Southwest's Upgrade Boarding: Eligible Airports And How To Get It

Southwest Airlines offers a unique boarding and seating experience compared to other airlines. The airline does not assign seats, instead, passengers are assigned a boarding position and a number at check-in, which determines how quickly they can board the plane and choose their seat. While Southwest's highest ticket class, Business Select, offers some benefits, it does not offer a more comfortable seat as all passengers fly in the same type of seat. However, passengers can pay extra for Southwest's Upgraded Boarding service, which provides an A1 to A15 boarding position, allowing them to board the plane sooner. This service can be purchased at the departure gate, ticket counter, or through Southwest's website. Additionally, passengers can purchase EarlyBird Check-In, which provides automatic check-in before regular check-in opens.

Business Select is Southwest's highest ticket class

Southwest Airlines offers four types of fares, with Business Select being the most premium option. While it does not offer a traditional first-class experience, it does come with several benefits that may be worth the extra cost.

Business Select passengers are guaranteed to be among the first to board, with positions A1-A15. This means they get to choose their preferred seat and have first access to the overhead bins. Additionally, Business Select fares offer increased Rapid Rewards points earning rates. Rapid Rewards members earn 12 to 14 points per dollar spent on the Business Select fare, compared to 10, 6, or 2 points for mid- and low-level fares.

Another advantage of Business Select is the flexibility it offers. Tickets are fully refundable if cancelled at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, and passengers are eligible for same-day changes and same-day standby benefits. Business Select passengers also receive priority check-in and priority security lane access when available. On select flights over 250 miles, A-List Preferred Members receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per leg.

However, it is important to note that Business Select does not offer any comfort upgrades or dedicated business-class seats. All passengers on Southwest Airlines fly in the same type of economy-class seat, regardless of fare. There are no substantial food offerings, and the lack of video screens may be disappointing to some.

Overall, whether upgrading to Business Select is worth it depends on individual preferences. It is ideal for those who value boarding the plane quickly, earning more Rapid Rewards points, and having flexibility with refunds and same-day changes. However, those seeking traditional first-class perks like extra seat room or dedicated business-class seats may be disappointed.

Upgraded Boarding costs $30-$80 per person, per flight

Southwest Airlines has a unique boarding process. The airline does not assign seats, but instead, passengers are assigned a boarding position (A, B, or C) and a number (1 through 60) at check-in. This position determines how quickly you can board the plane and choose your seat.

Southwest's highest ticket class is called Business Select. When available, you can upgrade your Wanna Get Away or Anytime fare ticket to Business Select and enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, priority security lanes, priority boarding (A1-A15), and a fully refundable ticket if cancelled at least 10 minutes before departure. You will also earn 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar, compared to 10 points for Anytime tickets and 6 points for Wanna Get Away tickets.

If you are unable to purchase a Business Select ticket, you can pay extra for Southwest's Upgraded Boarding service, which costs $30-$80 per person, per flight. This service gives you an A1-A15 boarding position, allowing you to board the plane much sooner. You can purchase this upgrade at the departure gate or ticket counter on the day of your flight, or within 24 hours of departure via Southwest's website.

Upgraded Boarding can also be purchased with a credit card, and some Southwest Airlines credit cards offer Upgraded Boarding credits as built-in benefits. For example, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card both offer four Upgraded Boardings annually.

Additionally, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In, which costs $15-$25 per person, each way. With this option, Southwest will automatically check you in within 36 hours of your flight's departure, improving your seat selection options and allowing you to board before the general public.

Priority boarding for customers with disabilities

Southwest Airlines has an open seating style, with boarding groups prioritized by letters and numbers. Passengers with disabilities who require assistance with boarding, specific seating accommodations, or extra time to stow assistive devices are offered preboarding. This is available to customers regardless of whether their disabilities are visible or invisible.

Southwest employees are trained to recognize that not all disabilities are readily apparent. Agents are instructed to ask whether a customer needs assistance with boarding or requires a specific seat to accommodate a disability. Customers' privacy is important, and they are not required to disclose the nature of their disability or provide documentation to preboard.

To request preboarding, customers with disabilities should ask for a Preboarding Document from the Customer Service Agent at their departure gate when they check their baggage. Depending on the airport, they will either receive the document when they check their bags or at the gate. Preboarding passengers may not occupy an exit seat.

In addition to preboarding, Southwest Airlines offers Upgraded Boarding services for an extra fee. This service provides passengers with an A1 to A15 boarding position, allowing them to board the plane sooner. The pricing for Upgraded Boarding typically ranges from $30 to $80 per person, each way, and can be purchased at the departure gate, ticket counter, or online within 24 hours of departure.

Southwest's boarding groups are A, B, or C

Southwest Airlines has an open seating style, with no assigned seats. Instead, passengers are assigned a boarding position (A, B, or C) and a number (1 through 60) at check-in. Your position will determine how quickly you can board the plane and choose your seat.

Passengers who pre-board may not occupy an exit seat. Families with children under six and passengers needing special assistance can board after Group A.

You can secure an earlier boarding position by purchasing a Business Select fare, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or buying an upgraded boarding pass from the counter on the day of travel (when available). Business Select passengers will be the first group to be issued boarding passes beginning with Group A.

If you want to be among the first to board, you can pay $30 to $80 for an A1-15 boarding position. This can be done either in person at the airport or online.

EarlyBird Check-In costs $15-$25 per person, per flight

Southwest Airlines has a unique boarding process. The airline does not assign seats; instead, passengers are assigned a boarding position (A, B, or C) and a number (1 through 60) at check-in. This position determines how quickly you can board the plane and choose your seat.

To secure an earlier boarding position, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In. The cost of EarlyBird Check-In varies from $15 to $25 per person, per flight. This price range is set for a particular flight, and you won't have the option to choose between different price points. The pricing depends on the length of the route and the historical demand for EarlyBird Check-In on that route. While the price won't change based on the day of the week or time of day, Southwest may update pricing in the future based on route popularity and other factors.

EarlyBird Check-In offers two main advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the risk of forgetting to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, which is when check-in typically opens. Secondly, it improves your chances of getting a better boarding assignment than if you checked in 24 hours before departure. While it doesn't guarantee a Group A boarding pass, the earlier your boarding pass assignment is to A1, the sooner you can board and select your preferred seat.

EarlyBird Check-In may be particularly beneficial if you're travelling in a group and want to ensure that you can all sit together. It can also be useful if you're taking a long flight where seat selection is more valuable, or if you're unable to check in exactly 24 hours in advance. However, it's important to note that purchasing EarlyBird Check-In is not a guarantee that you will be among the first to board. Passengers who purchase Business Select tickets are guaranteed the first 15 boarding spots.

Frequently asked questions