Is There First Class on Southwest Airlines? Your Complete 2025 Guide
Introduction — Clearing the Confusion Around “First Class”
If you've ever wondered,
“Is there first class on Southwest Airlines?”—you’re not alone! Southwest deliberately opts out of traditional business or first-class cabins to keep things simple and affordable. Instead, they offer premium fare tiers packed with perks for travelers seeking upgrades. Ready to explore how Southwest’s upgraded options compare and whether they’re worth it? If you’d like, you can speak to a helpful agent anytime at
(844) 928-0428.
1. No Dedicated First-Class on Southwest—Just One Cabin
Southwest exclusively offers
economy-class seating across all its aircraft—no separated premium cabins. It’s all one level, no frills, and that consistency helps keep fares low and operations smooth. For travelers exploring premium options, this setup might seem unusual—but Southwest finds success in simplicity.
(
Wikipedia)
2. Business Select: Southwest’s Way to Offer Premium Perks
While there’s no cabin upgrade, Southwest provides
Business Select, a premium fare tier offering:
- A1–A15 boarding—boarding early so you can choose seats without racing at the jet bridge
- Fully refundable tickets and same-day flight changes
- A complimentary premium drink on longer routes
- Free Wi-Fi on select jet aircraft
- 14× Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent
- Continued two free checked bags, even though general fare classes now charge for bags
(NerdWallet, UpgradedPoints.com, Southwest Airlines)
While not a first-class cabin, these benefits elevate the travel experience in a meaningful way.
3. The Future of Premium Seating: Assigned Seats & Extra Legroom
Mark your calendars: starting
January 27, 2026, Southwest will debut
assigned seating, replacing its open-seating system that's been around for over 50 years. This change lets travelers select from:
These options come via new fare bundles like Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra—offering more control over your flight experience. Still, this isn’t first class. It’s comfort customization without luxurious pricing.
4. Why Southwest Skipped Traditional Business Class
Opting out of a separate premium cabin has always been part of Southwest’s DNA. Their focus on turnaround speed, operational simplicity, and transparent pricing keeps air travel accessible. While they've maintained affordability, they've started adding features like assigned seats and seat upgrades to meet evolving traveler expectations—all while keeping that core ethos alive.
(
Simple Flying,
Travel And Tour World,
The Sun)
5. Key Takeaways for SEO and Quick Reference
- Is there first class on Southwest Airlines? No—only economy-class seating
- What is Business Select? A fare tier that adds perks, not a separate cabin
- Premium seating options coming in 2026 include Extra Legroom and assigned seats
These highlights help clarify what "premium" means at Southwest right now.
6. FAQs — What Travelers Often Ask
Q1: Does Southwest have first class?
A: No. All seats on Southwest are economy-class.
(
Wikipedia,
xpertsairlines.tawk.help)
Q2: What's Business Select, then?
A premium fare offering perks like early boarding, refundable tickets, bonus points, and priority service—but still in economy-class seats.
(
NerdWallet,
UpgradedPoints.com,
Southwest Airlines)
Q3: Are these seats larger or more luxurious?
No. Business Select doesn’t offer larger seats; comfort upgrades come later via Extra Legroom and assigned seats in 2026.
(
ATX Jetsetter,
Southwest Airlines)
Q4: When does Southwest implement assigned seating?
Beginning January 27, 2026. You can begin choosing seats on flights booked from July 29, 2025.
(
New York Post,
ABC News,
Southern Living,
One Mile at a Time)
Q5: Are assigned seats more expensive?
Yes. Seat choice, especially Extra Legroom, will incur fees—similar to many other airlines.
(
The Sun,
CBS News)
Q6: Want help choosing the best fare for your trip?
Just call
(844) 928-0428 for a breakdown of Business Select, Extra Legroom, and fare bundles.
