Are you flying to your dream destination? Getting ready for your next flight with Southwest Airlines? Well, if you want a more comfortable experience, you can request to upgrade your boarding position!
With Upgraded Boarding, you will be one of the first to step onto the plane. This gives you the chance to pick your favorite seat from A1 to A15 and easily store your carry-on luggage.
Boarding quickly, getting settled comfortably, and feeling relaxed before takeoff can really make everything effortless. So, why just imagine? Let’s explore how you can do it on our guide to What to Know to Upgrade a Southwest Flight!
What is an Upgrade on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines offers four fare types: Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. It is important to note that Southwest Airlines does not provide a traditional business or first-class ticket like many other airlines.
When we talk about an “upgrade” on Southwest, we are primarily referring to “Upgraded Boarding.” This option allows passengers to purchase a better boarding position, specifically A1 to A15, for a fee. With this upgrade, you enjoy earlier boarding access and can select your seat ahead of others.
Benefits of Southwest Airlines Upgrade to Business Select
Upgrading to Business Select is a fantastic way to enhance your travel experience. It is the highest ticket class of Southwest Airlines.
When available, you can upgrade your Wanna Get Away fare or Anytime fare ticket to Business Select and enjoy a range of valuable perks. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
| Earn More Points | Every dollar you spend on a Business Select ticket gives you 12 Rapid Rewards points. That means you can earn free flights much faster! |
| Get a Full Refund | Plans changed? No problem! Just cancel at least 10 minutes before takeoff, and you will get all your money back. |
| Easily Change Flights | Need to switch to another flight? You can make same-day changes or hop on standby without any hassle. |
| Faster Airport Experience | Skip the long lines with priority check-in and security access (where available), so you get through the airport quickly. |
| Board Early, Pick Your Seat | You will be in the A1–A15 boarding group, so you get the first chance to choose the best seat! |
| Enjoy a Free Drink | Sit back, relax, and enjoy a complimentary premium beverage during your flight with the Southwest Business Select Upgrade! |
Additionally, upgrading to Business Select often includes access to airport lounges, free Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment with noise-canceling headphones, and premium food and beverage options. If you are looking for a more enjoyable and comfortable travel experience, Business Select is definitely worth considering!
Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding Rules
Upgraded Boarding is an optional service offered by Southwest Airlines for customers looking to enhance their flying experience. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind regarding Upgraded Boarding:
- With this option, customers can upgrade their boarding position to A1-A15, depending on availability. This allows you to board the aircraft earlier than other passengers and makes it easier to find your preferred seat and access overhead bin space.
- Sales for Upgraded Boarding end 30 minutes before your flight departs. So, you can only purchase it within 24 hours of your departure time, depending on availability.
- The cost for Upgraded Boarding is $30 per segment per customer; however, this price may vary based on the flight’s duration and popularity as well. Payment for Upgraded Boarding can be made using a credit card.
- It is important to note that this service is nonrefundable. So, if you cancel your flight, you will lose the option you purchased. However, if Southwest Airlines cancels your flight, you can request a refund for the Upgraded Boarding fee for that specific flight.
Who Can Purchase Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding?
Customers who can buy Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding include those who have purchased Anytime, Wanna Get Away, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
Anytime fares are fully refundable and come with added perks like priority boarding and free same-day standby options. On the other hand, Wanna Get Away fares are generally cheaper but non-refundable, meaning they come with restrictions, such as no changes or cancellations allowed. Wanna Get Away Plus fares are also similar, but they offer the flexibility to change flights for free, if available.
Additionally, it is also worth noting that if you purchase a Business Select ticket, it automatically includes A1-A15 boarding positions. This gives you an early boarding advantage at the airport.
Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee
Southwest Airlines offers an Upgraded Boarding option for passengers looking for enhanced seating experiences, with prices starting at $30 per segment for each customer. The cost of the upgrade may vary based on factors like the popularity and duration of the flight segment.
When you decide to purchase the Upgraded Boarding, you can conveniently use a credit card for the transaction and earn rapid rewards.
NOTE: Remember that the fees for Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding are non-refundable. So, if you decide to cancel your flight, you won’t be able to get your money back for the upgrade.
How To Request an Upgrade on Southwest Airlines?
You can easily add Upgraded Boarding to your reservation when checking in, whether online or offline. Remember, you can only purchase Upgraded Boarding between 24 hours and 30 minutes before your flight.
Online Steps
Requesting a Southwest Upgrade online? Here’s how you do it:
- Open the Southwest app or go to Southwest.com.
- Select the “Check-In” icon at the bottom of the app.
- Enter your confirmation number and check that your flight details are correct.
- If available, look for the Upgraded Boarding option below “View Boarding Pass.”
- Select this option, and you can add Upgraded Boarding to one or more segments of your flight.
Offline Method
If you can’t access the app or website, you can still purchase Upgraded Boarding at the airport. When you reach the check-in counter, you can talk to the representative and add it to your reservation based on availability.
Once you buy Upgraded Boarding, you will receive a separate receipt at the email address that is registered with your reservation.
Southwest Airlines Contact Details
Here is the correspondence of Southwest Airlines that will help you connect with their customer service experts whenever you encounter any issue:
| Airline Name | Southwest Airlines |
| Official website | https://www.southwest.com/ |
| Status | Active |
| Facebook Page | https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestAir |
| YouTube Channel | https://www.youtube.com/@SouthwestAir |
| Instagram Page | https://www.instagram.com/southwestair/ |
| LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/southwest-airlines/ |
| Pinterest Page | https://www.pinterest.com/southwestair/ |
Wrap Up: Is Southwest’s Upgraded Boarding Worth It?
Now it is clear that upgrading your Southwest ticket can be a great choice if you want to board the plane quickly and secure one of the preferred A1 through A15 boarding positions. This means you get to choose your favorite seat right away! Additionally, it can help you maximize your Rapid Rewards points, making it a smart choice for frequent flyers. So, why wait more? Request an upgrade for your next flight and enjoy the benefits that come with it. This smart approach will definitely make your journey even more enjoyable!
Passengers May Also Inquire!
Yes, Southwest Airlines provides opportunities for upgrades.
To secure a boarding position between A1 and A15, you can take advantage of the Upgraded Boarding option, which becomes available 24 hours before your flight, depending on availability.
Passengers flying in Business Select fare classes enjoy complimentary access to full Wi-Fi services.
Yes, you can make changes to your flight even after checking in, and this can be done up until 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The Upgraded Boarding option purchased is nonrefundable. If you cancel your flight, you will lose that purchase. However, if Southwest cancels your flight, you can request a refund for the Upgraded Boarding fee.
No, there is no option to upgrade to first class on Southwest Airlines.
Yes, it is possible to upgrade your reservation to boarding position A1-A15 24 hours before departure, based on availability.
The cost for Upgraded Boarding ranges from $30 to $149 per segment for each customer.