Can I Upgrade My Seat on Southwest Airlines?

Flying Southwest Airlines is all about flexibility, but when it comes to comfort, many travelers wonder: Can I upgrade my seat on Southwest Airlines? Whether you’re chasing a better boarding position, extra legroom, or faster deplaning, understanding how Southwest Airlines seat upgrades work can help you make the most of your trip.

This guide covers everything about how to upgrade seats on Southwest, including costs, perks, best seats, and even a few insider tricks.

Quick Overview: Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade

✈ Maximize Comfort: Choose the best seats on your Southwest flight with upgrade options like EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, or Business Select.

✔ Flexible Seating: Southwest uses open seating — no assigned seats. Your boarding order determines your seat choice.

✔ Upgrade Options: Add EarlyBird Check-In, buy Upgraded Boarding, or choose a Business Select fare for premium perks.

✔ Pricing Range: Seat upgrade fees vary between $15 and $80 depending on the route and time of purchase.

✔ Business-Class Feel: Business Select fares offer priority boarding, bonus points, and premium drink service.

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Understanding Southwest Airlines Seating Policy

Unlike most airlines, Southwest Airlines does not assign seats. Instead, it operates an open seating system. This means:

• You board in groups (A, B, or C) based on your boarding position.

• The earlier your boarding number, the better your seat options.

• You can sit wherever you want once onboard — first come, first served.

Your boarding position depends on when you check in and whether you purchase upgrades like EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.

Types of Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrades

Southwest offers three main ways to upgrade your experience:

1. EarlyBird Check-In

• Automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure.

• Costs between $15–$25 per flight segment.

• Great for travelers who want a better boarding spot without manual check-in.

2. Upgraded Boarding

• Lets you upgrade to positions A1–A15.

• Cost: $30–$80 per flight segment (based on route and availability).

• Available at the gate or through Southwest’s website.

3. Business Select Fare

• Provides priority boarding (A1–A15), a premium drink, and extra Rapid Rewards points.

• Acts as the closest thing to business class on Southwest Airlines.

How much does it cost to upgrade your position on Southwest?

The Southwest Airlines seat upgrade fee varies depending on your selected upgrade:

These upgrades can be purchased during booking, after booking, or even at the gate if availability remains.

What does a Southwest upgrade get you?

A Southwest Airlines upgrade improves your boarding order, allowing access to better seats, quicker exits, and extra perks.

• EarlyBird Check-In: Better boarding position without manual effort.

• Upgraded Boarding: First pick of seats onboard.

• Business Select: Premium experience with drink vouchers and maximum flexibility.

Essentially, upgrading increases your comfort and control during your trip.

How to get a free upgrade on Southwest?

While Southwest rarely offers free upgrades, there are a few legitimate ways to save:

1. Earn A-List or A-List Preferred Status with Rapid Rewards. Members get priority boarding automatically.

2. Use Southwest Credit Cards — some offer upgraded boarding passes annually.

3. Be proactive at the gate: Occasionally, gate agents may offer free upgrades if there are unsold Business Select seats.

Always ask politely; availability is key.

Is upgraded boarding better than EarlyBird on Southwest?

Yes — if you value guaranteed early boarding.

If you want the best seats (like front-row or exit-row), Upgraded Boarding is worth the extra fee.

What is the sneaky trick to get priority boarding on Southwest?

A few insider tips can help you board earlier without paying much:

1. Check in exactly 24 hours before flight time.

2. Book Business Select or Anytime fares — they come with higher boarding priority.

3. Use the Southwest app for one-tap check-ins.

4. Purchase EarlyBird Check-In if you can’t check in manually on time.

5. Fly off-peak hours — fewer passengers compete for early boarding.

These tactics can improve your Southwest upgrade seat experience at minimal cost.

Do seniors get priority boarding on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest doesn’t offer automatic priority boarding for seniors, but there are some exceptions:

• Passengers needing assistance (mobility or health reasons) can preboard.

• Seniors 65+ who purchase Anytime or Business Select fares may still benefit from early boarding positions.

Tip: Arrive early and request preboarding assistance at the gate if needed.

Does EarlyBird Check-In get you a better seat on Southwest?

