Do you often find yourself staring longingly at the "A" group passengers boarding their Southwest flight, knowing they'll snag the best seats and overhead bin space, while you're stuck in the "B" or even "C" group? If so, you're not alone! Southwest's unique open-seating policy means your boarding position is paramount to your in-flight comfort. But fear not, fellow traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every legitimate way to upgrade your seat on Southwest Airlines, ensuring a smoother, more relaxed journey. Let's get you into those coveted front-row spots!
How to Upgrade Seats on Southwest Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest doesn't have traditional "first class" or "business class" cabins that you upgrade into with points or cash in the same way other airlines do. Instead, "upgrading your seat" on Southwest refers to improving your boarding position, which directly impacts your seat selection and access to overhead bin space. The earlier you board, the more choices you have!
Step 1: Understand the Southwest Boarding Process
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp Southwest's unique boarding system. Unlike airlines with assigned seats, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served seating policy once you're on the plane. Your boarding pass will display a Group (A, B, or C) and a Position (1-60).
Preboarding: This group boards first and is reserved for passengers with disabilities or those needing extra assistance.
Group A (A1-A60): These are the first to board.
A1-A15 are typically reserved for Business Select fare holders and those who purchase "Upgraded Boarding."
A16-A60 follow, usually consisting of A-List and A-List Preferred members, EarlyBird Check-In purchasers, and those who checked in precisely at the 24-hour mark.
Family Boarding/Other Special Boarding: This happens after Group A, for families traveling with children aged six or younger, and active-duty military in uniform.
Group B (B1-B60): The next wave of passengers.
Group C (C1-C60): The last group to board, often left with middle seats towards the back of the plane.
The goal of "upgrading your seat" on Southwest is to get into the highest possible boarding group, ideally A1-A15, or at least a high A group position.
Step 2: Leverage Fare Types for Better Boarding
One of the most straightforward ways to secure a better boarding position is by choosing the right fare type when booking your flight.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class.
Benefit: It guarantees you a boarding position between A1 and A15. This means you'll be among the very first people on the plane, giving you your pick of seats (window, aisle, front, exit row – it's all yours!) and ample overhead bin space. You also get Fly By priority lane access and a complimentary premium drink.
How to do it: Simply select "Business Select" when booking your flight on Southwest.com or the Southwest app.
Consideration: Business Select fares are generally significantly more expensive than other fare types. Weigh the cost against the value of guaranteed early boarding and other perks.
Sub-heading: Anytime Fares
What it is: Anytime fares offer more flexibility than Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
Benefit: They include EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. While not a guaranteed A1-A15 spot like Business Select, it provides a much better boarding position than if you waited for the standard 24-hour check-in window.
How to do it: Select "Anytime" when booking your flight.
Consideration: Anytime fares are pricier than Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus, but often a good middle-ground if you want better boarding without the Business Select price tag.
Step 3: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
If you've already booked a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare, or if Business Select isn't in your budget, EarlyBird Check-In is your next best friend for improving your boarding position.
Sub-heading: What is EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In is an optional add-on that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
Since boarding positions are assigned based on check-in time (within your fare class), being checked in 36 hours out gives you a significant advantage over those who wait for the free 24-hour check-in.
While it doesn't guarantee an A boarding position, it greatly increases your chances of getting into the A or early B group.
Sub-heading: How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
During Booking: The easiest way to purchase EarlyBird Check-In is during the initial booking process on Southwest.com or the Southwest app. You'll typically see it as an option after you select your flight.
After Booking: You can also add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation up to 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure, subject to availability.
Online: Go to "Manage Reservations" on Southwest.com, retrieve your booking, and look for the "Add EarlyBird Check-In" option.
Southwest App: Similar process within the app under your upcoming trips.
Over the Phone: You can also call Southwest Customer Service.
Cost: The price of EarlyBird Check-In varies depending on the flight's popularity and length, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
Sub-heading: Important Notes on EarlyBird Check-In
Availability is limited: EarlyBird Check-In can sell out, especially on popular routes and peak travel times. Purchase it as soon as you can if you want it.
