How do you upgrade a Southwest flight?
- Thread starter sanakhan
- Start date
Louisegrant
Member
If you do not have an A‑list or boarding pass A1–A15, you can buy it 24 hours after check-in using Southwest.com, a mobile app, or at the gate when you travel.
Gsusangrey
Member
To upgrade a Southwest flight:
- Check for "Upgrade to Business Select" at booking or via "Change Flight" in your account.
- Pay the fare difference if available.
- No traditional upgrades—priority boarding (EarlyBird) is separate.
Want to know how to upgrade a Southwest flight without overpaying? Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn’t offer first class or premium economy. Every seat is the same size. So, when you hear “upgrade” on Southwest, it’s not about bigger seats—it’s about boarding priority, perks, and flexibility.
Here’s a breakdown of how to upgrade a Southwest flight before and after booking, plus insider tips to get the best value.
Since Southwest has open seating, upgrades aren’t about moving to a different cabin. Instead, upgrades give you:
You can upgrade in two main ways:
Traveler story: One passenger upgraded at the gate for $40 and landed a row 2 aisle seat—perfect for a fast exit after landing.
When you first book your ticket, choose the Business Select fare. It’s the most premium option Southwest offers.
Benefits include:
Already bought a cheaper fare (Wanna Get Away or Anytime)? No problem.
Visual idea: Comparison table showing Wanna Get Away vs. Anytime vs. Business Select.
If you don’t want to buy a Business Select fare, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding instead.
This is especially helpful on busy flights where overhead bin space runs out quickly.
Traveler anecdote: A family used Upgraded Boarding for an Orlando flight and snagged seats together near the front, even though the plane was nearly full.
Frequent flyer? Consider a Chase Southwest credit card.
Both offer 4 free Upgraded Boardings per year.
Tip: Save these free perks for long-haul flights or peak travel seasons when early boarding really matters.
Quick Tip Box: “For cheaper upgrades, check fare differences midweek—prices often drop compared to weekends.”
Upgrading on Southwest isn’t about bigger seats—it’s about getting on the plane first and enjoying perks like bonus points, free drinks, and refundable fares.
You can:
Call (831-298-4213) today to upgrade your Southwest flight and travel with confidence on your next trip.
Here’s a breakdown of how to upgrade a Southwest flight before and after booking, plus insider tips to get the best value.
What Does “Upgrading” Mean on Southwest?
Since Southwest has open seating, upgrades aren’t about moving to a different cabin. Instead, upgrades give you:
A better boarding position (so you choose your favorite seat first).- Added perks like free drinks, bonus points, or refundable tickets.
- Extra peace of mind when traveling on full flights.
You can upgrade in two main ways:
- Upgrade to Business Select (premium fare class).
- Buy Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15 boarding spots).
Traveler story: One passenger upgraded at the gate for $40 and landed a row 2 aisle seat—perfect for a fast exit after landing.How to Upgrade to Business Select on Southwest
During Booking
When you first book your ticket, choose the Business Select fare. It’s the most premium option Southwest offers.
Benefits include:
- Priority boarding (A1–A15).
- A free premium drink.
- Fully refundable tickets.
- 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent (bonus earning).
After Booking
Already bought a cheaper fare (Wanna Get Away or Anytime)? No problem.
- Log into your reservation online or via the Southwest app.
- Select “Change Flight” and choose Business Select.
- Pay the fare difference.
Visual idea: Comparison table showing Wanna Get Away vs. Anytime vs. Business Select.How to Buy Upgraded Boarding
If you don’t want to buy a Business Select fare, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding instead.
- Available at the gate or ticket counter on the day of travel.
- Price: $30–$80 per flight segment (based on route demand).
- Guarantees a spot in the A1–A15 boarding group.
This is especially helpful on busy flights where overhead bin space runs out quickly.
Traveler anecdote: A family used Upgraded Boarding for an Orlando flight and snagged seats together near the front, even though the plane was nearly full.Using Southwest Credit Cards to Upgrade
Frequent flyer? Consider a Chase Southwest credit card.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card
- Southwest Performance Business Card
Both offer 4 free Upgraded Boardings per year.
Tip: Save these free perks for long-haul flights or peak travel seasons when early boarding really matters.Tips for Getting the Best Upgrade Value
- Decide if it’s worth it: A $50 upgrade makes more sense on a 4-hour flight than a 45-minute hop.
- Check availability early at the gate: Upgraded Boarding often sells out.
- Combine strategies: Buy EarlyBird ($15–$25) for peace of mind, then purchase Upgraded Boarding if necessary.
- Use Rapid Rewards points: You can sometimes cover fare differences with points.
Quick Tip Box: “For cheaper upgrades, check fare differences midweek—prices often drop compared to weekends.”Final Thoughts — How Do You Upgrade a Southwest Flight?
Upgrading on Southwest isn’t about bigger seats—it’s about getting on the plane first and enjoying perks like bonus points, free drinks, and refundable fares.
You can:
- Upgrade to Business Select during or after booking.
- Buy Upgraded Boarding at the gate for A1–A15 spots.
- Use a Southwest credit card for free upgrade perks.
Call (831-298-4213) today to upgrade your Southwest flight and travel with confidence on your next trip.