It's an excellent question! Southwest Airlines has a unique boarding system that differs from most other airlines, so understanding how to "upgrade" your experience is key to a smoother journey. Unlike traditional airlines where you might upgrade to First Class or Business Class with a specific seat assignment, Southwest operates on a "first-come, first-served" open seating model. This means that upgrading on Southwest is primarily about securing a better boarding position.
Ready to unlock a better Southwest experience? Let's dive in!
How to Upgrade Your Southwest Airlines Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest's approach to upgrades focuses on enhancing your boarding position, which in turn gives you a better chance to choose your preferred seat and access overhead bin space. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Boarding Process
Before we talk about upgrades, it's crucial to grasp how Southwest boards its planes. They use a system of boarding groups (A, B, C) and boarding positions (1-60+).
Group A: Boards first, generally positions A1-A60.
Group B: Boards after Group A.
Group C: Boards last.
Within each group, passengers line up according to their assigned number. The lower your number, the earlier you board within your group. This means that getting an A1-A15 boarding position is the closest you'll get to a "first-class" experience on Southwest, as it ensures you're among the very first to board.
So, the goal of "upgrading" on Southwest is to secure one of those coveted A-group boarding positions.
Step 2: Choose Your Upgrade Path – Different Ways to Get Ahead
Southwest offers several ways to improve your boarding position, each with its own benefits and costs.
Option 2.1: Purchase "Upgraded Boarding"
This is the most direct way to get an A1-A15 boarding position.
What it is: Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase a boarding position in the A1-A15 group, guaranteeing you'll be among the first to board the aircraft. This is ideal for those who want their pick of seats and overhead bin space.
When to purchase:
Day of Travel (Airport): This is the most common way. You can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the departure gate or ticket counter on the day of your flight, if available. It's often limited, so inquire early.
Within 24 Hours of Departure (Online/App): Sometimes, Southwest makes Upgraded Boarding available for purchase online or through their app within 24 hours of your flight's departure, typically after standard check-in opens.
Cost: The price varies but generally ranges from $30 to $80 per person, each way.
Benefits:
Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position.
First access to overhead bins.
Ability to choose your preferred seat (window, aisle, front, exit row).
Option 2.2: Purchase "EarlyBird Check-In"
EarlyBird Check-In is a popular option that helps you secure an earlier boarding position without the premium cost of Upgraded Boarding.
What it is: When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This is before the general 24-hour check-in window opens.
When to purchase: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at any time from the moment you book your flight up to 24 hours before departure (or until it sells out, which it often does).
Cost: Pricing varies, typically $15 to $25 per person, each way.
Benefits:
Automatic early check-in, eliminating the need to race to check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight.
Improved boarding position compared to standard check-in, often resulting in an A or early B group.
Better opportunity to select your preferred available seat and access overhead bin storage.
Important Note: EarlyBird Check-In does not guarantee an A boarding position. While it significantly improves your chances, your position is assigned based on the time of your EarlyBird Check-In purchase relative to other EarlyBird passengers within the same fare product.
Option 2.3: Book a "Business Select" Fare
If you want the best possible boarding position from the start, a Business Select fare is your answer.
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class, offering a bundle of premium benefits.
When to purchase: You select this fare class at the time of booking your flight.
Cost: This is typically the most expensive fare option, as it includes more than just priority boarding.
Benefits:
Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position.
Fly By Priority Lane access at check-in and security (where available).
One complimentary premium drink onboard (on flights 251 miles or more).
Fully refundable tickets (if canceled at least 10 minutes before departure).
Earns 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar (compared to Wanna Get Away Plus at 10 points and Anytime at 10 points, and Wanna Get Away/Basic at 6 and 2 points respectively).
Free same-day change and same-day standby benefits (subject to availability).
Two free checked bags (effective for tickets booked/changed on or after May 28, 2025).
Option 2.4: Achieve A-List or A-List Preferred Status
For frequent flyers, elite status with Southwest's Rapid Rewards program offers consistent priority boarding.
What it is: A-List and A-List Preferred are elite tiers within the Rapid Rewards program, earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a certain amount of Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
How to achieve:
A-List: Fly 25 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
A-List Preferred: Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 Tier Qualifying Points in a calendar year.
Benefits (related to boarding):
A-List: You and everyone on your reservation get earlier boarding positions, automatically assigned 36 hours before the flight. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
A-List Preferred: All A-List benefits, plus free in-flight internet and a 100% earning bonus on Rapid Rewards points. Both A-List and A-List Preferred members typically receive A-group boarding.
Additional Perks of A-List/A-List Preferred: Dedicated phone lines, priority lane access, free same-day change/standby (though this benefit has changed recently for Basic and Wanna Get Away fares for A-List/Preferred, so always check the latest policy).
Step 3: Executing Your Upgrade – Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know your options, let's look at how to make them happen.
