The Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy gives travelers several ways to improve their onboard experience before departure. Unlike traditional airlines that offer Business or First Class cabin upgrades, Southwest Airlines focuses on upgraded boarding positions, preferred seating options on eligible aircraft, and additional travel benefits depending on the fare purchased. As Southwest continues to introduce assigned seating and premium seating options on select flights, passengers have more flexibility to choose where they sit and enjoy extra comfort. Understanding the airline’s seat upgrade policy, eligibility requirements, upgrade methods, fees, and rules can help you secure your preferred seat and make your journey more comfortable. This guide explains everything you need to know about upgrading your Southwest Airlines travel experience.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy?

The Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy allows eligible passengers to improve their seating or boarding experience before departure.

Depending on the aircraft, fare type, and route, passengers may be able to:

Purchase Upgraded Boarding
Select premium seating (where available)
Choose Extra Legroom seats on eligible aircraft
Upgrade through fare changes
Access preferred boarding positions
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
Enjoy priority boarding benefits

Unlike many traditional airlines, Southwest historically operated with open seating. As the airline transitions to assigned seating on eligible flights, more seat selection and upgrade options are becoming available.

Does Southwest Airlines Offer Seat Upgrades?

Yes.

Southwest Airlines offers several upgrade options, although they differ from traditional cabin upgrades.

Instead of upgrading from Economy to First Class, Southwest passengers may have access to:

Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15, when available)
Extra Legroom seats (on eligible aircraft)
Preferred seats
Standard assigned seats
Fare upgrades
Early boarding services

The available options depend on the specific flight and the airline’s evolving seating model.

How Does the Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy Work?

The upgrade process depends on the type of enhancement you want.

Passengers can generally improve their travel experience by:

Purchasing a higher fare
Buying Upgraded Boarding
Selecting a preferred seat
Choosing an Extra Legroom seat
Modifying their reservation before departure

Availability depends on:

Aircraft configuration
Flight demand
Fare purchased
Remaining inventory
Time before departure

Types of Seat Upgrades Available

Southwest Airlines offers several upgrade options.

Upgraded Boarding

One of the airline’s most popular upgrade options is Upgraded Boarding.

When available, passengers can purchase boarding positions between:

Benefits include:

Earlier boarding
Better overhead bin availability
Increased opportunity to select preferred seats on flights still using open seating

Availability is limited.

Extra Legroom Seats

On aircraft featuring the airline’s newer seating layout, passengers may purchase Extra Legroom seats.

Benefits include:

Additional legroom
Greater comfort
Preferred cabin location
Easier boarding and deplaning

These seats are available on select aircraft as Southwest continues introducing assigned seating.

Preferred Seats

Preferred seats are generally located in more desirable areas of the aircraft.

Depending on the flight, benefits may include:

Closer proximity to the front
Faster exit after landing
Convenient boarding experience

Standard Assigned Seats

As Southwest expands assigned seating, passengers may choose standard seats during booking or afterward through Manage Booking, depending on fare eligibility.

Who Can Upgrade Their Seat?

Most passengers can purchase available upgrades.

Eligible travelers include:

Wanna Get Away passengers
Wanna Get Away Plus passengers
Anytime passengers
Business Select passengers
Rapid Rewards members

Some fare types already include premium boarding benefits, reducing the need for additional upgrades.

Southwest Airlines Boarding Groups

Boarding position remains an important part of the Southwest experience.

Passengers are generally assigned:

Group A
Group B
Group C

Within each group, travelers receive a boarding position.

Purchasing Upgraded Boarding may allow eligible passengers to move into the A1–A15 boarding positions if available.

Business Select Benefits

Passengers purchasing Business Select fares receive several premium travel benefits.

These often include:

Priority boarding
Earlier boarding position
Flexible ticket benefits
Additional Rapid Rewards earning opportunities

Business Select travelers generally do not need to purchase Upgraded Boarding separately.

EarlyBird Check-In vs. Upgraded Boarding

Many travelers confuse these two services.

EarlyBird Check-In

EarlyBird automatically checks passengers in before the standard check-in window.

Benefits include:

Better boarding position than standard check-in
Less stress during check-in

However, EarlyBird does not guarantee an A1–A15 boarding position.

Upgraded Boarding

Upgraded Boarding provides access to available boarding positions A1 through A15.

Benefits include:

Earlier boarding
Better seat selection opportunities
Earlier access to overhead storage

Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Rule

Passengers can check in beginning 24 hours before departure.

This check-in window is especially important for flights still operating with open seating because boarding positions are assigned based largely on check-in timing for eligible fares.

Travelers wishing to purchase Upgraded Boarding should also monitor availability before departure, as quantities are limited.

How to Upgrade Your Seat Online

Passengers can upgrade eligible reservations online.

Step 1

Visit the Southwest Airlines website.

Step 2

Select Manage Reservations.

Step 3

Enter:

Confirmation number
First and last name

Step 4

Retrieve your booking.

Step 5

View available upgrade options.

Step 6

Choose:

Upgraded Boarding
Preferred seating
Extra Legroom seat (if available)

Step 7

Review applicable fees.

