Table of Contents
ToggleAlternative Ways to Upgrade Southwest
Although Southwest Airlines offers no first-class seats and few other upgrade routes, there are a few ways to add some options to your travel experiences aboard the airline:
- Rapid Rewards® Points: Southwest frequent customers may redeem points for Business Select or premium boarding seats.
- Companion Pass: It’s not exactly an upgrade, but Southwest’s Companion Pass is a prized benefit for frequent flyers since it allows you to take a friend along free of charge on one flight per pass holder, always subject to taxes and fares.
- Credit Card Perks: Some Southwest-branded credit cards have special privileges, like drink coupons or free boarding, which can add up to your experience.
Upgrade Process After Booking
Once a passenger has booked his seat on Southwest Airlines, he or she has numerous fun options that will add up to an even better experience:
- Upgraded to Business Select: The most expensive upgrade available on Southwest, it provides the customer with priority boarding (Group A1–A15), a free premium drink, and extra Rapid Rewards points for regular travelers. The buy-up can be purchased after the ticket has been booked and even afterward by logging into the “Manage Reservations” area of the Southwest website or app.
- Upgraded Boarding: For USD 30 to 50, Southwest now offers upgraded boarding to passengers who want to board early but don’t have enough coins to buy Business Select. This allows travelers, provided they can be accommodated, on the day of travel, to purchase a boarding slot in the A1-A15 grouping.
- EarlyBird Check-In: This facility guarantees a better boarding position by automatically checking the traveler in for their flight 36 hours before departure.
If traveling on one of the more popular routes or at peak times, it is advisable to upgrade as soon as possible after booking. All upgrades are subject to availability.
Southwest Upgrade to Early Bird
One of the favorite upgrade options at Southwest is EarlyBird Check-In. EarlyBird automatically checks in the passenger 36 hours before the flight and charges between USD 15 to USD 25 one-way for each journey. This increases the opportunity of getting a better boarding position, which can increase the opportunity of getting aisle seats or those near the front of the plane. It does this 12 hours ahead of the regular check-in opening time.
Although EarlyBird Check-In greatly increases the chances of settling into Group A or, at the least, early Group B, which nearly gives one assured access to a better choice of seats and overhead bin space, it should not be assumed that this guarantees the exact boarding position.
Southwest Upgrade Boarding
Southwest features the first-come, first-served, rather unusual boarding procedure. If passengers wish for an additional guarantee of access into the highly prized A1-A15 group, which will admit them onto the plane ahead of every other passenger, they can purchase the added boarding process called “Upgraded Boarding.”
Travelers can purchase Upgraded Boarding on the day of travel at the gate or through the Southwest app, depending on availability. Segments range from USD 30 to USD 50. Customers with Business Select won’t pay a separate fee for premium boarding since they automatically are placed in Groups A1–A15.
Boarding of upgraded flights also becomes helpful for flyers in case the original flight is completely booked. In such a situation, upgraded boarding can provide a desired seating alternative to the passengers, especially if they have specific preferences for sitting or require extra time to board.
Conclusion
Southwest is an important differentiator in that the airline does not recognize a traditional class-based cabin. The airline offers several alternatives whereby passengers can further enhance their flying experience. Perhaps purchasing Business Select tickets to get the privilege of priority boarding and premium drinks, or signing up for EarlyBird Check-In to get a head start at the boarding process, there are numerous ways that one can upgrade a Southwest flight. All these options help a traveler to decide much better based on his preferences and needs while traveling, which eventually makes the journey more comfortable.
If you want to know about Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding Information, Then Read more.
FAQs-
A. Depending on the route, an enhanced boarding position usually costs between USD 30 and USD 50.
A. Southwest doesn’t offer free upgrades.
A. The EarlyBird is worthwhile if one feels that he wants to be sure to have other seat options and board early.
A. If early boarding or any good perks, like premium drinks for example, are important to the passenger, this upgrade is a good value for them.