Getlowfare Blog

How To Upgrade Your Southwest Flight? 

Upgrade your booking to business class to enjoy premium amenities and services. To upgrade your flight ticket, visit the airline's official website, select your booked ticket, and request the seat upgrade. Alternatively, you can call the airline 1 (800) 435-9792 and connect with an agent to upgrade your seat directly. If you need to make a last-minute flight change, you can also visit the airport counter just before departure.

Ways To Upgrade Southwest Flight:

Southwest Airlines' best services and amenities are offered in the business class. There are various methods through which one can apply for a seat upgrade. 

Upgrade via the official website:

To upgrade your seat through their official page, follow the steps below: 

  • Go to the official website of Southwest Airlines or dial 1 (800) 435-9792
  • Navigate the ‘Manage My Booking’ tab. 
  • Enter the last name along with the booking reference code and tap on continue to login. 
  • After this, find your booking and select the flight ticket. 
  • Open the menu and choose the ‘Seat Upgrade’ option. 
  • A seat map will appear on the screen. 
  • Move to the business class cabin and choose a preferred seat. 
  • Apply the change and review the prices and policies. 
  • Choose the mode of transaction and enter the card details to complete the purchase. 

Southwest Airlines Upgrade via Rapid Reward Points: 

To request a Southwest Flight Upgrade, follow the steps below: 

  • Visit the official website of Southwest Airlines. 
  • Locate the “Rapid Rewards” tab and choose the Redeem points to upgrade. 
  • Enter the booking details to find your booked flight. 
  • If the upgrade is possible, you will see a related option. 
  • Tap on it and move to the seat map. 
  • Choose a preferred seat in the business class. 
  • Select the reward points to pay. 
  • Pay the remaining amount in cash if you do not have enough points.

Southwest Upgrade At the Airport Counter: 

Just go to the customer service desk or check-in counter at the airport to upgrade your seat with Southwest Airways. Ask if there are any upgrades available, and be ready to pay the upgrade fee, which can change based on the flight's occupancy and the class you want to switch to. Ask if you can use your Southwest Guest Miles toward an upgrade if you have any. It's best to arrive early because availability is dependent on capacity.  

Is a Southwest Airlines upgrade worth it?

Yes, by upgrading your seat to business class, you can enjoy more space for your leg and a comfy leather seat that lies down to 180 degrees to enhance your comfort. This makes your travel easy and smooth, and you can travel long distances, avoiding jetlag. Here are more benefits listed below: 

  • Passengers with a business-class flight ticket will enjoy the priority in boarding and deboarding from the flight. 
  • Expedite security check with southwest seat upgrade. 
  • Passengers can enjoy free internet from the airline during their travel. 
  • If you want to change your standby ticket on the day of departure, you will not be charged any fee.

How much does a Southwest flight upgrade cost?

The cost of a Southwest flight upgrade typically ranges between $30 and $149, depending on various factors such as the route, demand, and the specific type of upgrade you are seeking. Upgrades may include moving to Business Select or Anytime fares, which offer additional perks like priority boarding and extra Rapid Rewards points. It's important to check the specific flight's upgrade options and Southwest Flight Upgrade Cost during the booking process, as these costs can fluctuate. Additionally, Southwest’s unique boarding procedure means that even without an upgrade, there are still options for a comfortable journey.

What is the Southwest Airlines upgrade policy? 

The only option available to passengers is to upgrade to a higher class. It implies that a traveler's ticket can be upgraded from economy to business class. Likewise, a business class ticket holder's seat can only be moved to first class. A first-class traveler, however, is not eligible to request a seat upgrade. Before submitting an application, familiarize yourself with the Southwest Flight Upgrade Policy. To learn more, continue reading: 

  • Southwest Airlines does not guarantee seat upgrades for any passenger as it heavily depends on the availability of the seat on the given day. 
  • The passengers will have to pay the difference in the fare between the two cabin classes. 
  • The passengers who have booked their flight tickets through a travel booking website must communicate with their travel agent to apply for the seat upgrade. 
  • No passenger will be eligible to request an upgrade after completing the check-in. The airline does not accept the upgrade request after the check-in period. 
  • Upgrade is possible only to the higher class. Degradation of the flight ticket is not possible. 
  • The passengers can apply for seat upgrades through the official website or by connecting with a person from the airline. 

How do I upgrade during check-in with Southwest Airlines? 

To upgrade after check-in with Southwest Airlines, you can utilize the upgrade option called "EarlyBird Check-In." If you haven't purchased this service before, you can still check availability for upgrades on the Southwest app or website. Once checked in, look for any available seat upgrades that might be offered for your flight. Upgrades can typically be purchased at the airport on the day of travel, depending on seat availability. You can also inquire at the ticket counter or gate if there are any upgrade opportunities before boarding. Stay flexible, as availability may vary.

Can I upgrade my seat after check-in? 

No, Once a passenger has completed check-in, the airline does not accept upgrade requests. If you have already checked in and wish to upgrade your seat, you must first have your ticket unchecked. After this, you will be eligible to make changes to your ticket and request an upgrade with Southwest Airlines.

Conclusion:

Upgrade to a better seat on Southwest Airlines to enjoy first-rate amenities and services during your flight. Upgrades to seats are dependent upon availability. By calling, visiting the official website, or later at the airport, you can upgrade your seat. Before asking for an upgrade, it's best to check the Southwest website or contact customer service for specific pricing information associated with your reservation.