For "Upgraded Boarding" (Day of Travel / Within 24 Hours):
Check Availability:
At the Airport: As soon as you arrive at the airport, head to a Southwest Airlines ticket counter or the departure gate for your flight. Ask a Southwest Customer Service Agent if Upgraded Boarding is available for your flight.
Online/App (within 24 hours): Open the Southwest app or visit Southwest.com within 24 hours of your flight. Log in to your reservation. Look for an option to "Upgrade Boarding" or similar. This option isn't always available, as it depends on how many A1-A15 spots are open.
Purchase: If available, the agent will process your payment at the airport. Online, you'll follow the prompts to complete the purchase.
Receive New Boarding Pass: You'll be issued a new boarding pass with your A1-A15 position.
For "EarlyBird Check-In" (Anytime After Booking):
Locate Your Reservation: Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest mobile app.
Find Your Trip: Click on "Flight" or "My Trips" and enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Add EarlyBird Check-In: Look for the "Add EarlyBird Check-In" option for your flight.
Complete Purchase: Follow the instructions to pay the fee.
Automatic Check-in: Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight. You'll still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure.
For "Business Select" Fare (During Booking):
Start a New Flight Search: Go to Southwest.com to search for flights.
Select Your Dates and Destinations: Enter your origin, destination, and travel dates.
Choose "Business Select": When the flight results appear, you'll see various fare options (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Anytime, Business Select). Select the "Business Select" fare for the desired flight.
Complete Booking: Proceed with the booking process as usual. Your A1-A15 boarding position and other Business Select benefits will be included.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Southwest Experience (Even Without a Direct "Upgrade")
Beyond the formal upgrade options, here are a few extra tips for a better Southwest experience:
Check-in Exactly at 24 Hours: If you haven't purchased EarlyBird or Business Select, set an alarm and check in precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is critical for getting the best possible boarding position among those checking in at the standard time.
Utilize Southwest Credit Cards: Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer perks like upgraded boarding credits, which can be a valuable way to experience A1-A15 without direct payment. Check your card benefits.
Companion Pass Considerations: If you have a Southwest Companion Pass, your companion will receive a boarding position immediately following yours. If you upgrade your boarding (e.g., to A1-A15), your companion will also receive a preferred boarding position (though not necessarily A1-A15, it will still be a strong position relative to others).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about upgrading on Southwest, with quick answers:
1. How to upgrade my seat after booking a Wanna Get Away fare? You cannot "upgrade" your seat directly as Southwest has open seating. However, you can improve your boarding position by purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate/counter or, if available, online within 24 hours of departure, or by adding EarlyBird Check-In (if still available).
2. How to use Rapid Rewards points for an upgrade on Southwest? Southwest generally doesn't allow direct "upgrades" using Rapid Rewards points in the traditional sense. You book entire flights with points. However, if you purchase a Business Select fare with points, you'll automatically get the A1-A15 boarding. You can also use points to purchase gift cards that can then be used for Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In.
3. How to know if Upgraded Boarding is available for my flight? You can inquire at the Southwest ticket counter or departure gate on your travel day. Sometimes, it also becomes available for purchase through the Southwest app or website within 24 hours of departure, but it's not guaranteed.
4. How to tell the difference between EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding? EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight for an earlier boarding position (not guaranteed A1-A15). Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position and is typically purchased closer to departure, either at the airport or within 24 hours online.
5. How to get priority boarding on Southwest without paying extra? The primary way is by achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status through frequent flying. Otherwise, checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight is your best bet for a good, non-paid boarding position.
6. How to upgrade to Business Select for an existing reservation? Yes, you can upgrade to Business Select for an existing reservation by contacting Southwest Airlines customer service or by modifying your reservation online/via the app. You will pay the fare difference between your original fare and the Business Select fare.
7. How to upgrade a Companion Pass reservation on Southwest? While your companion's flight is technically "free," you can purchase Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In for both yourself and your companion. If you have Business Select, your companion will still get a good, sequential boarding position. It's often best to call Southwest for assistance with companion upgrades to ensure both reservations are handled correctly.
8. How to get a better seat with an upgrade on Southwest? Since Southwest has open seating, "upgrading" means getting an earlier boarding position (A1-A15) which allows you to choose your preferred seat once you board. There are no pre-assigned "premium" seats to upgrade to, only the ability to board earlier to get your pick.
9. How to change my flight and retain my upgrade on Southwest? If you change your flight, any purchased EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding may not automatically transfer. You may need to purchase them again for the new flight, subject to availability and payment. Contact Southwest directly for the most accurate information on your specific situation.
10. How to use a Southwest credit card for upgrade benefits? Several Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like Upgraded Boarding credits or bonus Rapid Rewards points that can be redeemed for various travel purchases. Check your specific credit card's terms and benefits for details on how to utilize these perks for an enhanced Southwest experience.
