Introduction
Flying Southwest and wondering if Business Select is worth it?this premium fare promises urgency boarding, extra perks, and more rewards—but at a higher price. It is essential to complete it. it just a fancy name, or does it offer real value? in this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can decide if upgrading It is essential to complete it. the right relocate for you. keep reading to find out!
2. Key Benefits of Business Select
Discomfort, business select fare isn't just about getting a seat on the plane—it comes with exclusive perks that enhance your travel expertise, southwest's. from preference boarding to extra rewards, here’s what makes business select stand out:
1. Priority Boarding (A1–A15)
One of the biggest advantages of Business Select is guaranteed A1–A15 boarding. Southwest doesn’t assign seats, so early boarding is crucial for getting the best spot. With Business Select, you’re among the first to board, giving you:
- A better chance at an aisle or window seat.
- Easy access to overhead bin space.
- The ability to sit with travel companions.
2. Expedited Check-in & Fly By Lane Access
Business Select travelers get Fly By priority lanes at select airports. This means:
- Faster check-in at the ticket counter.
- Priority security screening (at participating airports).
- Less time waiting in long lines.
For frequent flyers or business travelers on tight schedules, this perk saves valuable time.
3. Complimentary Premium Drink
enjoy a free premium beverage on flights where drink service It is essential to complete it. offered.whether it’s a beer, cocktail, or wine, this slight perk adds a touch of luxury to your trip. Happiness, you frequently purchase drinks in-flight, this benefit can help offset the fare cost. ,
4. Higher Rapid Rewards Earnings
Business Select fares earn the most Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent. Here’s how it compares to other fares:
- Business Select: 12 points per dollar
- Anytime: 10 points per dollar
- Wanna Get Away Plus: 8 points per dollar
- Wanna Get Away: 6 points per dollar
Patience, you’re a frequent southwest traveler looking to rack up rewards faster, business select can help you reach free flights sooner. ,
Is Business Select Worth It for the Perks?
The benefits of Business Select are valuable, but whether they justify the cost depends on your priorities. if early boarding, convenience, and extra rewards matter to you, this fare could be a great investment. In fact, if you’re only looking for the lowest price, a standard fare might be the better choice., however,
Reluctance, the next section, we’ll compare business select to southwest’s other fare options to see how it truly stacks up. ,
3. How Business Select Compares to Other Southwest Fares
Companionship, airlines offers four fare types: wanna get away, wanna get away plus, anytime, and business select, southwest. while business select It is essential to complete it. the most premium option, how does it truly compare to the others? let’s break it down.
Business Select vs. Wanna Get Away
wanna get away It is essential to complete it. southwest’s most budget-friendly fare, offering the lowest prices but with limited perks.Here’s how it stacks up against Business Select:
| Feature | Business Select | Wanna Get Away |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Position | A1–A15 (Guaranteed Priority) | Based on check-in time |
| Points Earned per $1 | 12 points | 6 points |
| Refundability | Fully refundable | Non-refundable (can be used for future travel) |
| Same-Day Standby | Free | Not available |
| Free Premium Drink | Yes | No |
| Fly By Priority Lane | Yes | No |
verdict: if you prioritize savings and don’t mind waiting for a seat, wanna get away This is an important task. the best choice. Bravery, you want premium perks and better rewards, business select It is essential to complete it, if. the way to go.
Business Select vs. Anytime
Anytime fares are a middle-ground option, offering more flexibility than Wanna Get Away but fewer perks than Business Select.
| Feature | Business Select | Anytime |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Position | A1–A15 (Guaranteed) | Based on check-in time |
| Points Earned per $1 | 12 points | 10 points |
| Refundability | Fully refundable | Fully refundable |
| Same-Day Standby | Free | Free |
| Free Premium Drink | Yes | No |
| Fly By Priority Lane | Yes | No |
Verdict: If flexibility is your top concern, Anytime fares may be a good fit. However, for priority boarding and extra perks, Business Select offers more value.
