Southwest Airlines First Class: What You Should Know

Flying in First class often brings visions of luxury and elite service. But when booking with Southwest, many travelers ask: Does Southwest Airlines have first class?

Where the other airlines offer premium cabins and services, Southwest Airlines is known for simplicity, affordable pricing, and a single-class model. So, if you’re wondering whether you’ll get a first-class experience when choosing this airline, the answer is more complex than yes or no.

Let’s explore what Southwest Airlines offers, how it compares to traditional first class, and whether its business cuisine is worthwhile. 

What does First Class refer to?

In most cases, first class refers to the separate section in a plane which offers:-

• Larger, wider seats with more legroom

• Lounge access
  
• Personalized onboard service
  
• Enhanced meals and complimentary drinks
  
• Priority boarding and baggage

Airline like Spirit Airlines or Delta Air Lines offers services on both domestic routes and international routes. But does Southwest Airlines have first class? Let’s see.

Southwest’s Cabin Configuration: All-Economy

Southwest operates all of its aircraft in an all-economy layout, with no physical separation or different classes of seats. Every seat onboard is the same size and design; there is no dedicated first-class cabin.

Instead of offering multiple classes, Southwest focuses on the fare-based perks. This model has basically four main fare types:-

• Wanna Get Away
• Wanna Get Away Plus
• Anytime
• Business Select

Among them, Business Select is more premium. But again, does Southwest Airlines have first class? The answer is in the fare options.

What is Business Select?

Southwest Airlines does not have first class but offers business select, which provides a few extra amenities that the other fares do not.

Let’s have a look at the Business Select perks that it offers:-

• Priority boarding (Group A1–A15)

• Refundable fares with complete flexibility

• Free same-day flight changes

• A complimentary premium drink

• Free in-flight internet

• Avoid check-in procedures and security lines

• Maximum Rapid Reward points

If you are more concerned about your comfort, then Business Select is best for you. However, your seat is still in same size and design as every other seat on board.

New Developments: Extra Legroom and Assigned Seats 

Though Southwest Airlines does not have first class, it has introduced several changes.

Here’s What’s Being Added:-

• Extra-legroom seating is being introduced, offering up to 5 more inches of pitch.
• In 2026, Southwest Airlines will move away from open seating and offer assigned seats.
• A new fare bundle called Choice Extra replaces Business Select and will include these seats.

These changes are introduced to elevate the flying experience, though it is not compared with first class, but offers a more premium feel.

Still wondering, does Southwest Airlines have first class? Not in the traditional sense, but they’re moving closer to a hybrid model that offers comfort.

Southwest vs First-Class on Other Airlines

To better understand what Southwest lacks or offers, let’s compare its top fare with the first-class experience of Delta Air Lines.

Features	Southwest (Business Select)	Delta Air Lines (First Class)
Seat	Standard economy	Reclined or Lie-flat Seats
In-flight meals	Light snack and one Drink	Full premium meals
Dedicated Cabin	No, it does not have	Yes it have
Boarding	Proirty Boarding(A1-A15)	Priority Boarding
Lounge Acess	Not Included	Included
Entertainment	Free Wifi	Screens, Wifi, and headphones
Personal Service	Standard	Dedcated flight Attendants

As you can see above, if your question is: Does Southwest Airlines have first class?—the comparison with other carriers gives you a clear answer: No, but they offer an efficient and simplified experience.

Is Business Select worth it?

You may not get the lie-flat seats and gourmet meals. However, it’s still worth it at the price if you want the guaranteed early boarding, need flexible or refundable ticket options, value priority lanes at check-in and security, or want to maximize Rapid Rewards points.

So if you prefer the comfort, you can go with the Business Select at an affordable price range.

When to Choose Southwest’s Business Select

Choose Business Select if:-

• You have tight connections and need to board the plane early.
  
• You want complete refund flexibility.
  
• You’re a Rapid Rewards member chasing points.
  
• You value hassle-free seating and boarding.

Skip if:- 

• You want upgraded seating or a private cabin.
  
• You’re okay with standard boarding and saving money.

Again, does Southwest Airlines have first class? This blog tells us that the perks are procedural, not physical.

Does Southwest Airlines have first class?

Are you seeking a genuine first‑class experience with lounges, lie‑flat seats, and gourmet meals? In that case, booking with Delta Air Lines can be considered.

But if you are looking for early boarding, on‑board perks, flexibility, and better seat selection—without the high cost of traditional premium cabin, then Southwest’s Business Select is a wise choice for every Traveler. Southwest Airlines ‘ value may increase further once extra legroom seating and assigned cabin seating arrive.

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