Southwest’s Business Select fare tier offers premium benefits without a separate cabin. Understanding what you get helps determine whether the upcharge makes sense.
Priority Boarding
Business Select passengers board in the A1-15 group. This guarantees aisle or window seats and access to overhead bins. On Southwest’s open seating system, early boarding is the primary differentiator.
Bonus Points
The fare earns more Rapid Rewards points than Wanna Get Away. For frequent travelers building toward status or companion pass, the point multiplier adds value beyond the single trip.
Same-Day Changes
Business Select includes flexibility to change flights same-day without fees. The value depends on your schedule variability. Road warriors with fluid schedules benefit more than leisure travelers.
Premium Drink
A free alcoholic beverage comes with Business Select. It’s a small perk but appreciated on longer flights. If you’d buy drinks anyway, factor that into the value calculation.
Dedicated Security
Some airports offer expedited security lines for Business Select passengers. Availability varies by location. Where available, this saves meaningful time during peak hours.
Price Comparison
Business Select typically costs $30-100 more than Anytime fares and significantly more than Wanna Get Away. Run the math on your specific trip. The value proposition changes based on base fare levels.
When It’s Worth It
Travelers who value guaranteed good seats, earn significant Rapid Rewards activity, and need schedule flexibility get the most value. Occasional travelers may find cheaper fares plus EarlyBird sufficient.
