I remember the first time I flew Southwest, I was completely confused when I couldn’t find any option for First Class tickets. I was planning a work trip from Chicago to Denver and figured I’d treat myself to a little extra comfort since it was a busy travel week. I looked all over the Southwest website thinking maybe I missed a tab or filter, but there was no “First Class” option anywhere. Curious (and maybe a little stubborn), I decided to call Southwest’s customer service line to get the full story.
The rep I spoke with was super friendly and explained that Southwest doesn’t offer traditional First Class seating. All their planes have the same cabin layout, meaning no extra-wide seats or a separate section like you’d find on other airlines. What they do offer, though, is Business Select, which is the top fare tier and comes with perks like priority boarding (A1–A15), a complimentary drink, and bonus Rapid Rewards points.
I decided to give Business Select a try, and honestly, it felt “First Class” in its own way. I got to board first, snagged my favorite seat near the front, and was one of the first off the plane when we landed — a big win on a tight schedule.
So no, Southwest doesn’t sell First Class tickets, but if you value convenience, flexibility, and friendly service, Business Select is a pretty great alternative. It’s more about stress-free flying than fancy seats — and I’ve come to really appreciate that.