How to Get a Southwest Seat Upgrade? Simple Tips & Tricks

May 08, 2026TravelComments (0)

Southwest Seat Upgrade: A-List Members get free Extra Legroom upgrades 48 hrs + 1 free checked bag for themselves & 8 guests. 866-558-3017.

Does Southwest Airlines have upgraded seats?

A Southwest Seat Upgrade is one of the best ways to improve your boarding position, secure a better seat, and enjoy a smoother overall travel experience on Southwest Airlines. Since Southwest uses an open-seating system (no seat assignments), upgrading your boarding group is the only way to choose better seats—making upgrades extremely valuable. This 2026 guide walks you through upgrade types, costs, benefits, availability, and strategies based on updated airline policies and top-ranking competitor formats.

For quick help or to check real-time upgrade availability, you may contact Southwest customer service at 1 (866) 558-3017.

Quick Overview: Southwest Seat Upgrade (2026 Guide)

Southwest Seat Upgrade options give travelers earlier boarding, better seat choices, and improved comfort on Southwest’s open-seating system. Review upgrade types, costs, rules, and requirements for a smoother travel experience.

  • Upgrade Options: Southwest offers EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15), and Business Select fare upgrades.
  • Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15): Purchase one of the first 15 boarding positions for premium access to preferred seats and overhead-bin space.
  • EarlyBird Check-In: Automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, improving your boarding group without manual check-in.
  • Business Select: Premium fare including guaranteed A1–A15, priority security/boarding lanes, extra Rapid Rewards points, and a complimentary premium drink.
  • Seat Advantage: Southwest does not assign seats; early boarding is the only way to secure front-row, aisle/window, exit-row, or extra-legroom seating.
  • Eligible Flights: Upgrades apply to all Southwest-operated flights; availability varies by demand and route.
  • Booking Methods: Add upgrades during booking, after booking through Manage Trips, via the Southwest app, or at airport ticket counters and gates.
  • Costs:
    • EarlyBird Check-In: $15–$99 one-way
    • Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15): $30–$199 each segment
    • Business Select: Fare difference based on route
  • Payment Rules: Travel credits can be used for fare upgrades but not to purchase A1–A15 positions; points cannot directly buy Upgraded Boarding.
  • Elite Benefits: A-List and A-List Preferred members automatically receive priority boarding positions.
  • Restrictions: Upgrades are non-refundable; A1–A15 may sell out early on busy routes.
  • Best For: Travelers who want early cabin entry, guaranteed overhead-bin space, group seating, or premium seat locations.

Pro Tip: Upgrade early—A1–A15 positions sell out fast on high-demand routes. For help adding upgrades or checking availability, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Does Southwest Have Upgraded Seats?

Yes—Southwest does offer upgraded seating options, but not in the traditional sense of assigned premium seats. Instead of first class or premium economy layouts, Southwest offers boarding position upgrades, which allow you to board earlier and pick the best seats onboard (exit row, front-row aisle, window seats, etc.).

The three primary upgraded options are:

  • EarlyBird Check-In
  • Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15)
  • Business Select fare upgrades

You can access any of these depending on your travel date, fare type, and availability.

Types of Southwest Seat Upgrades

  1. Southwest EarlyBird Check-In

EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, giving you a better boarding position than standard check-in passengers. While not guaranteed, it typically results in Group B or early Group C, sometimes late Group A.

Key benefits:

  • Automatic early check-in
  • Better seat options
  • Time-saving convenience

EarlyBird cannot be purchased last-minute if the flight is too close to departure.

  1. Southwest Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15)

This is the most popular Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade, giving travelers a premium boarding position between A1 and A15. Since the A group boards first, this upgrade virtually guarantees you can select the best seats.

Ideal for:

  • Exit row fans
  • Front-row seating
  • Families wanting to sit together
  • Travelers who want guaranteed overhead bin space

You can buy this at the gate, ticket counter, or online (depending on availability).

For assistance, call +1 (866) 558-3017 to check current A1–A15 availability.

  1. Southwest Business Select (Premium-Class Equivalent)

Business Select is Southwest’s highest fare category. While the airline has no first class, Business Select provides:

  • A1–A15 automatic boarding
  • Fully refundable fares
  • Priority lanes
  • Complimentary premium drinks
  • Bonus Rapid Rewards points

This is the closest Southwest offers to a premium cabin.

  1. Southwest Elite Status Benefits (A-List & A-List Preferred)

Elite members enjoy enhanced boarding automatically:

  • A-List: Priority boarding (usually A20–A40)
  • A-List Preferred: Same priority + free same-day standby

Elites also get free same-day flight changes and bonus rewards.

How to Upgrade Seat on Southwest?

  1. Upgrade During Booking

While booking your flight, Southwest allows you to add:

  • EarlyBird Check-In
  • Business Select fare
  • Travel upgrades using credit cards or points

Booking upgrades early ensures better availability.

  1. Upgrade After Booking

Log in to your Southwest account and go to Manage Booking. Here, you can:

  • Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
  • Pay for Upgraded Boarding
  • Change your fare to Business Select
  • Apply travel credits

If you face errors, customer support at +1 (866) 558-3017 can help process upgrade requests.

