Is Upgraded Boarding on Southwest Worth the Cost?
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Thinking about buying Southwest’s Upgraded Boarding but not sure if it’s worth the price? Since Southwest doesn’t assign seats, your boarding position is everything. Whether you land that comfy aisle seat up front or get stuck in a middle seat depends on when you board.
Upgraded Boarding lets you jump into the coveted A1–A15 boarding spots—but it comes with a price tag. Let’s break down the cost, benefits, and real-world situations where it’s totally worth it (and when you can skip it).
Southwest’s Upgraded Boarding lets you move into the first 15 boarding spots in the A group. That means:
This isn’t the same as EarlyBird Check-In, which checks you in automatically 36 hours before departure but doesn’t guarantee an A1–A15 spot. Upgraded Boarding puts you right at the front of the line.
The price of Upgraded Boarding depends on your flight. Currently, it ranges from $30 to $80 per flight segment.
Travel insight: Frequent flyer sites like NerdWallet and The Points Guy report most upgrades average $30–$50, with peak holiday or coast-to-coast routes hitting the high end.
Comfort matters more when you’re in the air for 3+ hours. Securing a front-row seat or guaranteed bin space can make the difference between a stress-free trip and a cramped one.
If you’re flying with kids or friends, boarding early helps you sit together. While Southwest allows family boarding after the A group, Upgraded Boarding gives you first dibs on rows.
Getting off the plane faster can save precious minutes. A consultant once shared they saved 30 minutes deplaning early with an A3 boarding spot—enough to make a client meeting on time.
Example: A solo flyer on a Tuesday morning flight from Phoenix to Vegas probably doesn’t need to spend $40 on an upgrade.
Visual idea: A comparison table showing Standard Boarding vs. EarlyBird vs. Upgraded Boarding.
Upgraded Boarding costs between $30 and $80 per flight segment. It’s worth it when you’re on a long-haul or busy flight, traveling with family, or need to deplane quickly. On short or off-peak flights, you might save your cash and be just fine.
At the end of the day, it’s about your travel style: do you value convenience and comfort enough to pay extra? If yes, you’ll probably find it worth every penny.
Call (831-298-4213) today to upgrade your Southwest boarding and fly with confidence on your next trip.
Upgraded Boarding lets you jump into the coveted A1–A15 boarding spots—but it comes with a price tag. Let’s break down the cost, benefits, and real-world situations where it’s totally worth it (and when you can skip it).
What Is Upgraded Boarding on Southwest?
Southwest’s Upgraded Boarding lets you move into the first 15 boarding spots in the A group. That means:
First pick of seats (window, aisle, or front rows).
Better chance of overhead bin space.
Quicker exit on arrival—especially helpful on tight schedules.
This isn’t the same as EarlyBird Check-In, which checks you in automatically 36 hours before departure but doesn’t guarantee an A1–A15 spot. Upgraded Boarding puts you right at the front of the line.
How Much Does Upgraded Boarding Cost?
The price of Upgraded Boarding depends on your flight. Currently, it ranges from $30 to $80 per flight segment.
- Short routes: ~ $30–$40 (e.g., Dallas to Houston).
- Long-haul or high-demand routes: $50–$80 (e.g., Chicago to Las Vegas).
- Dynamic pricing: Cost varies based on demand and availability.
Travel insight: Frequent flyer sites like NerdWallet and The Points Guy report most upgrades average $30–$50, with peak holiday or coast-to-coast routes hitting the high end.When Is Upgraded Boarding Worth the Cost?
On Long-Haul or Busy Flights
Comfort matters more when you’re in the air for 3+ hours. Securing a front-row seat or guaranteed bin space can make the difference between a stress-free trip and a cramped one.
Traveling as a Family or Group
If you’re flying with kids or friends, boarding early helps you sit together. While Southwest allows family boarding after the A group, Upgraded Boarding gives you first dibs on rows.
For Business Travelers or Tight Connections
Getting off the plane faster can save precious minutes. A consultant once shared they saved 30 minutes deplaning early with an A3 boarding spot—enough to make a client meeting on time.
When to Skip Upgraded Boarding
- Short flights: For 1-hour hops, seat location matters less.
- Off-peak travel: Midweek flights often have more empty seats.
- If you already have EarlyBird Check-In: You may already score a solid position.
- Solo travelers: If you don’t mind sitting further back, you’ll save money.
Example: A solo flyer on a Tuesday morning flight from Phoenix to Vegas probably doesn’t need to spend $40 on an upgrade.Alternatives & Ways to Save
- EarlyBird Check-In: Cheaper (usually $15–$25) and checks you in automatically, though it doesn’t guarantee front-of-line status.
- Southwest Credit Cards: Chase Southwest Priority and Performance Business cards offer up to 4 free Upgraded Boardings per year.
- Be selective: Only buy on flights where boarding order truly makes a difference.
Visual idea: A comparison table showing Standard Boarding vs. EarlyBird vs. Upgraded Boarding.Final Thoughts — Is Upgraded Boarding on Southwest Worth the Cost?
Upgraded Boarding costs between $30 and $80 per flight segment. It’s worth it when you’re on a long-haul or busy flight, traveling with family, or need to deplane quickly. On short or off-peak flights, you might save your cash and be just fine.
At the end of the day, it’s about your travel style: do you value convenience and comfort enough to pay extra? If yes, you’ll probably find it worth every penny.
Call (831-298-4213) today to upgrade your Southwest boarding and fly with confidence on your next trip.