What is upgraded boarding on Southwest Airlines?

[Adamwilson]

What is upgraded boarding on Southwest Airlines?

 

[Daldanny]

I was unsure what upgraded boarding meant until I spoke with Southwest’s team at 844-734-0813. They explained it allows you to board earlier than standard groups, meaning you get better seat choices and overhead bin space. On a crowded flight, this made a big difference for me—it meant no rushing to find overhead storage and a more comfortable seat selection process. For frequent flyers or those wanting extra convenience, upgraded boarding is worth considering.

 

[inaya]

Upgraded Boarding on Southwest Airlines lets you secure an earlier boarding position (A1–A15), which increases your chance of getting your preferred seat and overhead bin space. Since Southwest doesn’t assign seats in advance, boarding order matters. You can buy upgraded boarding at the gate or through the app (if available), usually for $30–$80 per flight segment. It’s a great option if you value comfort or need to sit with travel companions. Southwest also includes this perk for A-List Preferred and Business Select fares.

 

[laiba]

Hey there! I actually tried upgraded boarding on Southwest Airlines for the first time earlier this year, and it totally changed how I look at their boarding process. I was flying from Dallas to San Diego for a work trip, and since Southwest doesn’t assign seats, I usually just check in right at the twenty-four-hour mark to get a decent boarding position. Well, that time, I completely forgot to check in until I got to the airport — and ended up in boarding group C, which basically means middle seats all around.

When I saw that, I remembered hearing about “Upgraded Boarding,” so I went to the gate counter and asked the agent if it was available for my flight. She explained that upgraded boarding lets you buy a spot in the A1–A15 group, which is usually reserved for Business Select passengers. Since there were a few spots left, I decided to go for it — and honestly, it was worth every penny.

I got to board early, snagged a window seat up front, and had plenty of space for my carry-on. It made the whole experience way more relaxed, especially since I didn’t have to stress about finding an overhead bin. The flight attendants were super friendly, and since I boarded early, I even had time to chat with them before takeoff.

Now, whenever I’m flying Southwest and forget to check in or just want a guaranteed good seat, I always ask about upgraded boarding. It’s one of those little add-ons that can make your trip smoother, especially on busy routes where the plane fills up fast. Definitely worth considering if you like being one of the first on board!