Looking to upgrade your Southwest flight but not sure how it works? Unlike other airlines, Southwest doesn’t offer first class or extra-legroom cabins. Every passenger gets the same seat size. But that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your experience.
On Southwest, “upgrading” means getting a better boarding spot, earning extra perks, and enjoying more flexibility. Let’s explore the different ways you can upgrade a Southwest flight—and when each one makes sense.
What Does “Upgrading” Mean on Southwest?
Since there’s no first class, upgrading on Southwest is all about convenience, not bigger seats.
When you upgrade, you may get:
A better boarding position (so you’re first to pick your seat).
A guaranteed spot in the overhead bins.
Extra perks like free drinks, bonus Rapid Rewards points, or fully refundable tickets.
You can upgrade by:
- Booking or switching to Business Select.
- Buying Upgraded Boarding.
- Adding EarlyBird Check-In.
- Using a Southwest credit card perk.
Traveler story: One flyer paid $40 for an upgrade at the gate and got an aisle seat in row 2—perfect for a quick exit after landing.
Upgrade Option 1 — Switch to Business Select
During Booking
When purchasing your ticket, choose
Business Select—Southwest’s top fare class.
After Booking
Already booked a Wanna Get Away or Anytime fare? Log into your reservation online or in the app and select “Change Flight.” You can upgrade by paying the fare difference.
Business Select Perks Include:
- Priority boarding (A1–A15).
- Free premium drink.
- Fully refundable fares.
- 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent (more points earned).
Visual suggestion: A table comparing Wanna Get Away vs. Anytime vs. Business Select.
Upgrade Option 2 — Buy Upgraded Boarding
If you don’t want to pay for Business Select, you can buy
Upgraded Boarding at the gate.
- Cost: $30–$80 per segment (varies by route and demand).
- Puts you in A1–A15 boarding group.
- Ensures you’ll board right after Business Select passengers.
Traveler anecdote: A family traveling to Orlando bought Upgraded Boarding to sit together near the front on a sold-out flight.
Upgrade Option 3 — Use EarlyBird Check-In
EarlyBird isn’t a full upgrade, but it improves your boarding spot without stress.
- Cost: $15–$25 each way.
- Automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight (instead of 24).
- Doesn’t guarantee A1–A15, but usually gives you a better spot than manual check-in.

Tip: Best for families or casual travelers who want decent seats without the higher upgrade price.
Upgrade Option 4 — Use a Southwest Credit Card
Frequent Southwest flyer? Certain Chase cards include free upgrades.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Card
- Southwest Performance Business Card
Both give you
4 free Upgraded Boardings per year.

Pro tip: Use these upgrades on long-haul flights or peak travel dates when early boarding is most valuable.
Tips for Maximizing Your Upgrade
- Evaluate trip length: A $50 upgrade makes sense on a 4-hour flight, not a 45-minute hop.
- Check at the gate early: Upgraded Boarding spots sell quickly.
- Combine strategies: Buy EarlyBird for a backup, then add Upgraded Boarding if needed.
- Use points wisely: Sometimes fare upgrades can be paid with Rapid Rewards points.

Quick Tip Box: “Check fares midweek—Southwest upgrades and base fares are often cheaper than on weekends.”
Final Thoughts — How Do You Upgrade a Southwest Flight?
While Southwest doesn’t offer traditional first class, it does give you options to upgrade your flight experience.
- Choose Business Select for the full package of perks.
- Buy Upgraded Boarding at the gate for an A1–A15 spot.
- Add EarlyBird Check-In for stress-free seating.
- Use Southwest credit cards for free upgrade benefits.
Call (831-298-4213) today to upgrade your Southwest flight and make your next trip smoother and stress-free.