I actually learned how to get Upgraded Boarding on Southwest by accident during a trip to Las Vegas last spring. I was flying out of Nashville, and since I’d forgotten to check in right at the 24-hour mark, I ended up with a boarding position in the C group — basically the last people to get on the plane. I wasn’t thrilled about sitting in the middle seat, so I asked the gate agent if there was anything I could do. That’s when I found out about Upgraded Boarding.
She told me that, depending on availability, I could purchase one of the remaining A1–A15 boarding spots right there at the gate. It cost around $50 for that flight, but I decided to go for it. Totally worth it. I boarded early, grabbed a window seat up front, and had plenty of overhead bin space for my carry-on. I didn’t have to stress about finding a spot or sitting apart from my travel buddy.
Since then, I’ve made Upgraded Boarding my go-to option when I need a little extra convenience. You can also request it in the Southwest app or at check-in if you prefer to handle it yourself. And if you fly often, some Southwest credit cards even reimburse a few Upgraded Boardings per year, which is a nice perk. For me, it’s one of those little add-ons that really improves the travel experience — especially on busy routes.
