Southwest Airlines Fare Types: Compare Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away
Southwest Airlines Fare Types Explained
| Benefit | Business Select | Anytime | Wanna Get Away Plus | Wanna Get Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refundability | Refundable | Refundable | Nonrefundable (Transferable Flight Credit) | Nonrefundable (Flight credit issued) |
| Early boarding | Priority boarding A1-A15 | EarlyBird Check-In, Priority and Express Lanes | N/A | N/A |
| Same-day change and standby | Free same-day confirmed change | Free same-day confirmed change | Free same-day confirmed change | Free same-day standby |
| In-flight perks | Complimentary premium drink, free in-flight internet | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Points earnings | Earn 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar | Earn 10 Rapid Rewards points per dollar | Earn 8 Rapid Rewards points per dollar | Earn 6 Rapid Rewards points per dollar |
| Other | All the benefits of Anytime | All the benefits of Wanna Get Away Plus | All the benefits of Wanna Get Away | N/A |
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Compare CardsBusiness Select: Premium Perks for the Savvy Traveler
Business Select is Southwest Airlines’ most premium fare class, designed for those who seek maximum flexibility, convenience, and a few extra perks during their journey. While it is the most expensive option, the benefits and added comfort can make it well worth the investment for frequent flyers and business travelers. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Business Select:
Fully Refundable: One of the standout features of Business Select is its full refundability. If your plans change, you can easily cancel your flight, and the refund will be processed directly to your original form of payment. This is a huge advantage for those who need the flexibility to adjust their travel schedules.
Priority Boarding: With Business Select, you’ll be among the first to board the plane, securing a spot in the A1-A15 boarding group. This early access allows you to choose your preferred seat, whether you value extra legroom, an aisle seat, or simply want to ensure space for your carry-on.
Complimentary Premium Drink: Enjoy a free premium beverage on flights over 176 miles. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or celebrating the start of your trip, this perk adds a touch of luxury to your flight.
Free In-Flight Internet: Stay connected throughout your journey with free in-flight internet. This feature is particularly beneficial for business travelers who need to work or stay in touch while on the move, making it easier to remain productive during your flight.
Points Earnings: Business Select fares come with the highest Rapid Rewards points earning rate, at 12 points per dollar spent. This accelerated rate helps you rack up points quickly, which can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades, or other rewards.
Additional Benefits: Business Select also includes access to priority lanes and express security lanes at select airports, speeding up your journey through the airport and ensuring a smoother travel experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Business Select?
Business Select is ideal for travelers who prioritize flexibility, convenience, and a bit of luxury. The combination of early boarding, premium perks, and enhanced earning potential makes it an excellent choice for frequent flyers and those traveling on business. Whether you need to stay productive with in-flight internet or appreciate the ease of priority boarding, Business Select offers a superior travel experience that caters to your needs. Plus, with the assurance of a fully refundable ticket, you can book confidently, knowing that your investment is protected if your plans change.
The Anytime fare from Southwest Airlines strikes an outstanding balance between flexibility, value, and earning potential. It’s a solid choice for travelers who need the freedom to change plans without the higher cost of Business Select. Here’s what you get with an Anytime fare:
Fully Refundable: Anytime fares offer the peace of mind that comes with full refundability. You can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before departure and receive a full refund credited back to your original form of payment. This makes it an excellent option for travelers whose plans might change at the last minute.
EarlyBird Check-In: While EarlyBird Check-In isn’t automatically included with Anytime fares, it can be added for an additional fee. This option allows you to check in automatically and get a better boarding position, increasing your chances of securing your preferred seat without manually checking in 24 hours before your flight.
Points Earnings: With Anytime fares, you earn 10 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent. This is a significant earning rate, especially for frequent travelers who want to accumulate points faster to redeem for future flights, upgrades, or other rewards.
No Change Fees: Anytime fares include Southwest’s standard no-change-fee policy, allowing you to modify your travel dates or times without incurring penalties. You only need to pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
Priority Boarding Access: While Anytime fares don’t include priority boarding like Business Select, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In can enhance your boarding position, allowing you to board earlier and select a better seat.
Why Choose Anytime Fare?
The Anytime fare is perfect for travelers who need flexibility without paying the premium price of Business Select. It’s particularly beneficial for those who value the ability to change or cancel flights without financial loss. The points-earning potential is also attractive for frequent flyers looking to maximize their rewards. If you’re a traveler who appreciates having options and wants a refundable ticket without the highest fare, Anytime offers an intelligent blend of value and convenience.
Wanna Get Away is Southwest Airlines’ most budget-friendly fare, making it an excellent option for travelers prioritizing low costs. While it offers fewer perks compared to higher-fare classes, it still provides valuable benefits, making it a popular choice. Here’s what you can expect with a Wanna Get Away fare:
Nonrefundable: Although Wanna Get Away fares are nonrefundable, you won’t lose money if your plans change. Instead, you’ll receive a flight credit for a future Southwest flight, offering some flexibility even at this low price point.
