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Southwest Airlines' open seating policy and unique boarding process require strategic navigation. Boarding early lets you choose from the best seats and ensures you'll be able to store your bag in the overhead bin.
If you don't qualify for Southwest Airlines early boarding another way — and don't want to set an alarm for 24 hours to departure — you might consider purchasing Southwest Upgraded Boarding to ensure an early boarding position.
If you're wondering what Southwest Upgraded Boarding is and how much it costs, you've come to the right place. We'll cover both those questions in this post, plus discuss Southwest credit cards that offer Upgraded Boarding for free. Finally, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to purchase Southwest Upgraded Boarding.
Page Contents
- What Is Southwest Upgraded Boarding?
- How Much Is Southwest Upgraded Boarding?
- Southwest Credit Card Upgraded Boarding Benefits
- How To Purchase Southwest Upgraded Boarding
- What's the Difference Between Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In?
- Who Shouldn't Pay Extra for Upgraded Boarding?
- Other Details
- Bottom Line
What Is Southwest Upgraded Boarding?
When you check in for your Southwest Airlines flight, you'll be assigned boarding group A, B, or C. You'll also receive a designated number within your boarding group, ending up with a letter and number assignment (for instance, B12).
If you don't get assigned a position between A1–A15, purchasing Southwest Upgraded Boarding might help you move up to those first 15 boarding slots. When any A1-A15 spots are available, Upgraded Boarding will be available for purchase 24 hours before flight departure. Sales for Upgraded Boarding stop 30 minutes before flight departure.
Why does this matter? As Southwest uses a “first come, first served” boarding process, getting as close as possible to the front of the boarding order means better options for available seats once you're inside the plane.
Related: How the Southwest Airlines Boarding Process Works: A Guide
How Much Is Southwest Upgraded Boarding?
Upgraded Boarding starts at $30 per person per flight segment, “based on the popularity and length of each flight segment.” The fee table shows that the price can go as high as $149 per person. Purchases are non-refundable if you cancel your flight. The good news is that Southwest will refund you for Upgraded Boarding if the airline cancels your flight, but you do have to contact customer service to request a reimbursement.
Southwest Credit Card Upgraded Boarding Benefits
Upgraded Boarding can only be purchased with a credit card. Some Southwest Airlines credit cards offer Upgraded Boarding credits as built-in benefits:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Four Upgraded Boardings annually
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Four Upgraded Boardings annually
After purchasing Upgraded Boarding on participating cards, you'll receive a statement credit covering the cost. Keep in mind that the annual $75 credit on the Southwest Priority Card does not apply to Upgraded Boarding.
How To Purchase Southwest Upgraded Boarding
You can purchase Upgraded Boarding when checking in for your flight at Southwest.com, in the Southwest Airlines app, or at the gate. To purchase online or in the app, follow these steps.
First, check into your Southwest Airlines flight, online or in the app.
Next, select “Upgrade Boarding Position to A1-A15” (you'll see eligible flight segments).
Finally, choose your payment method and complete your purchase.
Customers purchasing Upgraded Boarding will receive a separate, additional receipt for the purchase. Your flight's existing confirmation number, however, will remain the same. If purchased in the Southwest app, your boarding pass will automatically update with your upgraded boarding position. If you purchase through Southwest.com, you can choose to receive your new boarding information by email or text.
What's the Difference Between Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In?
Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In gains travelers automatic check-in 12 hours before regular check-in opens to everyone else. When available, customers can purchase EarlyBird Check-In 36 hours before flight departure. The idea is that purchasing early check-in might gain you a better boarding position; that's because you're checking in before the majority of passengers. In case it doesn't provide the results you want, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding when available, which would guarantee a spot in A1–A15.
Who Shouldn't Pay Extra for Upgraded Boarding?
Travelers with Southwest A-List or A-List Preferred elite status will automatically receive Priority Boarding on all flights. Unaccompanied minors and those with certain disabilities qualify for pre-boarding; they also shouldn't purchase Upgraded Boarding.
Business Select Fares automatically come with a boarding position between A1 and A15, as well. If Business Select sells out, Upgraded Boarding will not be available for other fares at check-in. Customers who purchase Anytime, Wanna Get Away, or Wanna Get Away Plus may purchase Upgraded Boarding if available.
Other Details
If you're booked on the same itinerary as other travelers, but not all of you want to purchase Upgraded Boarding, that's fine. Each individual can elect to purchase or not purchase Upgraded Boarding, if available. Keep in mind that only the individual purchasing Upgraded Boarding will receive the benefit.
Bottom Line
No need to travel at the mercy of the Southwest Airlines boarding process. Open the right credit card, purchase the right fare, or buy Upgraded Boarding when available to lock in the best seats on your next Southwest Airlines flight.
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