Understanding the Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee is one of the best ways to elevate your travel experience while keeping costs predictable. Unlike many major carriers, Southwest does not offer traditional first-class seating, but it does provide several valuable upgrade options such as Upgraded Boarding, Business Select, and EarlyBird Check-In. Each option comes with its own rules, pricing structures, and benefits.

Travelers often contact specialists at Flightshelpcenter at 1 (866) 558-3017 for help navigating these upgrade choices, comparing costs, and securing the most affordable options. For 2025, Southwest continues to refine its boarding upgrade program to provide more flexibility, transparency, and better value for frequent flyers.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee?

The Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee covers the cost of improving your boarding position or upgrading your fare class to Business Select. While the airline doesn’t provide traditional premium cabin seating, the enhanced boarding position gives you first access to open seats—meaning more legroom choices, front-row seating, and overhead bin priority.

Travelers often check upgrade availability at the airport or contact Flightshelpcenter at 1 (866) 558-3017 if they want professional assistance comparing pricing or finding the cheapest upgrade windows.

Types of Seat Upgrade Fees on Southwest

1. Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15)

The Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding Fee is the most popular and widely used upgrade option. It places you in boarding positions A1–A15, ensuring priority access to the aircraft.

Typical costs range from $30 to $80 per segment, and vary depending on route demand.
Many travelers call 1 (866) 558-3017 through Flightshelpcenter to see which flight legs offer the best prices for upgraded boarding before making a purchase.

2. Business Select Upgrade

The Southwest Airlines First Class Upgrade Fee doesn’t technically exist because the airline has no first-class cabin. Instead, upgrading to Business Select is the closest experience, offering guaranteed priority boarding (A1–A15), premium drink vouchers, and maximum earning rates for Rapid Rewards points.

The Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Fee for Business Select can vary widely, depending on fare class and route, but typically costs between $70 and $200 on top of your standard fare.

Travelers who want help comparing Business Select upgrade costs often call 1 (866) 558-3017, where Flightshelpcenter travel experts provide personalized upgrade recommendations.

3. EarlyBird Check-In

Though not technically an upgrade, this add-on improves your boarding position for a smaller cost. It does not guarantee A-group boarding, and pricing usually ranges from $15–$25 per flight.

How Much Are Southwest Seat Upgrade Costs?

The Southwest seat upgrade costs change based on how full the flight is, the departure time, the route, and the fare class originally purchased. The Southwest Airlines upgrade costs are updated in real time at the airport and online. For passengers who prefer help monitoring price fluctuations or securing last-minute upgrades, the experts at Flightshelpcenter—available at 1 (866) 558-3017—can walk you through the most economical choices.

Refund Rules for Southwest Upgrades

The Southwest airlines upgrade fee refund is limited. Most upgrades—including Upgraded Boarding—are non-refundable, except in cases where the airline fails to provide the upgraded boarding position due to operational issues. If you are unsure about refund eligibility, calling 1 (866) 558-3017 to speak with a Flightshelpcenter specialist is often the fastest way to clarify your options.

Upgraded Boarding vs Business Select

A common question travelers ask is the difference between Southwest Upgraded Boarding vs Business Select.

Here’s a quick comparison:

If you're unsure which offers better value based on your travel needs, experts at Flightshelpcenter are available at 1 (866) 558-3017 to provide helpful recommendations.

Free Upgrade Options Using Credit Cards

Many travelers enjoy the Southwest free Upgraded Boarding credit card benefit from specific Southwest credit card programs. Some premium cards offer up to four free Upgraded Boarding credits per year, which is a great way to save money on frequent flights.

To learn which credit card perks apply to your route or travel profile, call 1 (866) 558-3017 where Flightshelpcenter advisors offer complimentary guidance.

Secondary Upgrade Keywords Incorporated

Two additional phrases used include:

• Upgrade Fees on Southwest Airlines

• Upgrade Fee On Southwest Airlines

Both describe the same structure of variable upgrade costs Southwest uses across routes. Travelers confused about how these fees vary can always reach out to Flightshelpcenter at 1 (866) 558-3017 for quick, professional support.

FAQs: 

1. When can I purchase an upgrade?

You can buy Upgraded Boarding during online check-in, at the airport kiosk, or at the gate.

2. Is Business Select worth it?

It depends on your budget. If guaranteed priority boarding and added perks matter to you, it can be a strong value.

3. Can I get an upgrade for free?

Yes—select credit cards offer free upgraded boarding credits.

4. Does Southwest have first class?

No, but Business Select offers a premium boarding experience.

5. Can I get help purchasing upgrades?

Yes. Many travelers call Flightshelpcenter at 1 (866) 558-3017 to compare upgrade pricing and availability.

Conclusion

The Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fee system is designed to give every traveler more flexibility and improved boarding advantages without paying excessive premium cabin prices. Whether you're interested in Upgraded Boarding, Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In, or simply want help finding the cheapest route to a better seat, expert guidance can make a big difference.

For assistance with comparing Southwest Airlines Upgrade Fees, securing upgrades, or understanding fare rules, you can rely on Flightshelpcenter at 1 (866) 558-3017, where specialists are available to support you throughout your travel planning journey.