Southwest’s Premium Option Explained
Southwest’s seating situation confuses first-timers because there are no assigned seats. You get a boarding position, you get on the plane, you pick your spot. Business Select is the premium way to ensure you’re picking first.
I’ve flown Business Select a handful of times when early meetings required guaranteed aisle seats. Here’s how it actually works.
What You’re Paying For
Business Select gives you boarding positions A1 through A15. That’s first on the plane, first choice of seats. The seats themselves are identical to regular economy—same legroom, same width. The difference is selection priority, not the seat itself.
You also get 12x Rapid Rewards points instead of the standard 6x, a premium drink coupon, and same-day standby privileges. Whether that justifies the price premium depends on your priorities.
The Southwest Seating Reality
Southwest flies Boeing 737-700s and 737-800s. Single-class cabin, 3-3 configuration. Rows vary by aircraft—the -700 has fewer rows, the -800 more. Every seat is theoretically equal except for location.
Practically speaking, exit rows offer extra legroom but require agreeing to help during emergencies. Bulkhead seats at the front have legroom but no under-seat storage. The back of the plane boards last on the return, which can matter for overhead bin access.
Picking Well With Early Boarding
If you’re in A1-A15, you’ll find empty rows everywhere. Aisle seats suit people who need restroom access or like stretching into the walkway. Window seats work for sleepers and view-seekers. Middle seats exist for traveling companions of window and aisle people.
I’m apparently one of those people who obsesses over exit row aisle seats on the left side. Something about being able to stand up without disturbing anyone. Business Select lets me secure that specific combination reliably.
When Business Select Makes Sense
Short notice bookings where Wanna Get Away fares are gone. Flights where you absolutely need specific seating. Situations where the extra Rapid Rewards points move you closer to a status level. Corporate travelers whose companies pay the difference without complaint.
For leisure travelers booking in advance who don’t mind middle-of-pack boarding positions, the premium probably isn’t worth it. Check in exactly 24 hours before departure and you’ll typically end up in the B group, which still offers decent selection.
Traveling With Others
Probably should mention—families with young children get priority boarding regardless of fare class. If you’re traveling with kids under 6, you board after the A group, before B. Business Select matters less in that scenario.
Groups trying to sit together benefit from early boarding, but only one person needs Business Select to save seats for companions who board later. Check Southwest’s policies on seat saving—they’ve gotten stricter about blocking whole rows.
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