Is Business Select First Class on Southwest?

[AskMe]

Is Business Select First Class on Southwest?

 

[zohii]

I used to think “Business Select” on Southwest meant first class — I mean, it sounds like it, right? The first time I booked it was for a quick trip from Denver to Las Vegas. I wanted something more comfortable, so I called 844-734-0813 to ask about the upgrade options. The rep explained right away that Southwest doesn’t actually have first class seating — every seat on the plane is the same. What Business Select gives you is priority boarding (A1–A15), bonus Rapid Rewards points, and a free premium drink.


I went ahead and upgraded anyway, and honestly, it was worth it for me. Being able to board first and grab my favorite window seat near the front was a huge perk — no fighting for bin space or middle seats. Plus, I earned extra points for future flights. The rep who helped me on 844-734-0813 even adjusted my return flight time at no cost, which was a lifesaver when my meeting ran late.


So, no, Business Select isn’t technically “first class,” but it’s the closest thing Southwest offers. If you value convenience and early boarding, it’s definitely worth considering — and calling that number makes booking or changing it super easy.

 

[laiba]

I remember the first time I booked a Business Select fare on Southwest — I honestly thought it was their version of First Class. I was flying from Nashville to Denver for a conference and decided to treat myself since the fare difference wasn’t huge that day. I’d never tried it before, so I figured, why not?


When I got to the airport, I quickly realized that Southwest doesn’t have a traditional First Class cabin. The plane layout is all the same — three seats on each side, no separate section, and no bigger seats. But I have to admit, the Business Select experience still felt a lot like First Class in terms of convenience.


I was one of the first to board with A1–A15 priority, so I snagged a front-row aisle seat with extra legroom and plenty of space for my carry-on. The ticket also included a free premium drink, and I earned a lot more Rapid Rewards points than I usually do. The whole process — from boarding to landing — was smooth and stress-free, which made it feel premium even without the fancy seats.


So, no, Business Select isn’t technically “First Class,” but it definitely delivers some of the perks you’d expect from one — priority treatment, comfort, and flexibility. For me, it’s the perfect middle ground: affordable luxury without the over-the-top price tag.