Step 8

Complete payment.

Step 9

Receive updated confirmation.

Upgrade Using the Southwest Mobile App

The mobile application also allows passengers to:

Purchase Upgraded Boarding
View available seating
Change seats
Modify reservations
Receive updated boarding information

The app is often the fastest way to manage upgrades while traveling.

Upgrade at the Airport

Passengers may also purchase eligible upgrades at:

Ticket counters
Airport kiosks
Departure gates

Availability depends on remaining inventory.

Upgraded Boarding positions frequently sell out before departure.

Can You Upgrade After Check-In?

Yes.

Passengers may still purchase available upgrades after checking in if inventory remains.

However, availability decreases as departure time approaches.

Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Fee

Upgrade pricing varies.

Costs depend on:

Flight length
Route
Upgrade type
Demand
Availability

Examples include:

Upgraded Boarding
Preferred seating
Extra Legroom seats

Southwest displays applicable pricing before purchase.

Can Rapid Rewards Members Receive Upgrades?

Yes.

Rapid Rewards members may receive benefits depending on:

Membership status
Fare purchased
Promotional offers

Elite members may enjoy enhanced boarding privileges or other travel benefits based on their tier.

Can You Upgrade Award Tickets?

Passengers traveling on Rapid Rewards points may still purchase eligible travel enhancements such as:

Upgraded Boarding
Preferred seating
Extra Legroom seats

Availability depends on the specific flight.

Southwest Airlines Assigned Seating Transition

Southwest Airlines is gradually introducing assigned seating across its fleet.

Depending on the aircraft, passengers may encounter:

Assigned standard seats
Preferred seats
Extra Legroom seats

Older aircraft may continue using open seating until fleet modifications are complete.

Passengers should review their booking for the seating system applicable to their flight.

Can You Upgrade Group Reservations?

Yes.

Group travelers may purchase eligible upgrades individually or collectively, depending on availability.

Options may include:

Preferred seats
Extra Legroom seats
Upgraded Boarding

Large groups should make arrangements as early as possible.

Can You Upgrade International Flights?

Yes.

Eligible international flights may also offer:

Preferred seating
Extra Legroom seats
Boarding upgrades

Available services depend on aircraft type and destination.

Can You Upgrade Domestic Flights?

Domestic passengers can also purchase eligible upgrades, including:

Upgraded Boarding
Preferred seating
Extra Legroom seating

Availability varies by aircraft.

Rules for Seat Upgrades

Passengers should remember these important rules:

Upgrades depend on availability.
Some upgrades cannot be transferred.
Upgrade fees are generally non-refundable after use.
Assigned seating availability depends on aircraft configuration.
Business Select fares already include premium boarding benefits.
EarlyBird does not guarantee A1–A15 boarding.

What Happens If Southwest Changes Your Flight?

If Southwest modifies your itinerary, the airline generally attempts to preserve:

Purchased seat selections
Boarding benefits
Upgrade purchases

If comparable seating is unavailable, passengers may receive alternative accommodations or applicable compensation according to airline policies.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Seat

Purchasing an upgrade may provide:

Earlier boarding
Better seat location
Additional legroom
Faster deplaning
Easier overhead bin access
More comfortable travel
Improved boarding experience

For longer flights, premium seating can significantly improve comfort.

Tips to Get the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines

Book Early

Earlier reservations provide more seating choices.

Monitor Upgrade Availability

Premium seating may become available before departure.

Check In Promptly

For flights using open seating, checking in exactly 24 hours before departure helps secure a better boarding position.

Consider Business Select

Frequent travelers may benefit from included boarding privileges.

Purchase Upgraded Boarding Early

Availability is limited and often sells out.

Use the Mobile App

The app allows quick access to upgrade opportunities.

Common Reasons Travelers Upgrade

Passengers commonly purchase upgrades for:

Extra legroom
Better boarding position
Business travel
Long flights
Family travel
Improved comfort
Easier access to overhead bins
Faster aircraft exit

These upgrades can make the overall journey more enjoyable.

Difference Between Upgraded Boarding and Premium Seats

Understanding these two options helps travelers choose the right upgrade.

Feature	Upgraded Boarding	Preferred/Extra Legroom Seat
Earlier boarding	Yes	Depends on the fare
Better seat location	Indirectly	Yes
Additional legroom	No	Yes (Extra Legroom seats)
Assigned seat	Only on eligible aircraft	Yes
Overhead bin access	Better	Better

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy provides travelers with several flexible ways to enhance their flying experience. Whether you purchase Upgraded Boarding for earlier access to the aircraft, select a Preferred Seat, enjoy the extra comfort of an Extra Legroom Seat, or travel on a Business Select fare, Southwest offers options to suit different travel needs and budgets. As the airline continues rolling out assigned seating across more flights, passengers will have even greater flexibility in choosing their preferred seat before departure. By booking early, monitoring upgrade availability, and understanding the benefits of each option, travelers can enjoy a smoother, more comfortable, and more convenient journey with Southwest Airlines.