Non-refundable: Once purchased, EarlyBird Check-In is generally non-refundable unless Southwest cancels your flight. If you change or cancel your flight, you'll forfeit the EarlyBird purchase.
Not for A-List/A-List Preferred: If you are an A-List or A-List Preferred member, you already receive priority boarding and do not need to purchase EarlyBird Check-In.
Step 4: Purchase Upgraded Boarding at the Airport (Day of Travel)
This is your best shot at getting into the coveted A1-A15 boarding group if you haven't secured it through other means.
Sub-heading: What is Upgraded Boarding?
Upgraded Boarding allows you to purchase a boarding position in the A1-A15 group on the day of your flight, if available.
This is the closest Southwest comes to a "premium seat" upgrade, as it gives you first access to the cabin.
Sub-heading: How to Purchase Upgraded Boarding
Airport Kiosk or Ticket Counter:
Upon arrival at the airport, head to a Southwest self-service kiosk.
Select the "Upgraded Boarding" option.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the purchase.
Alternatively, you can ask a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter if Upgraded Boarding is available for your flight.
Gate:
If you're already past security, you can inquire about Upgraded Boarding directly at your departure gate.
Ask the gate agent if A1-A15 positions are available for purchase.
Cost: The cost for Upgraded Boarding can range from $30 to $149 per passenger, per flight segment, depending on factors like route demand and how close it is to departure.
Availability: Upgraded Boarding is highly dependent on availability. There are only 15 A1-A15 spots per flight, and they sell out quickly, especially on full flights. It's truly a "first-come, first-served" scenario at the airport.
When to purchase: Sales for Upgraded Boarding typically end 30 minutes before departure. The earlier you ask, the better your chances.
Step 5: Earn Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Status
For frequent Southwest flyers, achieving elite status is the ultimate way to consistently get better boarding positions.
Sub-heading: A-List Status
How to earn: Fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
Benefit: As an A-List member, you (and everyone on your reservation) will receive an earlier boarding position. Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours prior to your flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but it's a built-in benefit. You'll often land in the high A or early B group.
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Status
How to earn: Fly 40 qualifying one-way flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
Benefit: A-List Preferred members receive priority over A-List members for boarding positions and are usually among the first to board after Business Select (often securing high A group positions). You also get additional perks like free inflight Wi-Fi and a 100% earning bonus on points.
Sub-heading: How to use it:
Simply have your Rapid Rewards number attached to your reservation. Southwest's system will automatically assign you a priority boarding position.
You still need to retrieve your boarding pass within 24 hours of departure, even though you've been automatically checked in.
Step 6: Check In Exactly 24 Hours Before Departure (The Free Method)
This is the most crucial free strategy for improving your boarding position on Southwest.
Sub-heading: Why the 24-hour mark is critical:
Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Boarding positions (within your fare class and excluding elite statuses/paid upgrades) are assigned based on when you check in. The faster you check in, the better your position.
Sub-heading: How to master the 24-hour check-in:
Set an Alarm: Seriously, set an alarm for 24 hours prior to your flight's departure. If your flight is at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday, set your alarm for 3:00 PM on Monday.
Be Ready: Have your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number and last name handy.
Use the App or Website: The Southwest app is often the fastest way to check in. As soon as the clock hits the 24-hour mark, refresh and check in.
Confirm Quickly: Don't hesitate or browse; just check in to secure your spot.
Result: If you're quick, you can often land a good B group position or even a low A group position, especially on less crowded flights.
Step 7: Utilize Southwest Credit Card Benefits
Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits that can indirectly help you get a better boarding position.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding Credits
Some premium Southwest credit cards offer annual credits that can be used towards Upgraded Boarding purchases.
How to use: When you purchase Upgraded Boarding at the airport (as described in Step 4), the cost may be reimbursed or covered by your credit card benefit. Check your specific card's terms and conditions for details on how to activate and use this benefit.
