Upgrades
How to get upgraded on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has no traditional first class or business class cabin. The best way to improve your experience is Upgraded Boarding ($30–$80). Here is what is available and how to make the most of it.
Ways to improve your experience
- 1Upgraded Boarding ($30–$80)
- 2Business Select fare (includes A1–A15 boarding)
- 3EarlyBird Check-In ($15–$25)
Elite status upgrades
Southwest has no traditional first class cabin. Upgrade means improving your boarding position to board early and choose your seat. A-List Preferred gets A1-A15 boarding automatically at no extra charge.
Upgrading with miles or points
Cannot directly upgrade to first class (none exists). Use Rapid Rewards points to pay for a Business Select fare which includes early boarding (A1-A15 position).
Cash & bid upgrades
Upgraded Boarding: purchase at the gate on day of departure for $30–$80 if available. Gets you into the A1-A15 group, giving pick of any open seat. Only works if boarding positions remain.
Who gets upgraded first
Business Select A1-A15 boarding first, then A-List Preferred, then A-List (A16-A30), then EarlyBird Check-In, then standard check-in order.
Best tip to maximize upgrade chances
Book Business Select fare on longer flights — the price premium buys A1-A15 boarding, guaranteed overhead space, a free premium drink, and 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar vs 6.
How do I get upgraded to first class on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines does not have a traditional first class or business class cabin. The best way to improve your experience is: Upgraded Boarding ($30–$80), Business Select fare (includes A1–A15 boarding), EarlyBird Check-In ($15–$25). Book Business Select fare on longer flights — the price premium buys A1-A15 boarding, guaranteed overhead space, a free premium drink, and 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar vs 6.
What elite status do I need for free upgrades on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest has no traditional first class cabin. Upgrade means improving your boarding position to board early and choose your seat. A-List Preferred gets A1-A15 boarding automatically at no extra charge.
Can I upgrade with miles on Southwest Airlines?
Cannot directly upgrade to first class (none exists). Use Rapid Rewards points to pay for a Business Select fare which includes early boarding (A1-A15 position).
How does the upgrade bid work on Southwest Airlines?
Upgraded Boarding: purchase at the gate on day of departure for $30–$80 if available. Gets you into the A1-A15 group, giving pick of any open seat. Only works if boarding positions remain.
More Southwest Airlines guides
Upgrade policy data verified . Elite upgrade windows, miles requirements, and bid pricing are subject to change — confirm current terms at Southwest Airlines's official website before flying.