When it comes to choosing a low-cost carrier, the majority of the passengers select Southwest Airlines without giving it a second thought. Since 1966, they have been serving across 121 destinations in the U.S. and 10 other renowned international countries. For those who didn’t know, Southwest works on an open seating policy where passengers don’t have the liberty to choose a seat at the time of booking a reservation. Instead, they can request a Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade to Business Class through the official website or with the help of an airline representative. Stay tuned to know about the relevant procedure and proceed accordingly in the future if ever you encounter this scenario.
Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy
Want an extra legroom on Southwest Airlines but not familiar with the basic policies? Well, we have come with the prominent policies which you must go through for better understanding and reference.
- It totally depends on Southwest Airlines whether you will get the seat selected by you or not.
- A traveler must pay for the fare difference if the cost of their new seat is more than the previous seat.
- You can avail this facility without paying any additional charges within 24 hours of the reservation.
- You must pay if you request a seat upgrade after 24 hours of purchasing a reservation with them.
- It’s compulsory to provide a valid email address to facilitate communication-related to a seat upgrade.
- You cannot request a Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade after you have completed web check-in.
- Those travelers who have purchased a confirmed reservation with Southwest Airlines can request an upgrade for free or by paying a certain fee.
Top Features Of Southwest Airlines Business Select
By upgrading to Business Select of Southwest Airlines, you will have access to versatile facilities that will elevate your entire journey. To learn more about the fundamental benefits, scroll through the pointers below.
- It’s a refundable ticket type, which means you can cancel your reservation for free until 10 minutes before the original departure.
- This fare class guarantees you a boarding between A1-A15.
- A flight attendant will serve you with a complimentary premium drink if you’re flying above 250 miles or more)
- You can take advantage of the free internet service to stay connected with your contacts through iMessage or WhatsApp.
- With the Business Select fare type, you have access to early bird check-in, priority boarding, and express lane.
- Southwest will reward you with 12X Rapid Rewards for every single dollar per qualifying flight.
- You can take two checked bags, a carry-on, and a personal item for free on your chosen flight.
- If you choose to change your flight itinerary, Southwest will not charge you any additional charges.
- If available, you can request the same-day change or same-day standby option online, mobile app, at the airport or via a phone call.
How Do I Request A Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade?
There are two possible methods through which passengers can request for a seat upgrade on Southwest Airlines. Initially, you can get it done through the online portal. If you face any difficulty while navigating through the website then you can reach out to an airline representative for assistance.
Official Website
- Firstly, you must open the official website using a web browser.
- Secondly, you have to log into your account.
- Third, click on the “Manage My Trips” option.
- Access your flight itinerary.
- Pick the flight for an upgrade.
- Kindly tap on the “Upgrade Seat” option.
- Once you have finalized your seat, proceed to pay for the upgrade.
- At the end, look for confirmation mail in your inbox.
Phone Call
- You need to dial at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) from your number.
- Enter the right IVR prompt to connect with an agent.
- Next, an agent will be assigned to address your query.
- Let them know that you want to upgrade your seat.
- They will ask for your basic travel information.
- Allow them to check for availability.
- Proceed to select a seat of your choice.
- Ask for the payment link and pay for the seat upgrade.
- A new e-ticket will be sent to your registered email address.
What Are Important Guidelines For Upgraded Boarding?
Now, this feature is slightly different from Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade and is suitable for passengers who wish to elevate their travel experience. To know more, carefully read the pointers mentioned below:
- You can request a refund for Upgraded Boarding if your scheduled flight is canceled by Southwest.
- Travelers can use their credit cards to pay for the upgraded boarding facility.
- If you cancel your flight, you will lose the entire amount you spent to purchase upgraded boarding.
- Depending on the availability, passengers can request upgraded boarding only when 24 hours are left for scheduled departure.
- You can board early to access the overhead bin space and pick your preferred seat with ease.
- Based on the availability, you can upgrade your boarding position between A1-A15 and board earlier than other passengers.
- Remember that this service is only available until 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.
- You will receive a complete refund if you wish to cancel your reservation due to a significant delay.
Does Southwest Charge Any Fee For Seat Upgrade?
Although Southwest is considered a cost-effective airline amongst all the international airlines, still, they do charge a fee for a seat upgrade. The approximate charges revolve around $30 per passenger. However, at times the fee also varies as per the season and the duration of the flight chosen by the passenger.
Who Can Request For A Seat Upgrade On Southwest Airlines?
No matter your fare type, you can ask for a seat upgrade from Southwest Airlines. The only condition is that you have to adhere to the given terms and conditions. Also, do note that Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus passengers can also request an upgraded boarding facility from the airlines. If you have purchased an Anytime ticket, then you will already have access to quick check-in and priority boarding. Henceforth, you need not to purchase the upgraded boarding service at an additional cost.
Does Southwest Refund The Upgraded Boarding Fees?
Yes, there are different conditions when passengers can claim for a refund. Here’s an enhanced overview for your reference.
- One can seek a complete refund when Southwest cancels their flight.
- Alternatively, you can ask for a refund if your domestic flight gets delayed for 3 hours or more and your international flight gets delayed for 6 hours or more.
How Can I Upgrade For Free On Southwest?
Want to request for an upgrade but wish to avoid extra charges? Well, we understand that after purchasing a reservation, you must be in no mood to pay for the seat upgrade. Under such scenarios, you must first check if Business Select seats are available or not and how much time is left for take off. If only 24 hours are left for departure then these seats are provided to passengers as a part upgraded boarding facility.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a Business Select fare type is definitely worth it if you’re traveling on long international flights. In today’s generation, passengers look for comfort, which is possible to enjoy only if they reserve a seat of their choice. Additionally, this fare type comes with additional perks that no one would like to miss. In case you wish to avail low-class tickets for Business Select, then purchase a reservation through the low-fare calendar Southwest.
See more post: How to Change your Southwest Airlines Flight Same Day?