Is Business Select on Southwest Worth It?

[neha]

Discover if the perks like priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards points, and refundable fares justify the upgrade—and hear from real travelers on whether it’s worth the splurge!

 

[Robert willliam]

Whether Business Select on Southwest is "worth it" depends on individual travel needs and preferences. It offers perks like priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards points, and fully refundable fares with no change or cancellation fees. However, it comes at a higher price point compared to other fare options.

 

[Shopia]

Business Select is worth it if you value perks like early boarding (A1–A15), extra Rapid Rewards points, and a complimentary premium drink. It’s not first class—seats are the same—but it guarantees overhead bin space and lets you choose your ideal seat. If you fly often or on busy routes, it can make your trip smoother.

 

[Williams Henry]

For most casual flyers, Business Select may not be worth the extra cost. You get to board first and enjoy a free drink, but the seat and legroom are the same as any other ticket. If you don’t mind boarding later or picking from middle seats, Wanna Get Away fares offer much better value.

 

[Smith]

If you travel for work or often fly fully booked routes, Business Select can absolutely be worth it. Early boarding saves time and stress, and the extra Rapid Rewards points can add up quickly. It also gives you priority security (where available), helping you breeze through the airport on tight schedules.

 

[Blakley]

From a budget perspective, Business Select may not offer enough to justify its higher price. The biggest perk is early boarding, which you can often get much cheaper by paying for EarlyBird Check-In or checking in right at the 24-hour mark. If you're focused on saving money, stick to Wanna Get Away fares.

 

[Christain]

If you're booking with points, Business Select could be a good use—especially on short notice when Wanna Get Away fares are gone. You’ll get more points on the flight and board first, which matters on full flights. But for longer trips or with plenty of time to book, using points on cheaper fares gives you more flights for your rewards.

 

[Dan]

Southwest Airlines' Business Select may be worth it for those who want priority boarding, flexible ticket change, and extra Rapid Rewards points. You get Group A boarding, free same-day changes, early check-in, and a complimentary premium beverage. But seats are the same in all classes — there's no extra legroom or luxury seats. If you're a business traveler or traveling during peak hours, Business Select may be worth it. For casual flyers, it may seem a bit expensive compared to Wanna Get Away fares.

 

[laiba]

Hey there! I actually tried Southwest’s Business Select for the first time earlier this year, and I have to say, it was a really interesting experience. I’d always stuck with the Wanna Get Away fares before because, let’s be honest, I’m usually trying to save a few bucks when I travel. But on a work trip from Chicago to Phoenix, I decided to splurge a little since I had a tight schedule and wanted to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible.

The first thing I noticed was how much easier boarding was. Since Business Select automatically puts you in the first boarding group, I didn’t have to stress about finding an overhead bin or sitting in a cramped spot. I got one of the front-row seats, which made getting on and off the plane super quick — a small detail, but it made a big difference when I was rushing to a meeting.

Another perk that surprised me was the bonus Rapid Rewards points. I didn’t think much of it at first, but those extra points added up and helped me earn a free flight later. And honestly, having the refundable ticket was a big relief because my plans were still a bit uncertain at the time.

Is it worth it? For me, it depends on the trip. If I’m traveling for business or on a tight schedule, absolutely. The convenience and flexibility make it worthwhile. But for casual travel or vacations, I usually stick with the regular fares. Still, after that experience, I totally get why some people swear by Business Select — it really does make the whole process smoother and less stressful.

 

[Mousha]

That's a great question, especially for those of us who appreciate the Southwest model but want a little more certainty!

In my opinion, Business Select on Southwest is absolutely worth it if your travel dates are even slightly uncertain or if you're flying for a critical meeting. A few months ago, I had a sudden work emergency that required me to bump my flight from Tuesday to Monday. I'd booked a Wanna Get Away fare because, well, I like saving money, but then the panic set in about fees and fare differences.

My colleague mentioned that if I had booked Business Select, it would have been a fully refundable ticket and the change would have been free, no questions asked. I ended up paying a hefty fare difference to change my Wanna Get Away ticket. The flexibility and guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position alone make the price difference a non-issue for me now. The time savings from priority boarding and the guaranteed seat selection on Southwest's open-seating policy is priceless when I'm running on a tight schedule.

Next time, I’m splurging on Business Select. If you ever need immediate assistance or want to inquire about a seamless upgrade or cancellation, save this number: 844-734-0813 as the best way to instantly book, cancel, or modify flights. Speaking to a live agent is always the fastest and clearest way to handle a last-minute change.