If you're wondering whether Southwest Airlines offers first-class seating, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions travelers ask about this popular low-cost carrier. Let's get straight to the answer.
No, Southwest Airlines does not have first class. Southwest operates with a single-cabin economy configuration on all its aircraft, meaning there are no separate first-class or business-class cabins with larger seats, extra privacy, or premium service like you'd find on Delta, United, or American Airlines.
However, as of January 27, 2026, Southwest introduced major changes, including assigned seating and extra-legroom seats with premium perks. The airline's highest fare, Choice Extra (formerly Business Select), now offers benefits that come closer to a premium experience—though still in an economy-style seat.
While Southwest doesn't have a traditional first-class cabin, they do provide several premium options that deliver enhanced comfort and convenience:
Choice Extra is Southwest's most premium offering, launched on January 27, 2026, as part of its historic transformation. Here's what you get:
Seating Benefits:
Access to Extra Legroom seats located at the front of the cabin and exit rows
Up to 5 additional inches of legroom compared to Standard seats (on 737-700 aircraft)
Earlier access to overhead bin space
Ability to select your specific seat at booking
Boarding Priority:
Board in Groups 1 or 2 (the earliest boarding groups in Southwest's new 8-group system)
Skip the stress of fighting for overhead bin space
Premium Perks:
Enhanced premium snacks (on flights 251+ miles)
Complimentary premium beverages, including alcoholic drinks
Free Wi-Fi on all Southwest flights
Priority and Express Lane access at security (where available)
Two checked bags free (weight and size limits apply)
Flexibility:
Fully refundable tickets
Same-day standby and confirmed change options
Transferable Flight Credits are valid for 12 months
Rewards:
Earn more Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent
Southwest now offers four fare bundles as of January 27, 2026:
1. Choice Extra (Premium - described above)
Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime)
Select Preferred seats at booking (near the front of the cabin with standard legroom)
Board in Groups 3-4
Ticket refundable
First checked bag free for A-List Members
Earn 6x Rapid Rewards points per dollar
3. Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus)
Select Standard seats at booking (back of cabin)
Board in Groups 5-6
Transferable Flight Credits
Same-day change flexibility
Earn 6x Rapid Rewards points per dollar
First bag costs $35; second bag costs $45
4. Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away)
Standard seat assigned at check-in (no advance selection)
Board last (Groups 7-8)
Non-refundable and no changes allowed without upgrading
Earn only 2x Rapid Rewards points per dollar
First bag costs $35; second bag costs $45
Southwest Airlines made the biggest transformation in its 53-year history. Here's what changed:
After more than five decades of open seating (where passengers could sit anywhere they wanted), Southwest now assigns specific seats to all passengers. The famous A/B/C boarding groups with numbered positions (A1-A60, B1-B60, C1-C60) are gone, replaced by a new 8-group boarding system (Groups 1-8).
This means no more:
Setting alarms to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight
Racing to board the plane to grab your preferred seat
Anxiety about whether you'll get stuck in a middle seat
Extra Legroom Seats - Front of cabin and exit rows with 3-5 extra inches of legroom
Preferred Seats - Near the front with standard legroom
Standard Seats - Located toward the back with standard legroom
Southwest's new boarding system uses Groups 1-8 based on:
Seat location (Extra Legroom seats board first)
Fare type purchased
Rapid Rewards tier status (A-List Preferred, A-List)
Credit card benefits
Priority boarding and preboarding are still available for passengers with disabilities, active-duty military, families with children under 6, and those who purchase Priority Boarding.
This is where things get interesting. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has publicly stated that the airline is "seriously considering" adding actual first-class seating to select aircraft.
In December 2025, Jordan confirmed Southwest is evaluating first-class cabins as part of the airline's response to industry-wide "premiumization" trends. He framed this as a strategic move to compete with budget carriers like Frontier, Spirit, and JetBlue, which have all added or announced plans for premium seating.