  1. Upgrade at Airport / Gate

If all online upgrades are gone, airlines often release last-minute A1–A15 slots at:

  • Airport ticket counters
  • Southwest kiosks
  • Gate desks

These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

  1. Upgrade via Southwest App

The Southwest app makes upgrading fast and easy:

  1. Open your reservation.
  2. Scroll to “Upgraded Boarding.”
  3. See available A1–A15 slots.
  4. Purchase instantly.

Mobile upgrades are often cheaper than purchasing at the airport.

Southwest Seat Upgrade Cost

Upgrade costs vary depending on route, demand, and season.

EarlyBird Check-In Cost

  • $15–$99 per passenger each way

Popular holiday routes may be higher.

Upgraded Boarding Cost (A1–A15)

  • $30–$199 per segment

Factors affecting price include route distance and load factor.

Business Select Fare Difference

Upgrading to Business Select is usually:

  • $80–$350+ extra depending on the fare, time, and route.

Refunds are allowed for Business Select fare differences.

Can I Upgrade My Seat on Southwest Before Boarding?

Yes—Upgraded Boarding is available up until 30 minutes before departure, subject to availability.

Are Upgraded Seats Always Available on Southwest Flights?

No. A1–A15 slots sell out quickly, especially on:

  • Business-heavy morning flights
  • Holiday routes
  • Weekend flights
  • High-demand city pairs like Denver, Las Vegas, Chicago, Nashville

To increase your chances, call +1 (866) 558-3017 to check availability early.

Buying Last-Minute Upgrades

Last-minute upgrades are common on:

  • Late-night flights
  • Midweek routes
  • Off-peak months (Sep–Oct, Jan–Feb)

If seats remain open, the airline sells these cheaply near boarding time.

Using Points and Credits for Southwest Seat Upgrade

Can I Upgrade My Seat Using Southwest Points?

You cannot directly buy Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird with points.However, you can use points to:

  • Rebook into Business Select
  • Upgrade your fare category
  • Reduce the cash price of a higher fare

This indirect method still gets you premium boarding.

Using Southwest Travel Credit for Seat Upgrades

You can apply travel credits to:

  • Fare upgrades
  • EarlyBird (if booked during original booking)

Credits cannot be used to purchase Upgraded Boarding.

Southwest Credit Card Benefits for Seat Upgrades

Premium Southwest credit cards (Priority, Performance) include:

  • Up to 4 Upgraded Boardings per year
  • Anniversary bonus points
  • Travel credits

These Upgraded Boardings can be used right at the gate, saving up to $199 per segment.

Tips to Get the Best Seats on Southwest Flights

  1. Check-In Strategy

Regular check-in opens 24 hours before departure. To maximize your boarding group:

  • Set alarms
  • Use autofill
  • Check in exactly at 24 hours

If you cannot reliably check in on time, EarlyBird is highly recommended.

  1. Booking Timing

Southwest's cheapest and least crowded flights are often:

  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Early morning or late evening
  • Off-peak months

These often have better upgrade availability.

  1. Leveraging Elite Status

A-List or A-List Preferred status guarantees a good boarding group every time you fly.

Status shortcuts include:

  • Promotional status matches
  • Completing 25 one-way flights
  • Earning 35,000 tier-qualifying points annually

If you need help adding elite benefits to your booking, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Conclusion

A Southwest Seat Upgrade is the fastest way to enjoy a better seat, relaxed boarding experience, early overhead-bin access, and priority treatment. Whether you upgrade with EarlyBird, Upgraded Boarding, or Business Select, the benefits are clear—especially on high-demand flights.

For real-time upgrade availability or booking support, Southwest customer service is available at +1 (866) 558-3017.

FAQs

  1. Does Southwest have upgraded seats?

Yes. Southwest offers upgrade options like Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15) and designated extra-legroom seats in exit rows and front rows. While they don’t sell traditional first-class seats, boarding upgrades help you choose the best spots. Southwest is also testing assigned seating, which may include more premium options in the future.

  1. How much does it cost to upgrade on Southwest?

Alaska Airlines upgrade prices vary: EarlyBird Check-In is $15–$99, upgraded boarding (A1–A15) costs $30–$199, and Business Select upgrades depend on the fare difference. Upgrading is worth it for better seats, earlier boarding, and easier overhead-bin access.

  1. What is the Southwest 10-minute rule?

You must cancel or change your reservation at least 10 minutes before departure. If not, Wanna Get Away fares become unusable “no-show” funds. Canceling on time keeps your travel credits active.

  1. Is it worth upgrading on Southwest?

Upgrade if you want early boarding, group seating, or comfortable options like exit rows. Skip it if saving money is your priority or you don’t mind later boarding.

  1. Can I upgrade my Southwest ticket after purchase?

Yes. You can add EarlyBird Check-In, buy Upgraded Boarding, or switch to a higher fare like Anytime or Business Select. Some changes require paying the fare difference.

  1. Is it cheaper to upgrade online or at the airport?

Sometimes airport upgrades are cheaper when unsold premium seats remain, but deals aren’t guaranteed. Southwest’s upgrade prices vary based on demand.

  1. How do I use a promo code like WOW50 on Southwest?

Enter the code in the Promo Code box during booking on Southwest.com. Eligible flights show the discount automatically. Terms vary by route, dates, and fare type.