What Is Business Class on Southwest Airlines?

I remember the first time I flew with Southwest Airlines and saw the “Business Select” option while booking — I thought it was their version of business class like other airlines have. Turns out, Southwest doesn’t have a traditional business class with bigger seats or a separate cabin, but Business Select is their top-tier fare that gives you a few solid perks.


When I upgraded, I noticed the difference right away — I was one of the first to board (thanks to the A1–A15 boarding group), got to pick my favorite seat up front, and even received a free premium drink. The best part? My ticket was fully refundable, which gave me peace of mind because my travel plans often change last minute.


A few weeks later, I had to reschedule a flight and wasn’t sure how complicated it would be. I called 844-734-0813, and the rep helped me modify my booking in minutes. Super smooth process — way better than trying to deal with it online while rushing through airport security.


So, if you’re flying Southwest and wondering about their “business class,” just go for Business Select. It’s not luxury seating, but it’s comfort, flexibility, and priority treatment rolled into one. Totally worth it if you value convenience and time.
 
I remember being confused about what “Business Class” meant on Southwest the first time I flew with them. I was booking a trip from Denver to Orlando for a work conference, and since I usually fly Business Class on other airlines, I wanted to see if Southwest offered something similar. I couldn’t find a “Business Class” option online, so I called their customer service line to figure it out.


The rep I spoke with explained it really well — Southwest doesn’t have a traditional Business Class cabin with bigger seats or a separate section. All their seats are the same size, but their top fare type, Business Select, is the closest thing to Business Class. It comes with priority boarding (A1–A15), a complimentary drink, and extra Rapid Rewards points. Basically, you get the best overall experience without the separate cabin setup.


I decided to upgrade for that flight, and honestly, it was worth it. I boarded first, snagged a front-row seat, and had plenty of legroom for my laptop. Plus, the free drink didn’t hurt after a long week. Now, I stick with Southwest when I can because their flexibility and simplicity make up for the lack of traditional Business Class. I’ve learned that with them, it’s less about luxury and more about convenience — and I’m totally fine with that.
 
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