Get an Upgrade a Southwest Flight

Upgrading your flight experience with Southwest Airlines might not be as straightforward as with other airlines, but there are still ways to enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re looking for extra legroom, priority boarding, or a more comfortable seat, this guide will walk you through the available options for upgrading your Southwest flight.

Understanding Southwest Airlines’ Unique Approach

Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly policies, such as free checked bags and no change fees. However, it operates differently when it comes to seating and upgrades. Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn’t have traditional first or business class sections, and there are no assigned seats. Instead, passengers board in groups and choose their seats once onboard. Despite this, there are several ways to improve your flight experience.

Upgrade to Business Select

One of the most direct ways to enhance your Southwest flight is by purchasing a Business Select fare. While Southwest doesn’t offer a traditional business class, Business Select is the airline’s highest fare class, offering several perks:

1. Priority Boarding: Business Select passengers are among the first to board, giving you the best chance to secure your preferred seat.

2. Extra Rapid Rewards Points: With a Business Select ticket, you’ll earn 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent, compared to the 6 or 10 points earned with other fare types.

3. Fly By Priority Security and Check-In: Business Select passengers can take advantage of shorter lines at security and check-in, saving you valuable time at the airport.

4. Complimentary Drink: Enjoy a complimentary premium drink on board, whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage.

Purchase Early Bird Check-In

If Business Select is out of your budget, Early Bird Check-In is a more affordable option that can still provide a better boarding position. Here’s how it works:

1. Automatic Check-In: Early Bird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, which is 12 hours earlier than the standard check-in time. This gives you a better chance of boarding earlier and selecting your preferred seat.

2. Affordable Pricing: The cost for Early Bird Check-In ranges from $15 to $25 per one-way flight, depending on the route. While it doesn’t guarantee a specific boarding group, it significantly improves your chances of securing a favorable position.

3. Multiple Passengers: If you’re traveling with family or friends, purchasing Early Bird Check-In for everyone in your group can help ensure you sit together.

Upgrade Your Boarding Position at the Gate

Southwest Airlines offers the option to upgrade your boarding position at the gate on the day of your flight. This can be a valuable last-minute option if you want a better chance at securing a prime seat.

1. Cost: The cost to upgrade your boarding position at the gate typically ranges from $30 to $50, depending on your route and availability.

2. Availability: Upgraded boarding positions are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re interested in this option, check with the gate agent as soon as you arrive at the airport.

3. Position in A1-A15: If you upgrade at the gate, you’ll be placed in the A1-A15 boarding group, which boards immediately after Business Select passengers.

Use Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

If you’re a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines, you can use your Rapid Rewards points to purchase Business Select fares or Early Bird Check-In, effectively upgrading your flight experience without spending extra cash.

1. Redeem Points for Business Select: Use your Rapid Rewards points to book a Business Select ticket. While this may require more points than a Wanna Get Away or Anytime fare, the added benefits can make it worthwhile.

2. Redeem Points for Early Bird Check-In: If you prefer to save your cash, you can also use Rapid Rewards points to cover the cost of Early Bird Check-In. This option allows you to enjoy priority boarding without dipping into your travel budget.

Consider Upgrading to a More Flexible Fare

Southwest Airlines offers three main fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. If you initially booked a Wanna Get Away fare, you might consider upgrading to an Anytime fare, which offers more flexibility and benefits.

1. Change Without Fees: While Southwest doesn’t charge change fees for any fare type, Anytime fares allow you to make changes without paying the difference in fare, depending on the new flight’s cost.

2. Refundable Fares: Anytime fares are fully refundable, giving you peace of mind if your travel plans change. If you’re unsure about your schedule, upgrading to an Anytime fare might be a wise choice.

3. More Rapid Rewards Points: Anytime fares earn 10 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent, offering a balance between the low-cost Wanna Get Away fares and the premium Business Select fares.

Take Advantage of Southwest Airlines Credit Cards

Another way to upgrade your Southwest flight experience is by using one of Southwest’s co-branded credit cards. These cards come with a variety of benefits that can make your travels more comfortable.

1. Companion Pass: Some Southwest credit cards offer a Companion Pass after meeting a certain spending threshold. This pass allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees, effectively upgrading your travel experience.

2. Priority Boarding: Certain Southwest credit cards offer cardholders priority boarding as a perk. This benefit can help you secure a better seat without having to pay for Early Bird Check-In or an upgraded boarding position.

3. Earn Rapid Rewards Points: Use your Southwest credit card to earn Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases. These points can then be redeemed for Business Select fares, Early Bird Check-In, or other travel-related expenses.

Monitor Southwest’s Special Offers

Southwest Airlines frequently runs promotions and special offers that may include opportunities for upgrades or discounted fares. By staying informed, you can take advantage of these deals to enhance your flight experience.

1. Sign Up for Email Alerts: Subscribe to Southwest’s email list to receive notifications about upcoming sales, promotions, and special offers. This is one of the easiest ways to stay in the loop about potential upgrade opportunities.

2. Follow Southwest on Social Media: Southwest regularly posts updates and promotions on their social media channels. Following them on platforms like Twitter and Facebook can help you spot limited-time offers that could lead to an upgrade.

Conclusion

While Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer traditional first or business class upgrades, there are still several ways to enhance your flight experience. Whether you opt for a Business Select fare, Early Bird Check-In, or a gate upgrade, these options can help you enjoy a more comfortable and convenient journey. By understanding the various upgrade opportunities and taking advantage of Southwest’s unique offerings, you can make your next flight even more enjoyable. Safe travels!

Also read Southwest Low Fare Calendar