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How Much Is the Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee?

By flightshelpcenter

Published on December 6, 2025

The Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee is one of the most commonly searched topics among budget-savvy travelers who want priority boarding, better seat selection, and added perks without paying high full-fare prices. Since Southwest does not offer traditional first class, upgrades focus on Business Select, Upgraded Boarding, and EarlyBird® Check-In—each designed to elevate your boarding position and overall travel experience. This comprehensive 2025 guide explains upgrade fees on Southwest Airlines, how they work, the latest pricing, refund rules, and smart ways to save money on Southwest Airlines upgrade costs. For booking help or upgrade assistance, you may always call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Quick Overview: Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee

Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee options provide travelers with earlier boarding, better seat choices, and added perks across Business Select, Upgraded Boarding, and EarlyBird® Check-In. Learn upgrade types, costs, policies, and key rules for a smoother trip.

Southwest offers three main upgrade options: Business Select, Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15), and EarlyBird® Check-In.
Business Select: Provides guaranteed A1–A15 boarding, Fly By® priority lanes, refundable fares, 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar, and a free premium drink.
Upgraded Boarding: Moves travelers into A1–A15 boarding at check-in or gate; offers early access to seats but no extra perks or refunds.
EarlyBird® Check-In: Automatically assigns an early boarding position 36 hours before departure; non-refundable and ideal for low-cost seat priority.
Credit Card Perks: Select Southwest credit cards include 2–4 free Upgraded Boarding credits per year, reducing upgrade expenses.
Upgrade Fee Ranges: Business Select upgrades typically cost $50–$250+ per segment; Upgraded Boarding costs $30–$80 per segment; EarlyBird® Check-In ranges $15–$99 per direction.
Refund Rules: Business Select upgrades are fully refundable. Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird® fees are non-refundable unless Southwest cancels or significantly changes your flight.
Eligibility: All passengers can purchase upgrades, including Companion Pass holders, depending on A1–A15 availability.
Restrictions: No first-class seats; limited upgrade availability; open-seating system based solely on boarding position.
Required Steps: Upgrades must be purchased during booking, through “Manage Booking,” at online check-in, airport kiosks, or the gate.
Route Notes: Upgrade options and fees apply on all domestic and international Southwest routes.
Ideal For: Travelers wanting better seat selection, time savings during boarding, and added flexibility.
Booking Help: For upgrade assistance or fare questions, call Southwest support at +1 (866) 558-3017.

What Is a Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee?

A Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee is the amount you pay to elevate your boarding position or upgrade to Business Select for added perks such as priority boarding, premium drink vouchers, and higher Rapid Rewards earning rates. Unlike other carriers, there is no Southwest Airlines First Class Upgrade Fee since the airline does not offer first-class cabins.

Upgrades are optional, flexible, and available at multiple stages: during booking, after booking, at check-in, and at the departure gate. These Southwest Airlines upgrade fees vary based on route, demand, and availability.

Types of Southwest Airlines Upgrades

Southwest Airlines offers three main upgrade options designed to improve your boarding position and travel experience. Business Select is the top-tier upgrade that provides A1–A15 priority boarding, refundable fares, Fly By® priority lanes, and a complimentary premium drink. Upgraded Boarding lets you purchase an A1–A15 spot at check-in or the gate without the extra perks of Business Select. EarlyBird® Check-In automatically assigns an earlier boarding position 36 hours before departure, giving you better seat choices than standard check-in. Travelers with select Southwest credit cards also receive free Upgraded Boarding credits, offering extra savings on priority access.

Business Select Upgrade

The highest upgrade tier available on Southwest. Includes:

Priority A1–A15 boarding
Fly By® security line access
Complimentary premium drink
Highest Rapid Rewards earning rate (12 points per $1)
Fully refundable fares

Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15) / EarlyBird® Check-In

This is the most popular upgrade option.

Moves you into the A1–A15 boarding group
Available at check-in or the gate
Costs less than Business Select
Does not include drink perks or fare flexibility

Free Upgraded Boarding With Southwest Credit Cards

Southwest’s co-branded credit cards include 2–4 free Upgraded Boarding credits per year, depending on card type. These can be applied during check-in when A1–A15 positions are available.

Companion Upgrades (if available)

While Southwest does not formally offer companion upgrades, Rapid Rewards Companion Pass holders may purchase upgrades for both passengers if boarding spots are available.

How Much Is a Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee?

Southwest Airlines upgrade fees vary by route, demand, and upgrade type. Business Select upgrades typically range from $50 to $250+ per one-way segment, offering priority boarding (A1–A15) and added perks. Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15) costs $30 to $80 per segment, depending on the flight. EarlyBird® Check-In, which assigns an earlier boarding position 36 hours before departure, costs $15 to $99 each way. Travelers with eligible Southwest credit cards can offset costs using 2–4 free Upgraded Boarding credits annually.

Upgrade Fees on Southwest Airlines depend on the upgrade type and flight distance.

