# Southwest Business Select Upgrade: First Class/Business Guide

Upgrade to Southwest Business Select for extra comfort—just call 1-888-843-9199 to enjoy priority boarding, refundable fares, and premium travel perks today.

When it comes to air travel, comfort, convenience, and flexibility matter—especially for frequent flyers and business travelers. While most major airlines offer traditional first-class or business class seating with extra amenities, Southwest Airlines does things differently. Southwest’s version of a premium travel experience is known as **Business Select**, a unique fare class that comes with exclusive perks even though the seating remains the same as other passengers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about **Southwest Business Select**, including how it compares to first class on other airlines, the upgrade options, costs, benefits, booking process, refund policy, and much more.

## 1. Introduction to Southwest Airlines Fare Structure

Southwest Airlines uses a simplified fare structure with **four main fare types**:

* **Wanna Get Away**: The lowest fare, limited flexibility.
* **Wanna Get Away Plus**: Slightly more perks, including transferable credits.
* **Anytime**: Fully refundable, flexible.
* **Business Select**: Top-tier fare with maximum benefits.

Each fare class offers different levels of flexibility, refundability, and perks. Business Select is Southwest’s **highest fare level** and is ideal for travelers who want the best experience the airline offers.

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## 2. What is Business Select on Southwest?

**Business Select** is the premium fare option offered by Southwest Airlines. Unlike traditional first-class cabins with larger seats and upgraded meals, Business Select maintains Southwest’s unique policy of **open seating**, meaning there are no assigned seats.

Instead of upgraded seating, Business Select provides the **best boarding position**, **bonus Rapid Rewards points**, and **free drink coupons**, among other perks. It's designed for business travelers or those who prioritize boarding early and flexibility.

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## 3. Key Benefits of Business Select

Here’s what Business Select includes:

* **A1–A15 priority boarding**
* **Full Rapid Rewards Points earning (12 points per dollar)**
* **Fully refundable fare**
* **Priority security lanes at select airports**
* **Free same-day flight changes**
* **Free same-day standby**
* **Premium drink voucher** (21+ only)
* **No change or cancellation fees**

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## 4. Is Business Select the Same as First Class?

Not exactly. Southwest **does not offer a traditional first-class cabin**. All seats on a Southwest flight are the same—leather-covered, economy-style seats with no extra legroom for Business Select customers.

However, Business Select does mimic some first-class perks, such as:

* Early boarding (to choose the best seat)
* Flexible policies
* Extra points accumulation
* Premium treatment at the airport

But if you’re expecting reclining luxury seats or gourmet meals like Delta One or American Airlines First Class, Business Select isn’t a substitute. It's best understood as **a premium economy/business-lite option**.

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## 5. Business Select vs. Wanna Get Away and Anytime

| Feature | Wanna Get Away | Anytime | Business Select |
| ---------------- | -------------- | ------- | --------------- |
| Refundable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Points per \$1 | 6 | 10 | 12 |
| A1–A15 Boarding | No | No | Yes |
| Drink Coupon | No | No | Yes |
| Same-Day Changes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Low | Medium | High |

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## 6. How to Upgrade to Business Select

There are **two main ways** to upgrade to Business Select:

### 1. Book a Business Select Fare Directly

When booking your ticket, choose the **Business Select** option.

### 2. Upgrade Your Boarding Position

If you booked a lower fare, you can purchase **Upgraded Boarding** (A1–A15) at the gate for **\$30–\$80**, depending on availability and route. However, this only gives you priority boarding—not the other Business Select benefits.

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## 7. How Much Does Business Select Cost?

The cost of Business Select varies based on:

* Flight distance
* Route popularity
* Time of booking

Expect to pay **\$50–\$200 more** than Wanna Get Away fares, especially on longer or high-demand flights. Since the fare is fully refundable and includes premium perks, the price reflects the added value.

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## 8. Is Business Select Worth It?

### Business Select is Worth It If You:

* Want guaranteed early boarding (A1–A15)
* Need a refundable, flexible ticket
* Are a frequent flyer earning Rapid Rewards
* Want access to same-day changes or standby
* Travel for business and value airport time savings

### It Might Not Be Worth It If:

* You don’t mind sitting in the middle or back
* You’re traveling on a tight budget
* You prefer luxury seating and inflight meals

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## 9. Refunds and Cancellations in Business Select

One of the top advantages of Business Select is its **fully refundable** nature.

* Cancel anytime before flight departure.
* Refund goes back to original payment method.
* No cancellation or change fees.
* Can also opt to receive **Travel Funds** for future flights.

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## 10. Companion Pass and Rapid Rewards Elite Status Benefits

Southwest’s **Companion Pass holders** and **A-List/A-List Preferred members** can still benefit from Business Select when they want to combine elite perks with best boarding access.

Note: Companion Pass bookings with Business Select still need to pay applicable taxes and fees.

