Short answer: yes, but not in the traditional “first class” sense. Southwest doesn’t assign seats. Instead, your boarding position determines how good your seat options are once you’re on the plane.
That means upgrading your seat really means upgrading when you board.
Southwest uses open seating. You’ll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number. Earlier boarding = better seat choices like:
Aisle or window seats
Extra legroom exit rows
Seats closer to the front for faster exits
This system rewards early check-in—or smart upgrades.
This is the fastest way to improve your seat chances. If available, you can purchase an upgrade to board in A1–A15, usually at the airport or shortly before departure. From personal experience, this saved me on a last-minute business trip when overhead bin space was tight.
EarlyBird automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, ahead of standard passengers. You don’t board first, but you’ll usually land a solid A or early B position. Many travelers swear by this for stress-free boarding.
This is Southwest’s premium fare option. You’ll get:
Guaranteed A1–A15 boarding
Bonus Rapid Rewards points
Complimentary premium drinks
If comfort and flexibility matter, this can be worth it.
Before check-in: Best availability and peace of mind
At the airport: Works if seats are still open, but it’s riskier
Many travelers choose to review options on the airline website or call 844-734-0813 to walk through what’s available for their specific flight.
From my experience, yes—especially if:
You’re tall and need legroom
You’re traveling with a tight connection
You just don’t want to gamble on a middle seat
Families, frequent flyers, and business travelers tend to benefit the most.
So, can you upgrade your seat on Southwest Airlines? Absolutely—you just do it through boarding position upgrades, not assigned seats.