Sub-heading: Earning Tier Qualifying Points
Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards allow you to earn Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) through your spending. These TQPs contribute towards earning A-List or A-List Preferred status, which, as discussed in Step 5, grants you priority boarding.
How to use: Simply use your eligible Southwest credit card for your everyday purchases. The TQPs will be credited to your Rapid Rewards account, bringing you closer to elite status.
Step 8: Consider the Southwest Companion Pass (Indirect Benefit)
While the Companion Pass doesn't directly grant you a better boarding position, it indirectly helps if you're traveling with someone.
Sub-heading: How the Companion Pass helps:
The Southwest Companion Pass allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on any Southwest flight.
The indirect benefit for seating: If you have an A boarding position (through any of the methods above), and you're traveling with a Companion, you can usually both board together with your excellent A position. This means your companion also benefits from early boarding and better seat choice without having to secure their own premium boarding position.
Step 9: Preboarding for Passengers Needing Assistance
For those with specific needs, Southwest offers preboarding.
Sub-heading: Who is eligible for preboarding:
Passengers with disabilities who need assistance boarding or need a specific seat to accommodate their disability.
Individuals who need extra time to board.
Those traveling with an assistive device that needs to be stowed.
Sub-heading: How to request preboarding:
Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or at the departure gate before general boarding begins.
They will ask "fact-finding questions" to determine if you meet the qualifications.
If approved, you'll receive a special boarding pass, allowing you to preboard with one companion. Other traveling companions will board with their assigned group.
Important Note: Passengers who preboard are generally not allowed to occupy exit row seats.
Step 10: Family Boarding (for specific situations)
If you're traveling with young children, this is a handy option.
Sub-heading: Who is eligible for Family Boarding:
Families traveling with a child aged six years old or younger.
Up to two adults traveling with the child can board during this time.
Sub-heading: When it happens:
Family Boarding occurs after the A group has boarded but before the B group begins boarding.
This ensures that families with young children can find seats together.
Important Note: If you and your child already have A boarding passes, you should board with your assigned A group rather than waiting for Family Boarding, as this will give you even better seat selection.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to get an A1-A15 boarding pass on Southwest?
You can get an A1-A15 boarding pass by purchasing a Business Select fare, or by purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the airport on the day of travel (subject to availability).
How to use Rapid Rewards points for upgrades on Southwest?
Rapid Rewards points cannot be directly used to purchase "upgrades" like Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In. However, you can use your Rapid Rewards points to book Business Select fares, which include an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to improve my boarding position if I bought a Wanna Get Away fare?
Your best options are to purchase EarlyBird Check-In (if available) when you book or shortly after, or to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure. Alternatively, consider purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the airport on the day of travel.
How to know if EarlyBird Check-In is available for my flight?
You can check for EarlyBird Check-In availability during the booking process on Southwest.com or the Southwest app. If you've already booked, go to your "Manage Reservations" section or call Southwest Customer Service.
How to qualify for A-List status on Southwest?
To qualify for A-List status, you need to fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points within a calendar year.
How to get free Wi-Fi on Southwest flights?
Free inflight Wi-Fi is a benefit for Southwest A-List Preferred members. Otherwise, Wi-Fi can be purchased on board.
How to check in exactly 24 hours before a Southwest flight?
Set an alarm for the precise time 24 hours before your flight's departure. Have your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number ready and check in immediately via the Southwest app or website as soon as the window opens.
How to purchase Upgraded Boarding on the day of travel?
You can purchase Upgraded Boarding at a Southwest self-service kiosk or the ticket counter at the airport. You can also inquire at the departure gate. Availability is limited and it's sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to get priority boarding if I'm traveling with a child on Southwest?
If you're traveling with a child aged six years or younger, you and up to one other adult can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group.
How to get an extra legroom seat on Southwest?
Southwest has an open seating policy, so there are no "extra legroom" seats to purchase specifically. Your best chance of securing a seat with more legroom (like an exit row or bulkhead) is by having an A1-A15 boarding position (via Business Select or Upgraded Boarding), as this allows you to board first and choose from all available seats.
