Southwest Airlines is among the major airlines in the United States and is also renowned as the world’s largest budget carrier. SWA has its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and operates flights to various destinations across the globe from 11 different bases.
Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Denver, Houston–Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando, and Phoenix–Sky Harbor are the major operating bases for Southwest Airlines.
Talking about the fleet details, Southwest is the world’s largest Boeing 737 operator as the carrier owns more than 735 B737 jets. Besides, the airline is also preparing to operate with over 100 B737 MAX jets.
At Southwest, passengers can choose among Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus and Wanna Get Away fares.
Today, we will explore ‘What is Business Select on Southwest Airlines?’ with benefits, seatings, baggage allowance, check-in facilities, food, and much more.
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What does Southwest Business Select mean?
Southwest Airlines Business Select is the top-level fare class and offers various amenities. As a Business Select customer, you will receive priority boarding, a complimentary premium drink, Earlybird check-in, and much more.
Let’s explore all the details on Business Select below.
Southwest Airlines Business Select Seats
All the seats onboard the Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737 are the same size. With Business Select, you can expect some extra legroom.
Southwest Airlines Business Select Seating Chart
Every seat on the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 are the same. The SWA B737-700 features 143 standard economy seats with a pitch of 31 inches and a seat width of 17 inches. Likewise, B737-800 accommodates 175 standard economy seats with a pitch of 32-33 inches and a seat width of 17 inches.
On the other hand, the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets feature 175 standard economy seats with a pitch of 32-33 inches and a seat width of 17.8 inches.
| AIRCRAFT TYPE | NUMBER OF SEATS | PITCH | WIDTH |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 175 standard economy seats | 32-33 inches | 17.8 inches |
| Boeing 737-800 | 175 standard economy seats | 32-33 inches | 17 inches |
| Boeing 737-700 | 143 standard economy seats | 31 inches | 17 inches |
As you observe the Southwest Airlines seating chart, you only see the economy configurations. That’s why Business Select and other fare classes have the same seat size and the only difference is benefits and perks.
Southwest Airlines Business Select Benefits
As a Southwest Airlines Business Select passenger, you will get various benefits and perks. Some attractive amenities are discussed below.
- You will receive priority boarding with SWA Business Select and become one of the first to board with A1-A15 boarding. You can also become the first one to select your seat and find space for your carry-on bags.
- Automatic Check-in is provided to Business Select Passengers.
- Southwest Business Class Fares are refundable and you can get your money back if your plans change however, there are some conditions for refund which we will discuss below.
- Business Class customers can earn 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar per qualifying flight and use the points to book future travel.
- You can avoid check-in and security lines with priority boarding, dedicated check-in, and express lanes.
- You will receive a complimentary premium drink onboard with a coupon valid for use on your day of travel.
- You can enjoy free in-flight entertainment with free movies, inflight messaging, and live TV.
- You can change your flight at the last minute without additional charges.
- With Business Select, you can receive flight credits even if you have to cancel. You can use flight credits on future travel for up to 12 months from the initial booking date.
- Another cool benefit offered by the SWA is the transfer of flight credits to friends, co-workers, relatives, or someone else.
Southwest Airlines Business Select Baggage Allowance
With all fare classes, Southwest Airlines passengers can carry two checked bags for free along with carry-on bags including one bag and one small personal item. There are certain weight and dimension limitations that passengers have to fulfill.
As a Business Select passenger, you can carry the first two checked bags for free. Sometimes, carrying skis and golf bags may also be free while surfboards fly free in Hawaii. Talking about the weight limitations, each checked bag mustn’t weigh more than 50 pounds, and the dimension, not be more than 62 inches (length + width + height).
If you are carrying more than two checked bags, each additional bag will cost US$75 if the weight is not more than 50 pounds and the dimensions no bigger than 62 inches (length + width + height). In case the bags exceed these weight and size limitations, you will be charged excess baggage plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge.
Note: Baggage weighing more than 100 pounds and exceeding 80 inches in size are not allowed on passenger flights and must be shipped as Air Cargo.
Besides checked bags, you can bring carry-on bags and personal items on board Southwest Airlines flights. You can carry one small personal item and a carry-on bag with a size limitation of 24 inches by 16 inches by 10 inches (L x W x H) for carry-on and 16.25 inches by 13.5 inches by 8 inches (L x W x H) for personal items.
If you are wondering about the baggage policies, please refer to this Southwest Airlines official help center.
