Southwest Business Select is worth it for travelers who focus more on convenient extra amenities rather than experiencing premium services. However, the standard characteristics and ambience of business class cabins are not actually reflected on Southwest’s most expensive ticket. It’s the cheapest and most affordable compared to any other premium flight ticket on the market. You get benefits like fully refundable fares, priority boarding, ticket flexibility, and more. Such benefits are more than enough to ensure you have a safe and convenient ride to the desired destination.
However, if you are boarding the flight expecting lie-flat seats, premium TV screens, access to comforting lounges, and a first-class surrounding, you might start thinking: Is Business Select on Southwest worth it? It’s true you will lose out on spacious cabins, larger seats, and a true first-class experience. However, it still has several upsides that can enhance the flying experience, but for what type of traveler? Stay with us till the end to find out.
What is Business Select with Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines offers four types of fare options to its travelers for every destination it flies to. Among those, Business Select is the most expensive one. Simply put, just as Business Class and First Class are the most premium and high-end cabins on most US airlines, Business Select holds the same position in Southwest.
Regardless of what fare you choose, some benefits are always going to stay with you. For instance, you get easy flight changes and cancellations, two free checked bags, free same-day changes, and open seating.
By now, you must have started questioning whether purchasing this premium ticket is useless. The answer lies in your priorities and travel needs. To better understand if Southwest Business Select meets your requirements and expectations, go through its features and benefits listed below.
Be the first to embark on the plane: Get A1-A15 Boarding Pass
Southwest Airlines is largely famous for two things: affordable tickets and an open seating policy. The process is followed in a way that no passengers get to have a pre-assigned seat or group. It mainly focuses on a first-come, first-served basis for seat allotment. Fortunately, with Business Select tickets, an A1-A15 boarding pass is guaranteed!
Usually, with any other fare, you would have to check 24 hours earlier than the flight departure to get a preferred boarding group. Southwest Airlines Business Select Seating already includes priority boarding ( A1-A15), and your boarding position is guaranteed to be among the first to board, even when you purchase the ticket on the day of travel. The airline will automatically check you in and assign you a seat.
Make last-minute changes to stay in line with your travel plans
Every travel plan can take a U-turn anytime, even when there’s a slight change. Therefore, whether your ticket has premium benefits or not, it must have the flexibility to change according to your current travel needs. Business Select allows you to change to a different flight on the day of travel, either with a confirmed seat if available or by going on the standby list, without additional airline fees. However, taxes and fare differences may apply, and the change is refundable.
This simply means that if the new flight has a higher fare than your original flight, you may need to pay the difference, but any taxes or fees you paid for the original flight will be refunded. You can request these changes by contacting the Southwest representatives, visiting the official website, or using the mobile application.
Now get free in-flight internet for smooth connections
Not long ago, Southwest started providing satellite-delivered broadband Internet access on its aircraft. This made this airline the first in the US to offer an internet connection of such kind. And you know who can access it for free? You guessed it right! Southwest Business Select customers with Wi-Fi-enabled devices can connect to the internet service. With this high-speed connection, you can send emails, listen to music, shop online, watch movies, and access virtual private networks (VPN).
Say no to boring long-haul flights, connect to the SouthwestWiFi and stay in touch with your digital chores. While others have to pay an $8 fee for it, you will get it included in your Southwest business class seat ticket.
Enhance your cabin experience with free entertainment options
Despite being a low-cost airline, Southwest Airlines makes sure it provides excellent in-flight entertainment for its passengers. You can watch a wide range of movies, TV shows, and new releases that you can watch right from your browser without the need for downloads or sign-ups. You might have some instructions on international flights, but otherwise, the in-flight experience is quite good for the amount you’re paying.
Keep in mind that, unlike other premium cabins, Southwest business class seats do not come with seatback screens or entertainment devices. You will access movies and other connectivity options directly on your personal device. The good thing is that there is no requirement for an additional download, so it’s still convenient.
Cancelled tickets? Get easy refunds!
