Is It Worth It to Upgrade on Southwest Airlines? (Full Guide)

Introduction

Southwest Airlines is known for its friendly service, free checked bags, and budget-friendly fares—but one part of flying Southwest is very different compared to other airlines: there are no assigned seats. That means your boarding position determines what seat you get, and upgrading your boarding priority can completely change your experience.

Many travelers ask: Is it worth it to upgrade on Southwest Airlines?Whether you're curious about Southwest Airlines seat upgrade options, wondering how “Business Select” compares to standard fares, or want to know the Southwest Airlines seat upgrade fee, this guide breaks everything down clearly.

In this detailed, traveler-focused breakdown, you’ll learn:

• How Southwest upgrades actually work

• Whether Southwest has business class

• When upgrades are worth it

• How to upgrade seats on Southwest

• How to avoid poor boarding positions

• Insider tips to secure the best seats

And if you’re planning to book or modify a Southwest Airlines flight, you can always get help from Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for fast and reliable assistance.

👉 Quick Overview: Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade

✈ Main Benefit: Upgrading improves your boarding position, giving you the chance to choose better seats, sit with your group, or grab extra-legroom spots in the front or exit row.

✔ Upgrade Types: EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, Business Select, and A-List perks all change your boarding priority.✔ Paid Upgrades: Fees vary by route and seat availability, typically ranging from $30–$100 one-way for Upgraded Boarding.✔ No Assigned Seats: Southwest doesn’t have business class, so upgrades only boost your boarding position—not seat type.✔ Why Upgrade: Best for travelers who want aisle/window seats, seats together, faster exit upon landing, or extra space in exit rows.

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Does Southwest Airlines Have Business Class?

Many travelers search for Southwest Airlines business class, but Southwest does not operate a traditional business-class cabin. All seats are economy-style and have the same size and legroom.

Instead, Southwest offers a fare tier called Business Select, which includes:

• Priority boarding (A1–A15)

• Priority security lanes (at select airports)

• A complimentary premium drink coupon

• Flexible ticket rules

Business Select is the closest thing Southwest has to a premium class, but it does not include larger seats or more legroom—only a better boarding position and added perks.

Understanding Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Options

Upgrading on Southwest means boosting your boarding position, which determines the seats you can choose once on board.

The four upgrade methods are:

1. Business Select Fare (Most Premium Option)

If you purchase a Business Select ticket, you automatically get:

• Boarding positions A1–A15

• Priority check-in & security

• Fastest access to preferred seats

• Most flexible fare rules

Is it worth it?If you’re traveling for business, need guaranteed early boarding, or simply want convenience, yes—especially during peak times.

2. Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15)

This paid upgrade lets you jump ahead to the first boarding group if Business Select spots are available.

Typical cost: $30–$80 one way depending on route and demand.

Best for:

• Families that want seats together

• Travelers who didn’t check in on time

• Anyone who wants a front-row or exit-row seat

Downside:

• Not available until the day of departure

• Limited availability

3. EarlyBird Check-In

EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, ahead of standard check-in.

Cost: $15–$30 one way

What it improves:

• Better boarding position

• Better chances at preferred seats

What it does not guarantee:

• A spot in the A group

• Sitting together if the flight is full

Good for:

• Forgetful travelers

• Leisure flyers who don’t want to check in manually

4. A-List & A-List Preferred Status Upgrades

Frequent flyers earn elite benefits like:

• Priority boarding ahead of EarlyBird customers

• Same-day standby perks

• Bonus Rapid Rewards points

This is the best free upgrade Southwest offers, but it takes 25+ flights per year to get it.

Southwest Airlines Seat Selection: Why Boarding Position Matters

Because Southwest uses open seating, the earlier you board, the better your choices. A great boarding position helps you:

• Grab an aisle or window seat

• Sit with your family or partner

• Choose exit row (extra legroom)

• Avoid middle seats

• Sit closer to the front for quicker exiting

If sitting together or getting the best seats matters to you, the Southwest upgrade seat options become much more valuable.