Business Select Costs

Upgrading to Business Select can cost:

$50–$250+ per segment
Pricing varies by route length, fare class, and availability

Upgraded Boarding / EarlyBird® Check-In Costs

Upgraded Boarding Fee: $30–$80 per segment
EarlyBird® Check-In Fee: $15–$99 per passenger per direction

Free Upgraded Boarding Credit Costs

Using Southwest credit card benefits reduces your Southwest seat upgrade costs significantly.

2–4 credits per year
Value of $30–$80 each

These credits help offset Southwest Airlines upgraded boarding fees when used strategically.

How to Upgrade on Southwest Airlines?

Upgrading on Southwest Airlines is simple and can be done at multiple stages. During booking, you can select a Business Select fare or add EarlyBird® Check-In for automatic early boarding. After purchasing your ticket, use the “Manage Booking” section on the Southwest website or app to buy Upgraded Boarding, EarlyBird®, or upgrade your fare. At the airport, you can upgrade during check-in, at self-service kiosks, or at the departure gate, where A1–A15 Upgraded Boarding spots are sold when available. You can also upgrade using Rapid Rewards points by paying the fare difference for higher-tier fares like Anytime or Business Select.

During Booking

On the Southwest website or app, you can:

Upgrade to Business Select (if available)
Add EarlyBird® Check-In to secure a better boarding position
If unsure, call +1 (866) 558-3017 for booking support.

After Booking via “Manage Booking”

Visit the Manage Booking page to:

Upgrade to Business Select
Add or adjust EarlyBird® Check-In
Purchase Upgraded Boarding closer to departure

At the Airport

You can upgrade:

During check-in
At self-service kiosks
At the gate desk

This is ideal for last-minute availability and discounted Southwest Airlines upgrade costs.

Using Rapid Rewards Points

Some upgrades can be purchased using points:

Business Select upgrades
Fare differences for Anytime fares
EarlyBird® Check-In (only when purchased with an eligible fare)

Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee Refund Policy

Southwest’s refund policy depends on the type of upgrade purchased. Business Select upgrades are fully refundable, and the fare difference is returned if you cancel your trip. Upgraded Boarding fees are generally non-refundable, except when Southwest cancels or significantly changes your flight. EarlyBird® Check-In fees are always non-refundable, even if you cancel or change your reservation. Credit card Upgraded Boarding credits, when used, are not refunded but reset annually.

Southwest Airlines upgrade fee refund rules depend on the type of upgrade:

Business Select is fully refundable if canceled.
Upgraded Boarding fees are non-refundable unless Southwest cancels your flight.
EarlyBird® Check-In is non-refundable under all circumstances.
Credit card Upgraded Boarding credits renew annually and cannot be refunded for cash.

For refund issues or support, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Southwest Upgraded Boarding vs Business Select

Upgraded Boarding and Business Select both improve your boarding position, but they differ significantly in benefits and value. Upgraded Boarding simply moves you into the A1–A15 group when available, giving you early access to open seating, but it doesn’t include fare flexibility or onboard perks. Business Select, on the other hand, offers a complete premium experience with guaranteed A1–A15 boarding, Fly By® priority security lanes, a complimentary premium drink, and maximum Rapid Rewards points (12 points per dollar). While Upgraded Boarding is cheaper and ideal for quick priority boarding, Business Select provides a fuller upgrade package designed for frequent flyers and business travelers.

Boarding Position Comparison

Business Select: Always A1–A15
Upgraded Boarding: A1–A15 only if available

Rapid Rewards Points Comparison

Business Select: 12 points per dollar
Upgraded Boarding: Does not change earning rate

Additional Benefits Comparison

Feature	Business Select	Upgraded Boarding
A1–A15 Boarding	Guaranteed	Subject to availability
Refundable Fare	Yes	No
Premium Drink Voucher	1 drink	No
Fly By® Security	Yes	No

Business Select offers more value, while Upgraded Boarding is a cheaper way to get priority boarding.

Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Costs

Southwest Airlines seat upgrade costs vary depending on the type of upgrade and route length. Business Select upgrades typically range from $50 to $250+ per segment, offering premium boarding and added perks. Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15) costs $30 to $80 per flight, depending on demand and availability at check-in or the gate. EarlyBird® Check-In, which assigns an earlier boarding position automatically, ranges from $15 to $99 each way. Travelers using eligible Southwest credit cards can significantly reduce these costs through 2–4 complimentary Upgraded Boarding credits each year.

Here are the typical Southwest Airlines seat upgrade costs in 2025-26:

Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Fee (Business Select): $50–$250+
Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding Fee: $30–$80
EarlyBird® Check-In Fee: $15–$99
Upgrade Fee on Southwest Airlines (averaged): $30–$250

Prices fluctuate based on market demand and flight length.

Southwest Airlines Upgrade Policies

Southwest allows all passengers to buy upgrades, but availability depends on open A1–A15 spots. Business Select is fully refundable, while Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird® are non-refundable. Points can upgrade fares but not buy boarding upgrades. Policies are the same on all domestic and international routes.

