Southwest Airlines stands out for its simple, efficient approach to flying. Unlike most carriers, it operates a single aircraft type, the Boeing 737. This allows for faster maintenance, streamlined operations, and lower overall costs.
Today, it is one of the largest domestic airlines in the US and holds a 4-Star Skytrax rating. The experience is consistent and well-managed. It is not luxury, but it offers reliable comfort and service for everyday travel.
The airline is known for:
- Friendly, relaxing service
- No change fees on most fares
- A straightforward loyalty program with no blackout dates
Looking for more comfort in the skies without the business class price tag? You might be wondering: does Southwest have business class? Explore the answer right below. Also, see our breakdown of the best premium economy airlines in 2026.
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Does Southwest have business class seating?
No. Southwest Airlines does not offer business class. As of 2026, the airline has introduced assigned seating and paid seat options, including extra-legroom and preferred seats. This adds more choice and comfort, but it still does not create a separate premium cabin. All seats remain within a single economy layout.
Instead of business class, Southwest offers fare bundles with added perks rather than better seats. These include Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra.
Choice Extra is the most premium option. It includes:
- access to any seat (including extra-legroom)
- Priority and Express Lane access at the airport
- early boarding
- two free checked bags
- full refundability (you can cancel and get your money back to the original form of payment)
- the highest earning rate for Rapid Rewards points (14 points per dollar spent)
- complimentary Wi-Fi (offered on select Wi-Fi–equipped aircraft)
- a complimentary premium drink onboard
Does Southwest have first class?
No. Southwest Airlines does not offer first class. Like business class, all seats are in a single economy cabin.
See the section above for how Southwest’s seating and upgrade options work.
Southwest assigned seating (2026 update): what changed and how it works
Does Southwest have assigned seating now?
Yes. Southwest Airlines has officially moved away from its traditional open seating model. For decades, Southwest Airlines stood apart with open seating: no assigned seats, just choose any available spot onboard. But now all passengers are assigned a seat. It’s either selected in advance for a fee or automatically assigned at check-in.
The shift reflects evolving passenger expectations. Travelers increasingly value certainty, personal space, and the ability to choose their seat in advance (especially on longer or busier routes). At the same time, it aligns Southwest with industry standards, creating new revenue streams while offering more structured comfort and choice.
When did Southwest change its seating policy?
The transition to assigned seating was completed in January 2026. This marks one of the biggest structural changes in the airline’s history.
How does seat selection work on Southwest?
Passengers now have two options:
- Choose a seat in advance (paid), including extra-legroom and preferred seats
- Receive a seat at check-in (free), with more limited selection
What are the new seat types?
Southwest has introduced:
- Extra-legroom seats: more space, typically around 34+ inches of pitch
- Preferred seats: front-of-cabin seats with standard legroom
- Standard seats: standard economy seating, usually around 31–33 inches
Is open seating completely gone?
Yes. The old system based on boarding groups and seat selection onboard has been fully replaced.
Which Southwest Airlines aircraft most commonly offer extra-legroom seats?
Southwest’s extra-legroom seats are typically located in exit rows and select preferred areas near the front of the cabin. Availability depends on the aircraft and route, but these seats are most commonly found on larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8.
How to check if your aircraft is a 737-800 or MAX 8
- Southwest.com: Search for your flight and open “Flight details.” The aircraft type is often listed, though it may change closer to departure.
- Booking Confirmation or App: Open your itinerary in the Southwest app or confirmation email. Aircraft type is typically shown alongside flight details.
- Online Flight Trackers: FlightAware or FlightRadar24 allows for searching by flight number and see the aircraft model.
- AranGrant: Our agents are available 24/7 to help you fly in premium comfort with many airlines. We specialize in exclusive and often unpublished premium flight deals you won’t find elsewhere. Based on your budget and preferences, we’ll handpick the best option for your trip.
Price comparison: Is Choice Extra worth it on Southwest?
Choice Extra is Southwest’s most premium fare bundle. Pricing varies by route, demand, and booking time. But on short domestic flights, one-way fares typically range from about $100 to $350+ for higher-tier options like Choice Extra. On busier routes or closer to departure, prices can be noticeably higher.
It’s vital to know that extra-legroom seats on Southwest offer legroom similar to extra-legroom or premium economy sections on other airlines. But they remain standard economy seats in width and layout, with no separate cabin.
By comparison, domestic business or first class on airlines like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, or Alaska Airlines often ranges from about $400 to $800 on similar routes, depending on demand and booking timing. These fares include wider seats, more personal space, and a dedicated premium cabin.
Thinking Out Loud: For short flights, Choice Extra can be a more efficient way to gain flexibility and a smoother airport experience without paying for a full premium cabin. On longer routes, however, traditional business class offers a clearly higher level of comfort, especially for space and rest.
How Southwest Choice Extra compares to traditional business and first class on domestic flights
| Feature | Southwest Choice Extra | True business / first class |
| Seat pitch | ~31–33” (standard) or ~34–36” (extra-legroom seats) | ~37–40+ inches |
| Seat width | ~17–18 inches | ~20–22 inches |
| Seat type | Standard economy seat (extra legroom available) | Wider recliner or lie-flat (on some routes) |
| Cabin | Single economy cabin | Separate premium cabin |
| Seat layout | 3–3 layout | 2–2 or similar (no middle seat) |
| Seat selection | Included | Included |
| Boarding / airport priority | Priority lanes and early boarding | Priority check-in, security, and boarding |
| Lounge access | Not included | Usually included |
| Baggage | 2 free checked bags | 1–2+ checked bags included |
| Refundability | Fully refundable | Usually refundable or flexible fares |
| Meals & service | Snack + drink | Full meal service + enhanced attention |
| Best use case | Short flights, flexibility, value | Comfort, space, longer journeys |
SWABIZ: Corporate travel management platform
For corporate travelers, Southwest Airlines offers SWABIZ, a program designed for small to mid-sized businesses managing frequent domestic travel.
SWABIZ provides:
- Company-linked booking with centralized visibility
- Travel tracking and reporting tools
- Spend insights across teams or departments
- Basic controls for managing travel activity
- Access to negotiated discounts for eligible companies
- The ability for both travelers and companies to earn rewards through the Rapid Rewards program
Read also: These Airlines Offer Strong Corporate Programs—Explore Business Class with Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Emirates
Why contact AranGrant for cheap business class tickets?
AranGrant specializes in affordable business class tickets and premium travel options, including flights with Southwest Airlines. Through partnerships with top consolidators and airlines, we offer exclusive deals you won’t find elsewhere.
Our expert travel team provides personalized assistance, handling all the research and booking for you—saving time, effort, and stress. We tailor each trip to your preferences and back it with reliable 24/7 customer support to ensure a smooth, worry-free journey.
Booking Southwest Choice Extra or other airline seats with AranGrant for maximum convenience
To book flights through AranGrant, follow these simple steps:
- Contact AranGrant: Once you’ve selected your preferred flight on our website (or even before) feel free to contact AranGrant directly. Reach out to our customer service team via phone or email and provide them with the details of the flights you want to book to receive a quote. You may also fill out the form with such details as your email address and phone number to receive a call back.
- Make the Most of AranGrant: Our experienced travel professionals will assist you in finalizing your booking. They will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
- Complete the Booking: Follow their instructions to complete the booking and provide the necessary passenger information. They will inform you of the payment process, any applicable fees, and the accepted forms of payment.
- Receive Confirmation: Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send a confirmation email or itinerary with your flight details. Be sure to review everything carefully and keep a copy for your records.