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## 11. Does Business Select Earn More Points?

Yes! Business Select earns **12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar** spent on base fare.

For example:

* A \$300 Business Select ticket = **3,600 points earned**
* Compare that to 1,800 for Wanna Get Away and 3,000 for Anytime

Elite members earn bonus multipliers too.

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## 12. Business Select and Same-Day Flight Changes

Business Select fares allow:

* **Free same-day confirmed flight changes** (on flights with available seats)
* **Same-day standby** at no extra charge

You can do this via:

* Mobile app
* Website
* Airport counter

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## 13. Free In-Flight Perks

Business Select passengers receive:

* One **premium drink coupon** (must be 21+)
* Free **live TV, movies, and messaging** via Southwest Wi-Fi portal
* Option to purchase Wi-Fi for just \$8 per day/device

While there’s no upgraded meal or snack service, Southwest’s snack selection is decent for short flights.

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## 14. Seating Explained: No Assigned Seats

Even Business Select customers don’t get assigned seats.

Instead:

* You board with the **first 15 passengers** (A1–A15)
* Choose **any seat** on the plane: aisle, window, front row

This allows early passengers to claim preferred seats, overhead bin space, and even exit row (if eligible).

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## 15. Boarding: Why A1–A15 Boarding is Key

The biggest perk of Business Select is guaranteed **A1–A15 boarding**.

* You board before all other passengers (except pre-boarders).
* You can pick the **most desirable seat**.
* First access to overhead bin space.

This is crucial for:

* Business travelers who want to deplane quickly.
* Families looking to sit together without worry.

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## 16. Corporate Travelers and Business Select

For companies with frequent business travel needs, Business Select is the perfect fare:

* Easily reimbursable
* Fully refundable
* Time-saving
* High flexibility

Southwest also offers **Southwest Business**, a platform to manage team travel efficiently.

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## 17. Travel Fund Usage for Upgrades

If you have **Travel Funds** from a previous cancellation or refund, you can apply them toward:

* Business Select fare booking
* Fare difference during an upgrade

Use your Rapid Rewards login to view and apply available funds.

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## 18. Booking Business Select with Rapid Rewards Points

Yes, you can book Business Select with points.

* You’ll need more points than a Wanna Get Away fare.
* Points earned per dollar are **not applicable** for award bookings.

Booking with points gives flexibility and cancellation ease.

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## 19. Mobile App and Online Check-In

Even with A1–A15 boarding, checking in via the app or website is important:

* Confirm your boarding pass early
* Choose a digital or printed boarding pass
* Receive real-time alerts about gate changes or delays

The app also helps manage same-day changes, standby requests, and drink coupons.

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## 20. Tips for Making the Most of Business Select

* **Board immediately** when your group is called to secure the best seat.
* **Use your drink coupon** wisely—available in your email or app.
* **Leverage same-day changes** if plans shift.
* **Cancel and rebook** if you find a cheaper Business Select fare.

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## 21. Limitations of Business Select

Despite its premium status, Business Select has limitations:

* No assigned seats
* No additional legroom or seat upgrades
* No lounge access
* No priority checked baggage handling

If these amenities matter to you, another airline’s business class might be a better fit.

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## 22. Can You Combine Business Select with EarlyBird?

No. **EarlyBird Check-In** is not needed or applicable with Business Select because you already get **A1–A15 boarding**.

If you paid for EarlyBird and later upgrade to Business Select, you can **contact Southwest for a refund** of EarlyBird fees.

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## 23. How Business Select Compares to Other Airlines’ Business Class

| Feature | Southwest Business Select | Delta First | American Business | United Polaris |
| ---------------- | ------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | -------------- |
| Assigned Seats | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Larger Seats | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lounge Access | No | Yes (with status) | Yes | Yes |
| Refundable | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Free Drinks | Yes (1 coupon) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flexible Changes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited |

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## 24. FAQs about Business Select

**Q1: Do I get more legroom in Business Select?**
No. All seats are the same.

**Q2: Can I bring more luggage?**
All fares include 2 free checked bags.

**Q3: Can I get a refund?**
Yes, Business Select is fully refundable.

**Q4: How do I find my drink coupon?**
Sent via email 24 hours before your flight or available in-app.

**Q5: Can I combine points and cash to book Business Select?**
Not directly, but you can use Travel Funds or points depending on the booking method.

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## 25. Final Thoughts

While Southwest doesn’t offer traditional business or first-class seating, its **Business Select** fare is a solid premium option for travelers seeking speed, flexibility, and convenience. With perks like **priority boarding**, **flexible changes**, **fully refundable fares**, and **premium Rapid Rewards points**, it’s ideal for business travelers and those who value efficiency.

If you fly Southwest regularly and want a streamlined airport and in-flight experience—**without luxury seating but with priority perks**—Business Select is a worthy upgrade.