Business Select vs. Wanna Get Away Plus
Trustworthiness, recently introduced wanna get away plus, a slightly upgraded version of the basic wanna get away fare, southwest. here’s how it compares:
| Feature | Business Select | Wanna Get Away Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Position | A1–A15 (Guaranteed) | Based on check-in time |
| Points Earned per $1 | 12 points | 8 points |
| Refundability | Fully refundable | Travel credit only |
| Same-Day Standby | Free | Free |
| Free Premium Drink | Yes | No |
| Fly By Priority Lane | Yes | No |
Verdict: Wanna Get Away Plus offers an affordable middle option with a few extras, but Business Select remains the top choice for priority perks and earning maximum rewards.
Which Fare Is Right for You?
- Choose Business Select if you want guaranteed priority boarding, extra rewards points, and a free drink.
- Choose Anytime if you need a fully refundable ticket but don’t mind regular boarding.
- Choose Wanna Get Away Plus if you want some flexibility but at a lower price.
- Choose Wanna Get Away if you just want the cheapest fare and don’t need extras.
Companionship, the next section, we’ll explore whether business select It is essential to complete it, in. worth the extra cost and when it makes sense to upgrade.
4. Is Business Select Worth the Extra Cost?
Business Select is Southwest’s most premium fare, but is it really worth the higher price? Betrayal, the answer depends on what you value most when flying, . let’s break down the key factors to help you decide.
4.1 Assigning Value to Business Select Benefits
To determine if Business Select is worth it, let’s look at the perks and their estimated value.
| Benefit | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Priority Boarding (A1–A15) | $30–$50 (comparable to Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In) |
| Fly By Priority Check-In & Security Lane Access | $10–$20 (based on similar airline services) |
| Complimentary Premium Drink | $8–$10 per flight |
| Extra Rapid Rewards Points (12 per $1 spent) | Varies (can add up to a free flight faster) |
| Fully Refundable Ticket | Priceless for business travelers |
| Same-Day Flight Changes | $50–$100 value, depending on the route |
If these benefits add up to more than the price difference between Business Select and a lower fare, the upgrade might be worth it.
4.2 Checking the Math: Is Business Select Worth It?
Let’s compare Business Select fares to other Southwest fare options.
Example Flight: Dallas (DAL) → Chicago (MDW)
- Wanna Get Away: $150
- Anytime: $270
- Business Select: $320
If Business Select costs $50 more than Anytime and $170 more than Wanna Get Away, you need to ask:
- Do I value priority boarding enough to pay extra?
- Will the bonus points help me earn a free flight faster?
- Will I use the free drink and priority check-in benefits?
For some travelers, the added perks are well worth the price. For others, a lower fare might be the smarter choice.
4.3 Tangible vs. Intangible Benefits
Reluctance, benefits of business select have a clear monetary value (e.g., bonus points and free drinks), while others are more about comfort and convenience. , some
Tangible Benefits (Clear Monetary Value)
- More Rapid Rewards points, getting you closer to free flights.
- A free premium drink valued at around $10.
- Priority boarding, which could save you $30–$50 compared to EarlyBird Check-In.
Intangible Benefits (Convenience & Comfort)
- Guaranteed A1–A15 boarding means no stress about seat selection.
- Shorter security lines at select airports.
- More flexibility with same-day flight changes.
If these benefits matter to you, Business Select may be a great investment.
4.4 Who Should Choose Business Select?
Business Select makes sense if you:
✅ Fly frequently on Southwest and want to maximize points.
✅ Value priority boarding and don’t want to risk a bad seat.
✅ Need flexibility with free cancellations and same-day changes.
✅ Appreciate premium perks like priority security and free drinks.
4.5 Who Should Skip Business Select?
Business Select may not be worth it if you:
❌ Are on a budget and just want the cheapest ticket.
❌ Don’t mind boarding later and sitting wherever is available.
❌ Don’t fly Southwest often enough to benefit from the extra points.