Travel plans can flip 180 without even a knock on the door. You have to stay prepared in advance, but purchasing a ticket with a flexible flight cancellation and changes policy can make all the difference. The airline allows Business Select passengers to cancel their flight up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure and receive a 100% refund on the original form of payment or a transferable travel credit.
Passengers have the opportunity to choose their preferred method of receiving a refund for their cancelled flights. They can receive the refund back in their account or hold the value of their ticket in the form of a transferable credit, which they can use for future flight bookings.
Share your travel credits with someone
If you are a Rapid Reward member and choose the option to receive a transferable flight credit, you can give it to your friend, co-worker, or loved one. This option is very useful if you don’t plan to use your credit points or fly in the coming months. SWABIZ® and SPS customers can use this option to transfer their flight credits to other customers within their company.
Having access to this option allows you to reuse the value of a canceled flight for another person’s booking, offering flexibility and potentially saving money on future travel. In addition to this, you can avoid the expiration dates by transferring the received credits so that they do not go to waste.
Say no to long check-in lines and lengthy security screenings
Southwest business class seats might not be spacious, you might not be getting the premium lounge access or other in-flight amenities, but the airline guarantees a breezy in-terminal experience. Your pre-flight journey at the airport is improved with dedicated check-in and security lanes that speed up the procedure and help you get to the gate faster without the frustration of standing in line.
However, keep in mind that this facility’s availability varies according to your departure airport. Now, you don’t have to hunt for the right answers; you can simply go through the Southwest website and check whether your airport has Priority and Express lanes.
Multiply your rapid reward earnings with Business Select
While Southwest Airlines offers similar benefits to all its fare classes, there is one thing that only Business Select can offer. The increased earning rate of Rapid Rewards. You will earn more points on your flight than Wanna Get Away fare holders, as you get 12x Rapid Rewards points on Business Select.
Basically, every time you fly with the airline, you will be awarded 14 points for every penny you spend on the fare. In short, it is more than the amount you earn on the second expensive ticket and double the least expensive ticket of the airline. You can use these points to purchase future flight tickets or to earn a higher status quickly.
Southwest Airlines Business Select vs Anytime
All these similarities between Southwest fares must have got you thinking: What is the difference between anytime and business select? For your better understanding, we have compared both of the fares according to airline offerings. Let’s check out which fares offer what and how it can be beneficial.
| Services | Business Select | Anytime |
| Ticket Refundability | Tickets are refundable if cancelled at least 10 minutes before the assigned departure time. | |
| Priority Boarding | Passengers get A1-A15 boarding included in their tickets. | Offer EarlyBird check-in, which automatically checks in passengers and reserves their boarding position 36 hours before the scheduled departure. |
| Rapid Reward Earnings | Get 14 points per dollar spent on purchasing the Southwest flight. | Earn 10 Rapid Reward points for every dollar spent on the |
| Priority and Exclusive Lanes | Both tickets offer priority lanes for quick flight check-in and exclusive lanes for speedy security screenings. | |
| Complimentary Drinks | The airline service offers complimentary premium drinks to passengers flying on flights over 250 miles. | There is no inclusion of free premium drinks. |
| In-flight Internet Facilities | Get a free in-flight wi-fi facility and stay connected throughout your journey. | All passengers can watch free movies, watch live TV, and use in-flight messaging, but the internet facility comes with a price tag! |
Best Time to Buy Southwest Airfare
By now, we have reviewed Business Select’s added benefits and how it differs from the Anytime fare. It’s time to discuss some of the other useful tips that will help you score the best Southwest deals and get the most out of your selected fare class.
The best time to buy Southwest airfare completely depends on how and when you book your flight tickets. Going through these points, you will uncover a guideline that will help you score a great deal with Southwest Airlines.
- Utilize Southwest low fare calendar to find some of the cheapest flight options available. Simply, input your travel date and route and check the ticket price variation throughout the month. But this is effective only when you are flexible with your travel dates.
- Stay ahead and book your ticket early and avoid waiting for your preferred flight to skyrocket in terms of price. Generally, it is better to purchase your ticket at least one to three months before the decided departure time. Whereas, three to five months in advance for the international trips.
