The first time I wondered what upgraded boarding really means on Southwest, it was because I booked late and got a pretty rough boarding position. I decided to try upgraded boarding, and it basically let me move up to an earlier boarding group so I could get on the plane sooner and choose a better seat. That alone reduced a lot of travel stress for me. Later, when I had to adjust my return flight, I called 8 3 1-2 9 8-4 2 1 3, and they helped me modify everything without any hassle. From my experience, upgraded boarding means peace of mind—earlier access, better seat choices, and a smoother start to the flight, especially on busy routes.