Demystifying Business Select on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Ever wondered what "Business Select" truly means when you're booking a Southwest Airlines flight? Are you curious about the benefits and, more importantly, how much it actually costs? You're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Southwest's premium fare option, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next journey.
So, are you ready to unlock a more comfortable and convenient travel experience with Southwest? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Fare Structure (Beyond Just the Price Tag!)
Before we pinpoint the cost of Business Select, it's crucial to understand how Southwest structures its fares. Unlike traditional airlines with distinct "business class" cabins, Southwest operates with an open-seating model and offers different "fare families," each providing varying levels of benefits and flexibility. These generally include:
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): This is typically the cheapest fare, offering the most basic benefits and least flexibility. Flight credits from cancellations have a shorter expiration period (6 months).
Wanna Get Away Plus: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility, including transferable flight credits and free same-day confirmed changes (fare difference may apply). You also earn more Rapid Rewards points.
Anytime: This fare provides even greater flexibility, including refundable tickets (to original form of payment) and higher Rapid Rewards point earning. EarlyBird Check-In is often included.
Business Select: This is Southwest's highest fare tier, designed for travelers who prioritize convenience, early boarding, and maximum flexibility. It comes with a suite of premium perks.
The cost of Business Select is dynamic and varies significantly. It's not a fixed price, but rather a premium over the other fare types for a given flight.
What Influences the Price?
Several factors impact how much Business Select will cost for your specific flight:
Route: Longer and more popular routes typically see higher Business Select prices.
Demand: Flights with higher demand (e.g., peak travel times, holidays, popular events) will have more expensive Business Select fares.
Time of Booking: Booking further in advance can sometimes (but not always) result in lower Business Select prices, though this isn't a guarantee. Last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive.
Day of the Week: Weekends and certain weekdays (like Fridays and Sundays for leisure travelers, or Mondays and Thursdays for business travelers) can see higher prices.
Availability: If fewer Business Select seats are available on a flight, the price may increase.
Step 2: Discovering the "How Much" - Practical Examples
Since there isn't a single, fixed price for Business Select, the best way to understand "how much" it is to look at examples and understand the premium it commands.
The Premium: Expect to pay a significant premium for Business Select over Basic (Wanna Get Away) fares. While it can vary wildly, sources suggest an average of 70% to 81% more than the cheapest fare.
Example Scenario: Imagine a round-trip flight that costs $400 for a Basic fare. A Business Select fare for the same route and dates could easily be $680 to $720 or even higher. This is purely illustrative, as real-time pricing will fluctuate.
To get the exact cost, you'll need to go through the booking process on Southwest's website or app.
Step 3: Unpacking the Benefits – Is Business Select Worth the Investment?
Now that we know Business Select comes at a higher price, let's explore why people choose it. The value lies in the collection of premium perks designed to enhance your travel experience.
Sub-heading: Guaranteed Early Boarding (A1-A15)
This is arguably the most coveted benefit of Business Select. Southwest's open seating model means that boarding position dictates your seat choice. With Business Select, you are automatically checked in and guaranteed a boarding position within the A1-A15 group. This means you'll be among the very first passengers to board the plane, allowing you to:
Choose your preferred seat: Whether it's a window, aisle, or an exit row for extra legroom (if eligible), you'll have your pick.
Secure overhead bin space: No more worrying about finding room for your carry-on luggage.
Sub-heading: Refundable Fare
Business Select fares are fully refundable to your original form of payment if you cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. This offers maximum flexibility and peace of mind, especially for business travelers whose plans can change unexpectedly.
Sub-heading: Complimentary Premium Drink
On flights over 250 miles, Business Select includes a complimentary premium alcoholic beverage or other drink of your choice. This can save you anywhere from $7-$9 per drink, a nice little perk, especially on longer flights.
Sub-heading: Increased Rapid Rewards Point Earning
Business Select fares earn you the most Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent compared to other fare types. You'll earn 14 points per dollar on qualifying flights. This significantly accelerates your path to earning free flights.
Sub-heading: Free Inflight Wi-Fi
Stay connected from takeoff to touchdown with complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. This is a huge benefit for business travelers who need to work or for anyone who wants to browse, stream, or chat during their flight without incurring extra costs.
Sub-heading: Two Free Checked Bags
While Southwest is known for its generous two-free-checked-bags policy for all passengers, it's worth noting that with Business Select, this benefit is explicitly included, reinforcing the value for those who travel with more luggage.
Sub-heading: Priority and Express Lanes
Access to priority check-in lanes at the airport and express security lanes (where available) can save you valuable time, particularly during peak travel periods.
Step 4: How to Purchase Business Select
Purchasing a Business Select fare is straightforward, just like booking any other Southwest flight.