- Flexibility is important here. Whether you are booking an international trip or domestic flights, leaving for a business meeting or family vacation, having flexibility with your travel dates can help you win great flight deals. You can schedule your departure in accordance to get the cheapest flight option availability.
- Using platforms that help in tracking flight prices can be helpful, as Southwest does not offer its own fare tracker tool. Such websites notify you about any price changes of the selected flight and alert you when the flight is most affordable to purchase.
- Sign up for the Southwest’s loyalty program and become a Rapid Reward member to enjoy the benefits of a frequent flyer. This way you will earn points according to your fare class on every flight you take with the airline. By using your accumulated points for purchasing a flight, you can help yourself get an outstanding deal.
- If you are traveling with children, especially under the age of 6 years, then you can easily get priority boarding and skip the fees of Early Bird Check-in. Southwest Airlines allows passengers with disabilities and families traveling with children to board the flight before anyone else.
- Take full advantage of the no-fee change and cancellation policy. Drop your ticket as soon as you find a cheaper alternative and save yourself some pennies. Southwest permits passengers to change or cancel the booked flight without any penalty charges. So, next time when you find a lower fare after confirming the reservation, simply change your flights and receive the difference in the form of travel credit.
Is Business Select Worth It On Southwest? Final Call!
It’s the final call to conclude whether purchasing or upgrading to the Southwest Business Select worth it. To be honest, it will be harsh to call it a complete ripoff. Sure, the Southwest business class seats are not broader or convertible into a bed, but you do get some useful benefits; the question is of your preference. Everything depends on your choice, travel needs, and the purpose of flying. These factors are highly influential when deciding to purchase Southwest’s premium ticket.
For instance, if you are looking to get more flexibility and more baggage, just go for any fare option, as Southwest offers these benefits to every customer regardless of the cabin you select. In case you want a free internet facility, complimentary premium drinks, priority boarding, exclusive check-in and security lanes, and more Rapid Reward points, the Business Select is the best option for your air journey.
However, if you gravitate more towards spacious cabins, wider seats, and luxurious in-flight amenities when thinking of premium cabins, then we’re afraid to break it to you: the business select is not worth your money.
Common Queries on Southwest’s Business Select:
Business Select is the most expensive ticket of Southwest Airlines, which offers some added benefits to the passengers.
No. On the Southwest Business Select, you get regular-sized seats, but you might get extra legroom if you pay an additional fee. These seats are located in the front or at the exit row.
Southwest offers various added benefits to Business Select members, such as priority boarding, complimentary drinks, free in-flight internet, and 12x the Rapid Rewards earning capability.
When you upgrade to Business Select from a lower cabin, you increase the Rapid Reward earning rate, get free onboard Wi-Fi, complimentary drinks, and A1-A15 boarding passes.
Just like any other Southwest traveler, you can check up to two bags for free with a Business Select ticket.
Southwest flights are often inexpensive and usually affordable. However, flights can appear expensive sometimes due to a high demand, limited seat availability, and seasonal factors.
Yes. If you cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, you will receive 100% of the ticket’s value. The amount will be transferred to the original source of payment.
Yes. Business ticket holders have access to dedicated security lanes that speed up the process of screening.
It is worth upgrading to Southwest Business Select seats when you want to board the flight on a priority basis, access the complimentary inflight internet, and get free premium drinks.
There are multiple ways to get A1-A15 boarding on Southwest. You can purchase “Upgraded Boarding” a day before departure, earn A-List status, or simply purchase a Business Select ticket.
Passengers who need assistance, A-List members, Early-bird buyers, families with young children, and those with business select tickets board early on Southwest.
No. Southwest Business Select is not comparable to first-class cabins. It is the most expensive ticket on the airline, but does not have premium in-flight services, seat, or amenities.
Anytime fare does not include added benefits that Business Select offers, such as A1-A15 boarding position, 12x Rapid Reward earnings, complimentary premium drinks, and free internet.
No. Southwest Airlines is not planning to include a first-class cabin in its aircraft. Its main motive is to provide more affordable seating options to passengers with useful amenities. Nothing fancy.