How to Upgrade Seats on Southwest Airlines

Here’s a complete guide to upgrading on Southwest:

1. Upgrade During Booking

You can purchase:

• Business Select

• EarlyBird Check-In

These options appear when selecting your fare.

2. Upgrade After Booking

You can add EarlyBird later through the “Manage Reservations” page—until it sells out.

3. Upgrade at Check-in

At check-in time, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding if A1–A15 slots are open.

4. Upgrade at the Airport

Speak to an agent to purchase Upgraded Boarding at the kiosk or counter.

5. Use Elite Status

A-List members get automatic priority boarding without paying.

How Much Is the Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Fee?

Here are typical upgrade prices:

EarlyBird Check-In:

$15–$30 one way

Upgraded Boarding:

$30–$80 one way

Business Select:

Usually $80–$200 more than Wanna Get Away fares(depends on destination and season)

Is it pricey?

Sometimes—but the value depends entirely on:

• How full the flight is

• Whether you want better seating

• If you want priority security lanes

• If sitting together matters

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Is Upgrading on Southwest Airlines Worth It? (Honest Breakdown)

It is worth it when:

• You want the best chance at aisle/window seats

• You want to avoid the middle seat

• You want to sit with your group

• You prefer exit-row or front-row seating

• You’re traveling during holidays or peak times

• You boarded late and need to fix a bad position

• You value convenience over cost

It may not be worth it if:

• You’re fine with any seat

• You already have A-List perks

• You’re traveling during slower weeks

• You checked in exactly 24 hours before departure and got a decent position

People Also Ask (PAA)

1. How does Southwest Airlines seat upgrade work?

Southwest upgrades improve your boarding zone rather than your seat quality, since all seats are the same. Upgrading through EarlyBird, Upgraded Boarding, or Business Select moves you earlier in the boarding line, letting you pick better seats first.

2. Does Southwest Airlines have business class seats?

No, Southwest does not have business class seating. The closest alternative is Business Select, which offers premium boarding (A1–A15) and added perks but does not include larger seats.

3. Is EarlyBird Check-In worth it on Southwest?

Yes, if you want a consistently better boarding position without remembering to check in manually. However, it does not guarantee an A group position. It’s best for leisure flyers and families.

4. How do I get Upgraded Boarding on Southwest?

On the day of travel, simply check in on the website/app or ask an agent at the airport. If A1–A15 spots are available, you can purchase the upgrade for $30–$80.

5. Are Southwest Airlines upgrades refundable?

Business Select fares are fully refundable. EarlyBird and Upgraded Boarding fees are generally non-refundable, except if Southwest cancels your flight or you get involuntarily moved.

Key Takeaways: Should You Upgrade?

• Southwest upgrades increase your boarding priority, not seat comfort.

• Business Select offers the fastest boarding and most perks.

• Upgraded Boarding is ideal for last-minute boosts.

• EarlyBird is best for convenience.

• No business-class seats exist on Southwest.

• Best seats go fast—exit rows, front rows, and aisles.

• Upgrading is often worth it on full or peak flights.

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Conclusion

So—is it worth it to upgrade on Southwest Airlines?If you value early boarding, want to avoid middle seats, prefer sitting with your group, or want the first pick of seats, then yes, a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade is absolutely worth the money.

Business Select delivers the highest perks, while Upgraded Boarding offers flexibility and speed. EarlyBird helps travelers who don’t want to worry about check-in timing.

Still unsure which upgrade fits your trip?Tours N Travel Pro is here to help you find the best fare, best upgrade, or best seat—just call +1-866-679-5070 for personalized support.

FAQs

1. What is the cheapest way to upgrade on Southwest Airlines?

EarlyBird Check-In is the most affordable upgrade, starting at $15.

2. Can I upgrade my boarding group after check-in?

Yes, Upgraded Boarding is available after check-in if A1–A15 slots remain.

3. Does Southwest allow seat selection?

No assigned seating—your boarding position determines your seat choices.

4. What are the best seats on Southwest Airlines?

• Exit rows (extra legroom)

• First few rows for quick exit

• Aisle seats for comfort

5. Does Southwest have extra-legroom seating?

No dedicated extra-legroom seats exist, but the exit rows offer noticeably more space.