's walk through how to actually get that upgrade!
Sub-heading: For Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15) - Day of Travel
Check-in 24 hours prior: Even if you plan to upgrade, it's always a good idea to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight. This gives you a default boarding position in case Upgraded Boarding isn't available or you decide not to purchase it.
Look for the Upgrade Offer:
Southwest App/Website: Starting around 24 hours before your flight, check your reservation on the Southwest app or website. Often, if Upgraded Boarding is available, you'll see an option to purchase it.
Airport Kiosk: When you arrive at the airport, use a Southwest self-service kiosk to print your boarding pass or check in. The kiosk will often present the Upgraded Boarding option if available.
Ticket Counter/Gate Agent: If you don't see the option online or at a kiosk, ask a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or at your departure gate. They can tell you if Upgraded Boarding is available for your flight and process the payment.
Pay the Fee: Once you confirm availability, you'll pay the stated fee (ranging from $30-$149 per segment) using a credit card.
Receive Your New Boarding Pass: You'll be issued a new boarding pass reflecting your A1-A15 position. Hold onto this new pass!
Sub-heading: For EarlyBird Check-In - Before Travel
During Booking:
When you're initially booking your flight on Southwest.com, you'll often see EarlyBird Check-In offered as an add-on option during the booking process.
Simply select it for the desired passengers and segments and add it to your cart.
After Booking (Before 26 hours of departure):
Go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or within the Southwest app.
Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Look for the option to "Add EarlyBird Check-In" to your reservation.
Select the passengers and segments you wish to apply it to.
Pay the fee (ranging from $15-$99 per one-way flight).
Enjoy Automatic Check-in: Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, securing your boarding position. You'll still need to access your boarding pass (print it, use the app, or get it at the airport) within 24 hours of departure.
Sub-heading: For Upgrading Fare Class (Business Select/Anytime) - Before or During Booking
During Initial Booking:
When searching for flights on Southwest.com, you'll see the different fare classes (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and their corresponding prices.
Simply select the Business Select or Anytime fare for your desired flight. The higher price you pay includes the enhanced boarding benefits.
After Booking (Changing Your Fare):
If you've already booked a lower fare (e.g., Wanna Get Away) and want to upgrade to Business Select or Anytime, go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or the app.
Look for an option to "Change Flight" or "Upgrade Fare Class."
You will be prompted to select the new fare class (Business Select or Anytime) and pay the difference in fare. Be aware that this difference can be substantial.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Upgrade Strategy
Book Early, Upgrade Early (for EarlyBird): If you plan on using EarlyBird Check-In, purchase it as soon as you book your flight. This gives you the best chance of securing a truly early boarding position, as EarlyBird positions are assigned based on purchase time.
Consider the Value (Upgraded Boarding): Upgraded Boarding can be a fantastic option, especially on flights where you absolutely need a good seat or overhead space. However, evaluate the cost against the length of the flight and your personal priorities. Paying $75 for a 45-minute hop might not be worth it for everyone.
Credit Card Perks: Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like free Upgraded Boardings or EarlyBird Check-In credits annually. If you fly Southwest frequently, check if your card offers these perks – they can save you a lot!
A-List Status: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer and achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status through the Rapid Rewards program, you'll automatically receive priority boarding (A1-A15 for A-List Preferred, and an earlier boarding position for A-List members) on all your flights. This is the ultimate "free" upgrade!
Step 5: What to Expect After Upgrading
Once you've successfully upgraded your boarding pass, here's what typically happens:
New Boarding Pass: You'll receive a new boarding pass reflecting your improved boarding group and number (e.g., A1-A15 if you purchased Upgraded Boarding, or an earlier A/B group if you used EarlyBird Check-In or have an Anytime/Business Select fare).
Smoother Boarding: Enjoy the luxury of boarding earlier, finding your preferred seat with ease, and securing overhead bin space without stress.
Peace of Mind: The biggest benefit is often the peace of mind knowing you won't be scrambling for a seat or overhead space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about upgrading your Southwest boarding pass, with quick answers:
How to upgrade your boarding pass to A1-A15 on Southwest?
You can purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the airport kiosk, ticket counter, or gate, or sometimes via the Southwest app/website, typically within 24 hours of your flight.
How to know the exact cost of Upgraded Boarding for my flight?
The exact cost ($30-$149 per segment) is only revealed when you attempt to purchase it, as it's dynamic based on demand and route.
How to get a better boarding position without paying for an upgrade?
Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure online or via the app. The earlier you check in, the better your assigned boarding position.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest Airlines?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In when booking your flight or add it to an existing reservation up to 26 hours before departure via Southwest.com or the app.
How to check if my Southwest credit card offers free upgrades?
Review your specific Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card benefits online or in your cardmember agreement, as many offer a certain number of free Upgraded Boardings or EarlyBird Check-Ins annually.
How to upgrade to Business Select on an existing reservation?
Go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com or the app, select your flight, and look for an option to "Change Flight" or "Upgrade Fare Class" to Business Select, paying the fare difference.
How to sit with my family on Southwest if we have different boarding groups?
If you have an earlier boarding position, you can hold seats for your family members until they board. Alternatively, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for everyone or Upgraded Boarding for those who need to get on first to secure seats.
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest for free?
Achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status through the Rapid Rewards program, or fly on a Business Select fare (though this isn't "free" as you pay for the fare).
How to maximize overhead bin space on Southwest?
Aim for an A boarding position (via Business Select, Upgraded Boarding, or very early check-in with EarlyBird) to get on the plane earlier and claim your preferred overhead bin space.
How to find out if Upgraded Boarding is available for my flight?
Check the Southwest app or website starting 24 hours before your flight, or inquire with a Southwest agent at the airport's ticket counter or gate on the day of departure.