Southwest Airlines Business Select Check-in
As a Southwest Business Select passenger, you will enjoy priority boarding, dedicated check-in and express security lanes. With that, you will avoid hectic check-in and security lines. You can find priority lanes, express lanes, and self-tagging facilities during check-in at various airports across the United States.
You can also become one of the first passengers to select seats and find space for your carry-on bags. Besides, you are guaranteed a boarding position with A1-A15 boarding along with an automatic check-in feature.
You can find the check-in facilities available at different airports here.
Southwest Airlines Business Select Drink Coupon
Southwest Airlines offers complimentary premium drinks onboard for which you will receive drink coupons. The complimentary drinks include soft drinks, hot chocolate and coffee. Other drinks including beer, wine, and spirits are subject to applicable charges (somewhere between $6 and $7 per drink).
Southwest Airlines Business Select Fare
Southwest Airlines Business Select price starts at US$194 with which you can earn 2,005 rapid rewards points. These reward points are equivalent to almost US$28.
Reviews of Southwest Airlines Business Select
Customer reviews of Southwest Airlines Business Select are generally positive. Many people appreciate the convenience and flexibility of the fare class, as well as the extra benefits that come with it. However, there are negative reviews based on customer’s personal experience.
One reviewer said, “I recently flew Southwest Airlines Business Select for the first time and I was very impressed. The boarding position was great, I didn’t have to wait in line for anything, and I even got a free drink. I would definitely recommend Business Select to anyone who wants a more premium experience when flying Southwest.”
Another reviewer said, “I’m a Southwest Airlines frequent flyer and I always book Business Select when I can. It’s worth the extra money for the convenience and extra benefits. I always get a seat with plenty of legroom and I never have to worry about overhead bin space. Plus, I earn more Rapid Rewards points, which I can use for future travel.”
The next reviewer on TripAdvisor said, “First the good points, check-in Indianapolis was quick and easy, but perhaps that’s because I arrived at the airport 2 hours early. The other positive was how quickly the bags appeared on the carousel at my destination–usually the wait at Bradley is LONG. Business Select was expensive and while I was at the head of the A Boarding Groups, so many people were allowed to pre-board, that I might as well have saved my money.”
Southwest Airlines Business Select Refund Policy
All Southwest Airlines Business Select fares are refundable if passengers cancel their reservation at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. With that, they receive a 100 percent refund of their ticket value as a refund to their original form of payment.
On the other hand, a Southwest flight credit from a previous reservation that is applied toward a Business Select or Anytime fare will be refunded as a flight credit. Likewise, flights booked with Rapid Reward Points will be returned to the Rapid Reward account holder if canceled.
Conclusion on ‘What is business select on Southwest Airlines?’
As we come to the end section of the article on ‘What is Business Select on Southwest Airlines?’, we discovered Business Select seatings, Benefits, Baggage Allowance, Ticket Prices, refund policy, and much more.
In a nutshell, Southwest Business Select is not that premium service as the airline itself is a low-cost carrier. All the seats are categorized as an economy class of the same size. The only difference between the various fare classes is the perks and benefits.
Let’s end our discussion with the key points listed below.
- One of the standout benefits of opting for Southwest Airlines Business Select is the guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. This exclusive privilege ensures that you’ll be among the first passengers to board the aircraft, increasing your chances of securing ample overhead storage space and a seat with your preferred legroom.
- Additionally, Business Select offers the convenience of priority check-in and security. This time-saving feature proves particularly advantageous when traveling during peak periods.
- Another notable perk is the complimentary premium beverage, a thoughtful inclusion for those who appreciate quality drinks. Furthermore, the accrual of 12 Rapid Rewards® points per dollar for each qualifying flight presents an excellent opportunity to accumulate rewards for your future travel ventures.
FAQs on Southwest Airlines Business Select
What is Southwest Business Select mean?
Southwest Business Select is the top-level fare class that offers various perks and benefits.
Does Business Select automatically check you in?
Southwest Airlines Business Select provides automatic check-in along with a guaranteed boarding position.
Can you pick your seats on Southwest Business Select?
You can become the first one to select your seat and find space for your carry-on bags with the Southwest Business Select ticket.
What is the advantage of Southwest Business Select?
Priority Boarding, Dedicated Check-in, Express Lanes, complimentary premium drinks, Rapid Rewards Points and flight credit transfers are some of the major advantages of Southwest Business Select.