Sub-heading: Online Booking (Recommended)
Visit Southwest.com or use the Southwest App: Go to the official Southwest Airlines website or open their mobile app.
Enter Your Travel Details: Input your origin, destination, and travel dates, and the number of passengers.
Search for Flights: Click "Search" to view available flights.
Select Your Fare Type: On the flight selection screen, you will see the different fare options available for each flight – Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. Simply select the "Business Select" option for your desired flight.
Proceed to Payment: Complete the booking process by entering your payment information. You can use credit cards, Southwest gift cards, unused travel funds, or PayPal.
Confirm Your Booking: Review your details and confirm your purchase. You'll receive a confirmation email.
Sub-heading: Booking by Phone
You can also call Southwest Airlines reservations to book a Business Select fare. A representative can guide you through the options and help you with your booking.
Sub-heading: Upgrading an Existing Ticket
Yes, you can often upgrade an existing Southwest fare (like Basic or Wanna Get Away Plus) to Business Select. You will pay the fare difference between your original ticket and the Business Select fare. You can typically do this online through the "Change Flight" option in your reservation, or by calling Southwest.
Step 5: Weighing the "Is It Worth It?" Question
The "worth" of Business Select is highly subjective and depends entirely on your individual travel needs and priorities.
It's often worth it if:
You absolutely need guaranteed early boarding: If choosing your seat (especially a window or aisle) and securing overhead bin space is paramount, Business Select delivers.
Your plans are uncertain: The full refundability offers immense peace of mind.
You frequently fly Southwest for business: The increased Rapid Rewards points and complimentary Wi-Fi add significant value.
You value time savings at the airport: Priority lanes can be a lifesaver.
You enjoy a complimentary drink onboard.
It might not be worth it if:
You are on a tight budget: The premium can be substantial.
You don't care about early boarding: If you're happy to take any available seat.
Your travel plans are firm: If you're confident you won't need to cancel or change your flight.
You rarely fly Southwest or don't prioritize Rapid Rewards points.
You don't typically purchase drinks or Wi-Fi onboard.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines' Business Select isn't a traditional "business class" with lie-flat seats, but it offers a premium experience within Southwest's unique model. While the cost is dynamic and always a premium over lower fare types, the benefits like guaranteed early boarding, full refundability, complimentary Wi-Fi and drinks, and accelerated Rapid Rewards earning can justify the price for many travelers, particularly those flying for business or who prioritize comfort and flexibility. Always compare the fare options for your specific flight to determine if the added perks align with your travel preferences and budget.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the exact cost of Business Select for my flight?
To get the exact cost, go to Southwest.com or the Southwest app, enter your flight details, and you will see the real-time prices for all fare types, including Business Select, for your specific itinerary.
How to ensure I get an A1-A15 boarding position with Business Select?
By purchasing a Business Select fare, an A1-A15 boarding position is guaranteed because Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure for this fare type.
How to use the complimentary drink coupon with Business Select?
If you have a mobile boarding pass, your drink coupon eligibility will be noted on it. Simply show the drink coupon portion of your mobile boarding pass to the Flight Attendant for validation on flights over 250 miles.
How to change a Business Select flight?
Business Select fares allow for changes without an airline change fee (though a fare difference may apply). You can typically change your flight online through the "Change Flight" option in your reservation or by calling Southwest Airlines.
How to get a refund for a Business Select ticket?
If you cancel a Business Select ticket at least 10 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure, you are eligible to receive a 100% refund to your original form of payment. You can initiate this cancellation online or by contacting Southwest customer service.
How to earn Rapid Rewards points with Business Select?
You automatically earn 14 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on the base fare of qualifying Business Select flights. Ensure your Rapid Rewards number is associated with your booking.
How to access free inflight Wi-Fi with Business Select?
When onboard, connect to the Southwest Wi-Fi network. If you have a Business Select fare, your eligibility for free Wi-Fi should be recognized automatically, or you may be prompted to enter your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards details.
How to check two bags for free with Business Select?
Southwest's general policy allows all passengers two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches). With Business Select, this benefit is explicitly included, so simply check your bags at the counter or kiosk as usual.
How to compare Business Select with Anytime and Wanna Get Away Plus fares?
Business Select offers the highest flexibility (full refundability), guaranteed early boarding (A1-A15), and the most points. Anytime fares are also refundable but don't guarantee A1-A15 boarding, while Wanna Get Away Plus offers transferable flight credit but is not refundable to original payment.
How to find the cheapest Business Select fares?
While Business Select is always a premium, you might find slightly lower prices by booking well in advance, flying during off-peak seasons or days of the week, and being flexible with your exact travel dates. Keep an eye out for any Southwest promotions, though Business Select sales are less common than for lower fare types.