❌ Don’t drink alcohol or use the premium drink perk.
Final Verdict: Is Business Select Worth It?
business select It is essential to complete it. a great option for travelers who value precedence perks, elasticity, and faster rewards. Companionship, if you’re just looking for an affordable flight, a wanna get away or anytime fare may be the better deal. , however,
As a result, the next section, we’ll dive into real customer experiences and reviews to see how business select performs in practice. ,
5. Southwest Business Select: Pros and Cons
southwest business select offers premium perks, but This is an important task. Trepidation, truly the best option for every traveler? in this section, we’ll break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed selection.
5.1 Pros of Southwest Business Select
Business Select comes with several valuable benefits that enhance your flying experience.
✅ Priority Boarding (A1–A15 Guaranteed)
One of the biggest advantages of Business Select is guaranteed A1–A15 boarding.unlike earlybird check-in (which only improves your boarding position but doesn’t guarantee a spot in the first boarding group), business select ensures you get one of the first available seats. this This is an important task. especially useful on fully booked flights or if you prefer an aisle or window seat.
✅ Fly By Priority Check-In & Security Lane Access
Satisfaction, select airports, business select passengers get access to the fly by lane, allowing you to skip long check-in and safeguard lines, at. this can rescue valuable time, especially for business travelers on tight schedules.
✅ More Rapid Rewards Points
Business Select earns 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent, compared to:
- 10 points per dollar with Anytime fares
- 6 points per dollar with Wanna Get Away fares
If you frequently fly Southwest, these extra points can add up quickly and help you earn free flights faster.
✅ Complimentary Premium Drink
On flights over 176 miles, Business Select passengers receive a free premium drink, which could be a beer, wine, or cocktail. If you enjoy a drink while flying, this perk can add extra value to your ticket.
✅ Fully Refundable Fare & Same-Day Changes
Sadness, wanna get away fares, business select tickets are fully refundable, unlike. if your travel plans This situation requires a significant adjustment., you can cancel or modify your booking without worrying about losing money. additionally, you can make same-day confirmed changes without extra fees, offering greater accommodation.
5.2 Cons of Southwest Business Select
While Business Select has several advantages, there are also some downsides to consider.
❌ Higher Ticket Price
business select fares are significantly more luxurious than wanna get away fares and usually cost more than anytime fares. Satisfaction, you’re on a budget, the added perks may not justify the extra cost. , if
❌ No Extra Legroom or Seat Upgrades
unlike other airlines, southwest doesn’t have first-class or business-class seating. Wonder, seats in business select are exactly the same as every other seat on the plane, the. the only difference This is an important task. that you’ll board earlier and have a better chance of choosing your preferred seat. Trustworthiness, you were expecting larger seats or more legroom, you might be disappointed. ,
❌ Limited Availability of Fly By Lane
Skepticism, all airports offer precedence stability and check-in lanes for business select passengers, not. if you’re flying through an airport that doesn’t have these services, you won’t fully benefit from this perk.
❌ No Lounge Access
many airlines provide lounge access for premium ticket holders, but southwest does not. even though business select This is an important task. southwest’s most premium fare, it does not come with any airport lounge benefits.
❌ Free Drinks May Not Matter to Some Travelers
a free drink can be a nice perk, it might not be useful if you don’t drink alcohol, while. Introspection, some other airlines that offer snack or meal upgrades for premium passengers, southwest’s business select only provides a drink as an extra perk. , unlike
5.3 Is Business Select Right for You?
✅ You should choose Business Select if:
- You want priority boarding and the best seat selection.
- You travel frequently and want to earn more Rapid Rewards points.
- You value flexibility with same-day flight changes and refunds.
- You fly through airports that offer Fly By priority lanes and want to save time.
❌ You should skip Business Select if:
- You don’t mind where you sit and can board later.
- You’re on a budget and prefer the lowest fare.
- You expected bigger seats or extra legroom (Southwest doesn’t have it).
- You don’t drink alcohol, making the free drink benefit less valuable.