Yes, EarlyBird Check-In improves your boarding position, which helps you choose better seats — though it doesn’t guarantee A1–A15 spots.

EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, giving you a head start over regular check-ins (which open at 24 hours).

If you want to sit near the front or snag a window seat, this small fee is usually worth it.

What are the best seats on Southwest?

Because Southwest has open seating, the “best seats” depend on your preferences:

• Rows 1–5: Quick deplaning, minimal turbulence.

• Exit Rows (Rows 11–12 on 737-700, Rows 14–15 on 737-800): Extra legroom.

• Window Seats (A or F): Best views and privacy.

• Front Aisle Seats: Ideal for fast exits.

If you’re flying long-haul or connecting, aim for exit rows or front section seats for maximum comfort.

To plan ahead, check the Southwest Airlines seating chart on their website or use a third-party seat map tool to identify your preferred rows.

Southwest Airlines Business Class Alternative

Southwest doesn’t operate a traditional business class, but its Business Select fare mimics the experience:

• Priority boarding (A1–A15)

• Premium drink

• Refundable ticket

• Higher point earnings

If you value flexibility and comfort, Business Select is the way to go.

People Also Ask (Additional FAQs)

Q1: Can I use points for Southwest Airlines upgrades?
Yes, you can redeem Rapid Rewards points toward Business Select fares, which include upgrades.

Q2: Can families sit together on Southwest?
Yes — families with children under six can use family boarding between Groups A and B.

Q3: Can I change my seat after boarding on Southwest?
Once onboard, you can switch seats freely if there’s space, since seats aren’t assigned.

Key Takeaways

• Southwest Airlines seat upgrade options: EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, and Business Select.

• No assigned seats: Boarding order decides where you sit.

• Fees: Range between $15–$80 based on route and upgrade type.

• Best seats: Exit rows and front sections for space and speed.

• Tip: Check seat maps before flying to plan your strategy.

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Conclusion

Southwest’s open seating model offers freedom, but if you want comfort and control, upgrading is worth considering.
Whether you choose EarlyBird Check-In for convenience or Upgraded Boarding for guaranteed early access, understanding how the Southwest Airlines seat upgrade system works ensures a smoother trip.

Before you fly, review the Southwest Airlines seat map and pick your strategy.

📞 Need help managing your reservation or getting the best upgrade offers?
Call Tours N Travel Pro today at +1-866-679-5070 for expert guidance and exclusive airfare assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions of Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade

Q1. Can I upgrade my seat on Southwest Airlines after check-in?
Yes, you can upgrade your seat even after check-in by purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available). This moves you into the A1–A15 boarding group, helping you get better seating options on the Southwest Airlines seat map.

Q2. Does Southwest Airlines have assigned seating?
No, Southwest Airlines does not offer assigned seating. Instead, passengers board in groups and choose their seats on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you can improve your chances of getting your preferred spot by upgrading your boarding position.

Q3. How can I get a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade for free?
Free upgrades are available for A-List Preferred Members or through Southwest Business Select fares. Additionally, sometimes gate agents offer complimentary upgrades if seats are available on less crowded flights.

Q4. What are the benefits of Southwest Airlines Business Class upgrades?
While Southwest doesn’t have traditional Business Class, upgrading to Business Select gives you priority boarding (A1–A15), a refundable ticket, free premium drinks, and maximum Rapid Rewards points — making it their highest-tier travel experience.

Q5. How much does it cost to upgrade seats on Southwest Airlines?
The Southwest Airlines seat upgrade fee generally ranges between $30 and $80 per flight segment, depending on route, demand, and boarding position availability.

Q6. Can I use points or miles for a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade?
Yes, you can redeem Rapid Rewards points to upgrade your boarding position when booking online or at the airport. However, Upgraded Boarding availability is subject to seat and group limitations.

Q7. Which seats are considered the best on Southwest Airlines?
Most travelers prefer the front-row and exit-row seats for more legroom and quicker deplaning. If you board early, you can use the Southwest Airlines seating chart to spot these premium spots easily.

Q8. Is EarlyBird Check-In worth it on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, if you want a better boarding position without manually checking in 24 hours before departure. It automatically checks you in early and increases your chance of getting your desired seat without having to buy an expensive upgrade.