Free Same-Day Standby: Wanna Get Away fares include the option to list yourself for same-day standby on an earlier flight. This means you can potentially get on an earlier flight without losing your original boarding position, offering convenience at no extra cost.
Points Earnings: With Wanna Get Away, you earn 6 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent. While this is the lowest earning rate among Southwest’s fare classes, it still allows you to accumulate points toward future travel.
Why Choose Wanna Get Away?
Wanna Get Away is perfect for travelers focused on getting the best possible deal on their flight. It’s ideal for those who are flexible with their travel plans and don’t mind missing out on some extra perks that come with higher-fare classes. The ability to earn Rapid Rewards points and free same-day standby ensures that even the most budget-conscious travelers can enjoy a rewarding travel experience. If saving money is your top priority, Wanna Get Away offers significant value without sacrificing the essentials.
Choosing the Right Fare for You
Selecting the best Southwest fare class depends on your travel needs, budget, and reward goals. Understanding the benefits and trade-offs of each fare class is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your travel habits and financial priorities.
Understanding Southwest Fare Classes
Southwest Airlines offers several fare classes, each with distinct benefits:
Wanna Get Away: This is Southwest’s most affordable fare class, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. It offers excellent value with lower prices but fewer perks than higher fare classes.
Wanna Get Away Plus: An upgraded version of the Wanna Get Away fare, offering additional flexibility and benefits like transferable flight credit, making it a solid choice for those looking for more value without a significant price increase.
Anytime: A more flexible fare class includes benefits such as a refundable ticket, same-day flight changes, and more Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent.
Business Select: The premium fare class has the highest cost and the most perks, including priority boarding, additional Rapid Rewards points, and a refundable ticket. This fare is ideal for business travelers who need flexibility and prioritize convenience.
Maximizing Rapid Rewards Points
When choosing a fare, consider how it will impact your Rapid Rewards points earnings. Higher fare classes like Business Select earn more points per dollar spent, which can be advantageous if you frequently travel and aim to accumulate points quickly.
For example, on a flight from San Diego to Dallas:
Wanna Get Away: Costs approximately $204 and earns 1,224 Rapid Rewards points (6 points per dollar). At NerdWallet’s valuation of 1.5 cents per point, those points are worth about $18.36.
Business Select: Costs about $334 and earns 4,008 Rapid Rewards points (12 points per dollar). Using the same valuation, those points are worth around $60.12.
While the Business Select fare is more expensive, the additional points and perks could justify the cost, especially if you frequently fly with Southwest and value the extra benefits.
Balancing Costs and Benefits
It’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits of each fare class. Consider factors such as:
Travel Frequency: If you fly often, especially for business, the perks of a higher fare class like Business Select might outweigh the additional cost due to the flexibility, priority boarding, and higher points accumulation.
Budget: For casual travelers or those with a tight budget, Wanna Get Away, or Wanna Get Away Plus might offer the best value, balancing cost and essential benefits.
Elite Status: If you are close to achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status, opting for a higher fare class to earn more points and potentially reach elite status faster might make sense.
When deciding on a fare class, it’s not just about the price of the ticket but also the value you get in return. Consider your travel habits, the importance of perks like priority boarding or refundable tickets, and your long-term goals with Rapid Rewards points. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can choose the fare class that best suits your needs and maximizes your travel experience with Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines offers four main fare types: Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. Each fare type provides different benefits, pricing, and flexibility, catering to various traveler needs, from budget-conscious flyers to those seeking premium perks.
Not all Southwest Airlines fares are refundable. Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable, meaning you can get your money back if you cancel your flight. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, however, are non-refundable, but you can receive a travel credit to use on a future flight.
Yes, all Southwest Airlines fare types include two free checked bags. This perk is a standard offering across all fare classes, which sets Southwest apart from many other airlines that often charge for checked baggage.
The key differences between Business Select and Anytime fares include priority boarding, Rapid Rewards points earning rate, and additional perks. Business Select offers priority boarding (A1-A15), earns 12 points per dollar spent, and includes a complimentary premium drink. Anytime fares offer standard boarding and earn 10 points per dollar spent but do not include the additional perks available with Business Select.
Same-day flight changes are available with Anytime and Business Select fares at no additional cost. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares do not include free same-day changes, meaning you may need to pay the fare difference or a change fee if applicable.
Rapid Rewards points are earned differently depending on the fare type. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares earn 6 points per dollar spent. Anytime fares earn 10 points per dollar, while Business Select fares earn the most at 12 points per dollar. Maximizing your points depends on selecting the fare that aligns with your travel goals
Yes, you can upgrade your Southwest fare after booking, depending on availability. You can upgrade from Wanna Get Away to Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select by paying the fare difference. Upgrading can give you access to more benefits, such as higher Rapid Rewards points, priority boarding, and refundable options.
Wanna Get Away Plus offers additional benefits over Wanna Get Away, including transferable flight credits and more flexibility. While both are non-refundable, Wanna Get Away Plus is a better option if you think you might need to change your travel plans or transfer your ticket to someone else.
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