Jordan has also hinted at other premium offerings:
Building a network of airport lounges (something Southwest has never had)
Long-haul international flights to Europe (London, Paris)
Enhanced premium products to attract high-spending travelers
According to Jordan, these changes are about giving customers more options: "For many of our folks that love Southwest, we can't do things—we can't provide products—that you want. Like a first class. We can't get you to long-haul international destinations. If a lounge is important to you, we don't have a lounge."
However, no timeline has been announced for when (or if) a true first-class service will launch. The airline is focused on successfully implementing its January 2026 changes first.
Let's be honest—Choice Extra is not the same as first-class on legacy carriers. Here's how they compare:
✅ Extra legroom (up to 5 inches more on some aircraft) ✅ Priority boarding ✅ Premium drinks and snacks ✅ Free Wi-Fi ✅ Two free checked bags ✅ Priority security lanes
❌ Wider seats (all seats are 17-17.8 inches wide)
❌ Separate first-class cabin
❌ Lie-flat seats on long flights
❌ Dedicated flight attendants for premium cabins
❌ Premium meal service
❌ Airport lounge access
❌ Personal entertainment screens (Southwest has no seatback screens)
❌ Power outlets at every seat (limited availability)
For true first-class service with lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, and exclusive lounges, you'll need to fly with Delta, United, or American Airlines on domestic or international routes.
Here's a quick guide to help you decide:
Book Choice Extra if:
You want the most legroom and comfort
You're tall or need extra space
You want to guarantee overhead bin space
Business is paying (at $180,000 average salary for Southwest jobs)
You fly frequently and value priority boarding
You're checking two bags (save $80 in baggage fees)
Book choice preferred if:
You want a seat near the fron,t but don't need extra legroom
You value refundability and flexibility
You're an A-List Member getting a free checked bag
Book Choice if:
You want to choose your seat in advance
You might need to change your flight
You're okay sitting toward the back
Book Basic if:
You're on a tight budget
You don't care where you sit
You're only carrying a personal item and a carry-on
Your flight is short, and you won't need to change plans
Even without first-class service, you can still maximize comfort on Southwest:
Join Rapid Rewards - Even without status, members get free Wi-Fi
Get the Right Credit Card - Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer free checked bags and seating benefits
Achieve A-List Status - Fly 25 one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier-qualifying points to select Extra Legroom seats for free
Book Early - Extra Legroom and Preferred seats fill up quickly
Choose the Right Aircraft - Boeing 737-800s and MAX 8s have the best Extra Legroom options
Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones - Since there are no seatback screens, you'll need to use your own device
Pack a Portable Charger - Power outlets aren't guaranteed at every seat
Southwest Airlines does not have first class in the traditional sense, but with the January 27, 2026, launch of assigned seating and Extra Legroom seats, the airline is moving closer to offering a premium experience. Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) provides many benefits that business travelers and comfort-seekers value, even though the seats remain economy-style.
With CEO Bob Jordan openly talking about adding real first-class cabins in the future, Southwest's premium game could change greatly in the future.. For now, Choice Extra is the closest thing to first class you'll find on Southwest Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Southwest have Business Select anymore?
A: No, Business Select was renamed to Choice Extra on January 27, 2026, when Southwest launched assigned seating. The perks are similar but now include access to extra-legroom seats.
Q: Can I upgrade to first class on Southwest?
A: No, Southwest doesn't have a first-class cabin, so there's nothing to upgrade to. You can upgrade your fare to Choice Extra to get Extra Legroom seats and premium perks.
Q: Are Southwest's extra legroom seats worth it?
A: If you're tall, flying long distances, or value comfort and priority boarding, yes. The extra 3-5 inches of legroom, premium snacks and drinks, and earlier bin access can make a significant difference.
Q: Does Southwest have airport lounges?
A: Not yet, but CEO Bob Jordan has indicated the airline is considering building a lounge network to compete with other carriers.
Q: Will Southwest fly to Europe?
Southwest doesn't fly to Europe yet, but it's applying for permission to fly more. It's also working with airlines like Icelandair to connect passengers to flights to Europe.
Q: Are two free checked bags still available on Southwest?
A: Only for Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and certain credit cardholders. Most other fares now charge $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second (as of May 28, 2025).
Last updated: January 29, 2026
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