I remember the first time I booked a flight with Southwest — I was heading from Denver to Orlando for a family vacation. I’d been used to flying with airlines that had First Class options, so naturally, I started searching for that upgrade button. I couldn’t find anything labeled “First Class,” which confused me at first. Thinking maybe I was missing something, I called Southwest’s customer service to ask how to book a First Class seat.
The rep was super friendly and explained that Southwest doesn’t actually have a traditional First Class section. Every seat on their planes is the same — no big recliners or separate cabin. Instead, they focus on keeping fares low and the experience simple. But she told me about Business Select, which is Southwest’s premium fare option. It comes with perks like priority boarding (A1–A15), a free premium drink, and extra Rapid Rewards points.
I decided to give it a try for my return flight, and honestly, it was a great experience. I boarded early, grabbed a front-row seat, and didn’t have to fight for overhead bin space. The flight attendants were so personable too — the vibe felt relaxed but still professional.
So no, Southwest doesn’t have a traditional First Class, but their Business Select fare is a solid middle ground. You get comfort, convenience, and flexibility — and for me, that’s often better than paying double for a “First Class” label.
