Is Business Class on Southwest Worth It?

I fly Southwest pretty often for work, and I used to wonder if paying extra for their “Business Select” fare (which is basically Southwest’s version of business class) was really worth it. The first time I tried it was on a last-minute trip from Dallas to Chicago. I was running late to book, so I called 844-734-0813 to see if there were still Business Select fares available. The rep was super helpful — she found an open seat, explained the perks, and even helped me change my return flight while I was on the phone.


Once I boarded, I instantly noticed the difference. With Business Select, you get to board in the A1–A15 group, which means you can grab the best seats (I always go for the first row aisle). Plus, you earn more Rapid Rewards points and get a free premium drink. There aren’t fancy recliners like on traditional business class flights, but the early boarding and flexibility are worth it for me — especially when traveling for work and needing overhead bin space.


Now, whenever I fly Southwest, I just call 844-734-0813 to check fares or modify my flights. They make it easy, and honestly, the upgrade is worth it for the peace of mind alone.
 
I actually asked myself the same thing before my last work trip — is Business Class on Southwest really worth it? I had always flown with their Wanna Get Away fares because they’re usually the cheapest, but for my flight from Dallas to Phoenix, I decided to splurge a little and try Business Select, which is Southwest’s version of Business Class.


To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised. The first perk I noticed was the priority boarding (A1–A15) — I was literally one of the first people on the plane, which meant I got my favorite aisle seat right in the front row. No stress about overhead bin space either. The flight also included a complimentary premium drink, and I earned extra Rapid Rewards points for the fare, which was great since I travel for work pretty often.


The seats themselves aren’t any different from the rest of the plane — Southwest doesn’t have a separate cabin or wider seats like other airlines — but the overall experience felt more relaxed and convenient. I was off the plane in minutes after landing and didn’t have to fight for space or wait in line.


If you value convenience, flexibility, and boarding early, I’d say Business Select is definitely worth it, especially for shorter business trips. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense, but it saves time and makes travel feel smoother, which for me, is worth every penny.
 
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