Southwest Airlines Business Select: A Comprehensive Guide

One of the biggest carriers in the US, Southwest Airlines has been a top choice for travelers seeking a premium flying experience. With a range of travel choices, the airline aims to suit the diverse requirements of passengers. And of course, the fare type is one of such offerings which provides you with flexibility and customization options aligning with your preferred way of travel. The Business Select fare type has been designed for business travelers looking for a more pleasant trip. 

Dive in to learn about features of the Southwest Airlines Business Select.

Southwest Airlines Business Select

Southwest Airlines offers Business Select as a top-class option for travelers who need comfort, flexibility, and extra perks. The airline offers Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Wanna Get Away fare types, in addition to this pricing category. The objective behind Business Select is to help travelers with an enhanced flying experience, especially for business travelers who value dependability and convenience.

Key Features and Benefits

Let’s take a look at the features. 

Boarding 

If you purchase Business Select, you will be among the first passengers to choose a preferred seat with A1-A15 boarding. Of course, then you can easily find space for your carry-on on the aircraft. You can also enjoy the automatic check-in facility. All these benefits are offered even if you choose Business Select on the day scheduled for your travel.

Change Your Flight  

Business Select allows you to change your flight even on the day of your travel. And guess what? You need not pay any charges for the same. But if seats are not vacant on the other flight, your name will be included in the standby list for a different flight for the same day. This is done through the website or mobile app of the airlines. Well, a Southwest Gate Agent might also perform this for you. If any price difference or tax shows up, you shall get the refund.

Free Internet on the Flight 

Flying in Business Select? You can use complimentary internet and stay connected with your family or colleagues while being on the air. Please note that the internet is available on WiFi-enabled aircraft.

Complimentary Entertainment

You can access free movies, live TV, and inflight messaging. However, certain restrictions may be applicable for passengers flying on international flights. You are advised to keep the Southwest app downloaded to enjoy this facility.

Refund 

If you cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before your flight’s departure, you will be entitled to receive a full refund i.e., 100% of the ticket price. The same will be transferred to the original payment method. However, the airline issues a transferable flight credit if you had booked the flight for Business Select using the Southwest flight credit from an earlier reservation. Similarly, if you reserved the flight using the Rapid Rewards points, the account user who made the original reservation will receive these points back.​

Transfer Flight Credits

If you need to cancel a trip booked with Business Select, you have the option to avail the Transferable Flight Credit facility. This means you can choose to transfer the credit received for the original amount paid for the fare to your family member or friends who is also a Rapid Rewards Member. You need to log into your Rapid Rewards account and transfer the credit through the View Travel Funds section.

Fast Track Check-In and Security

You can use the dedicated check-in and security lanes to speed up the process and enjoy a wonderful airport experience. But you need to confirm and check whether these lanes are available at the airport you need to depart from.

Maximize Rapid Rewards Points 

You can earn 14 points for every dollar spent on base fares. That’s in fact double of the points compared to the Wanna Get Away fare. You can redeem these points for future travel by becoming a Rapid Rewards Member.

Southwest Business Select Pricing 

Southwest Business Select fares are generally higher than standard fares, and this is because of the added benefits and amenities. However, prices can fluctuate considerably based on several factors, including the route, the time of year, and how early you reserve your flight. Interestingly, Southwest keeps announcing promotional rates or discounts on Business Select fares during certain travel periods.

You are advised to visit Southwest’s official website or use its mobile app to keep an eye on prices. In fact, you can set up price alerts for their preferred routes so as to stay notified. This will help ensure they can grab a great deal while availing the additional benefits associated with Business Select.

Is Southwest Business Select Suitable for you?

As you may have already read above, Southwest Airlines Business Select fare type offers various benefits. Let’s now take a look at the following groups which gain the most through this option. 

Business Travelers

Professionals who travel regularly for work can take full advantage of Business Select flexibility and benefits, which include priority boarding. This helps them with superior seating selections, and also a medium to earn extra points while traveling.

Frequent Flyers

If you frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, you can earn Rapid Rewards points faster by purchasing Business Select tickets. So, this makes it simpler to reach elite status or use rewards for future flights.

Travelers Looking for Flexibility 

Business Select is a fantastic choice for passengers who may need to make last-minute changes to their plans because it offers fully refundable tickets.

Those who enjoy Amenities

Business Select is preferred by passengers who value comfort and convenience by offering extra benefits like priority security screening, dedicated security lanes, flight credit transfer facility, full refund for cancellation before 10 minutes of the flight’s departure etc. 

In a nutshell, the people who travel for work or who frequently fly with Southwest and appreciate the conveniences and flexibility offered by the Business Select fare type are the ones who benefit the most from this option.

Concluding Words 

Southwest Airlines Business Select fare type is definitely a great choice for travelers looking for a perfect combination of affordability and premium amenities. This fare option provides priority boarding, complimentary perks, flight credit transfer facility, complimentary in-flight entertainment, and more perks, enabling you to enjoy a smoother and more pleasurable travel experience. Although Business Select brings added comfort, flexibility, and rewards for business travelers and frequent fliers, this fare type brings considerable value for money even if you need to fly for a leisurely vacation. It’s just that you have to pay a little extra for an enhanced flying experience.

So, when you plan to reserve a flight with Southwest Airlines, you must consider your individual travel needs and preferences. You are highly recommended to carefully read the terms and conditions associated with Business Select fare type so as to avoid any dilemmas at a later stage. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Find answers to some key queries covered below for your knowledge.