Eligibility for Upgrades

All passengers can purchase upgrades
Companion Pass travelers can upgrade if space allows
Rapid Rewards points can be used for select upgrades

Restrictions and Limitations

No true first-class product (hence no Southwest Airlines First Class Upgrade Fee)
EarlyBird® is non-refundable
Upgrades depend heavily on A1–A15 availability
Not available on every flight

How Upgrades Work on Domestic vs International Flights?

On Southwest, upgrades work the same for domestic and international flights. Passengers who buy Business Select fares get guaranteed early boarding (A1–A15), while others can pay for Upgraded Boarding at check-in if available. There’s no separate premium cabin, so upgrades mainly mean priority boarding rather than a seat class change.

Domestic Flights

Southwest mainly operates within the U.S., and its upgrade options are limited compared to traditional carriers because Southwest doesn’t have a traditional first-class cabin for most flights. Instead, the airline uses “Business Select” fares for passengers who want priority boarding and extra perks. Here’s how upgrades and priority work on domestic routes:

Fare-Based Priority:

Southwest does not have traditional paid seat upgrades mid-flight.
Passengers who purchase Business Select fares automatically get A1–A15 boarding positions, which guarantees early boarding and access to open seats.
Passengers with Wanna Get Away or Anytime fares can sometimes improve their boarding position through Upgraded Boarding, available for a fee at check-in if seats remain.

Check-In Timing:

Boarding position and any upgrade options are determined by check-in time.
Upgraded Boarding typically opens 24 hours before departure.

Availability:

Domestic upgrade availability depends on seat inventory and flight popularity.
High-demand flights may sell out of premium boarding positions quickly.

International Flights

Southwest also serves a handful of international destinations (Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America). The upgrade process here is similar to domestic flights, with a few differences:

Fare-Based Access:

Business Select fares continue to offer priority boarding (A1–A15), just like domestic routes.
Standard fares can pay for upgraded boarding at check-in if space allows.

Check-In Timing:

For international flights, Southwest still opens Upgraded Boarding options 24 hours before departure, giving travelers a chance to secure early boarding positions.

Seat and Class Structure:

Southwest does not operate a separate premium cabin internationally, so the “upgrade” is essentially priority boarding, not a seat class upgrade.
Passengers can choose seats based on availability once they board.

Availability and Popularity:

International flights may have slightly stricter boarding or documentation rules, but the principle of fare class + availability remains the same.

Tips to Save on Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fees

You can lower Southwest upgrade costs by using credit cards that offer free Upgraded Boarding credits, booking early to secure cheaper upgrade pricing, and watching for promotional discounts. Purchasing EarlyBird® during sales and checking for last-minute A1–A15 availability at the gate can also help you save.

Use Credit Card Benefits

Get 2–4 free Upgraded Boarding credits annually
Saves $60–$320 per year

Book Early for Best Upgrade Options

Business Select and EarlyBird® Check-In pricing increases as boarding groups fill up.

Look for Promotions & Deals

Southwest often sends:

Flash sales
Promo codes
Reduced upgrade offers

For help securing cheaper upgrades, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Conclusion

The Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee system is one of the simplest and most flexible among U.S. carriers. Instead of traditional first-class seats, Southwest focuses on improved boarding positions, refundable fares, and travel perks through Business Select, Upgraded Boarding, and EarlyBird® Check-In. Whether you want to be among the first on the plane or boost your Rapid Rewards points, there’s an upgrade option for every budget. If you need help booking flights, applying upgrade credits, or understanding Southwest Airlines upgrade costs, customer service experts are available 24/7 at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Frequently Asked Questions — Southwest Airlines Upgrades & Policies

How much does it cost to upgrade on Southwest?

Southwest Airlines upgrade costs vary by route, demand, and boarding availability. Upgraded Boarding typically ranges from $30 to $149 per passenger, per segment, allowing you to move into the A1–A15 priority boarding group. This upgrade can be purchased within 24 hours of departure through the Southwest app, website, airport kiosk, or ticket counter.

What is the 10-minute rule for Southwest?

The Southwest “10-minute rule” requires passengers to cancel or modify their booking at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure to avoid being marked as a no-show. Failing to do so may result in forfeiting the fare value on certain ticket types. This rule applies to all changes or cancellations made online, through the app, or via phone support.

Can I upgrade my Southwest flight after booking?

Yes, Southwest allows upgrades after purchase. You can buy Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15) starting 24 hours before departure, subject to availability. You may also upgrade your fare type—such as moving to a Business Select or Anytime fare—using the “Manage Reservations” section online, through the mobile app, or by contacting customer service.

How do I use WOW50 on Southwest?

To apply the Southwest promo code WOW50, enter it in the Promo Code field on Southwest.com or the mobile app while booking. Select eligible flights, ensure your travel dates fall within the promotional window, and confirm the discount is applied to the base fare before completing checkout.

How much should I pay to upgrade to first class?

Although Southwest does not offer first-class cabins, a general guideline for other airlines is to consider a first-class upgrade worthwhile at about $50 per flight hour domestically and $100 per hour on international routes, depending on value and included amenities.