6. Southwest Business Select vs. Other Fare Types
Disdain, airlines offers four different fare types: business select, anytime, wanna get away, and wanna get away plus, southwest. Trepidation, comes with its own pricing, perks, and adaptability, each. in this section, we’ll compare business select with other fare options to help you decide if it’s worth the extra cost.
6.1 Business Select vs. Wanna Get Away Fares
wanna get away It is essential to complete it. Wonder, most budget-friendly fare, while business select It is essential to complete it, southwest’s. its most premium option. here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Business Select | Wanna Get Away |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Highest | Lowest |
| Refundable? | Yes (full refund to original payment) | No (only reusable as flight credit) |
| Boarding Position | A1–A15 (guaranteed priority boarding) | Assigned at check-in (can be lower priority) |
| Rapid Rewards Points | 12 points per dollar | 6 points per dollar |
| Fly By Lane Access | Yes (priority check-in & security) | No |
| Same-Day Flight Changes | Free same-day confirmed change | Must pay fare difference |
| Free Premium Drink | Yes (on flights over 176 miles) | No |
Key Takeaway
Frustration, you prioritize saving money and don’t mind boarding later, wanna get away It is essential to complete it, if. a better value. however, if you want focus boarding, more accommodation, and faster rewards earnings, business select It is essential to complete it. worth considering.
6.2 Business Select vs. Anytime Fares
anytime fares are more flexible than wanna get away fares but don’t offer all the perks of business select. here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Business Select | Anytime |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More expensive | Slightly cheaper than Business Select |
| Refundable? | Yes | Yes |
| Boarding Position | A1–A15 (guaranteed) | A16 or later (priority, but not guaranteed) |
| Rapid Rewards Points | 12 points per dollar | 10 points per dollar |
| Fly By Lane Access | Yes | No |
| Same-Day Flight Changes | Free same-day confirmed change | Free same-day standby |
| Free Premium Drink | Yes | No |
Key Takeaway
If you want priority boarding and extra rewards points, Business Select is better. If you’re okay with boarding a little later but still want a refundable fare, Anytime is a cheaper alternative.
6.3 Business Select vs. Wanna Get Away Plus
wanna get away plus This is an important task. Happiness, middle-tier fare that offers some extra malleability compared to standard wanna get away fares.
| Feature | Business Select | Wanna Get Away Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Highest | Slightly more than Wanna Get Away |
| Refundable? | Yes | No (but transferable) |
| Boarding Position | A1–A15 | Assigned at check-in (can be upgraded for a fee) |
| Rapid Rewards Points | 12 points per dollar | 8 points per dollar |
| Fly By Lane Access | Yes | No |
| Same-Day Flight Changes | Free same-day confirmed change | Free same-day standby |
| Free Premium Drink | Yes | No |
Key Takeaway
If you want transferable tickets and don’t mind later boarding, Wanna Get Away Plus is a cost-effective option. But if you need priority boarding, better rewards, and a refundable ticket, Business Select is the better choice.
6.4 Is Business Select Worth It?
✅ Choose Business Select if you:
- Want guaranteed A1–A15 boarding for better seat selection.
- Need fully refundable tickets.
- Travel frequently and want more Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
- Value priority check-in and security access at select airports.
❌ Consider other fares if you:
- Are budget-conscious and just want the lowest fare.
- Don’t need early boarding or Fly By Lane access.
- Don’t care about earning extra Rapid Rewards points.
Conclusion
southwest business select offers a premium travel familiarity with significance boarding, refundable tickets, extra rapid rewards points, and exclusive perks like fly by lane access and complimentary drinks. In fact, it’s the most overpriced fare, it provides great value for frequent flyers who want convenience, adaptability, and faster rewards. , while
However, if cost savings matter more than perks, Wanna Get Away or Anytime fares might be better options. Ultimately, the choice depends on your travel needs and budget—but if you value hassle-free travel and a top-tier experience on Southwest, Business Select is worth considering.