As of today, November 29, 2025, Southwest Airlines is undergoing significant changes․ One of the most notable is the overhaul of its pricing structure, including Business Select fares․
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New Fare Categories
Southwest is moving towards a tiered system with four categories: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra․ These bundles provide varying levels of perks․ The “Wanna Get Away” fare is being replaced with “Basic” starting May 28, 2025․
Business Select Details
While the exact pricing for “Choice Extra” (likely the successor to Business Select) isn’t explicitly detailed, it’s expected to offer premium benefits․ Historically, Business Select included:
- Priority boarding
- A guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position
- A free premium drink
- Bonus Rapid Rewards points
Given the new structure, “Choice Extra” will likely retain these perks, but pricing will vary based on route and demand․ Expect it to be significantly more expensive than “Basic”․
Checked Bag Changes
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will also begin charging for checked bags․ This impacts the value proposition of all fares, including “Choice Extra,” as the free checked bag perk is being eliminated for most․
End of Open Seating
The open seating policy ends on July 29, 2025, for flights on or after January 27, 2026․ “Choice Extra” customers will likely have priority seat selection․
Estimating the Cost
Unfortunately, providing an exact dollar amount for “Choice Extra” (formerly Business Select) is impossible without specifying a route and travel date․ However, we can offer some guidance:
- Compare with “Basic”: Check the price of a “Basic” fare for your desired flight․ “Choice Extra” will be considerably higher․
- Check “Choice” and “Choice Preferred”: This will give you a sense of the price jump between tiers․ Expect “Choice Extra” to be the highest of the four․
- Monitor Southwest’s Website: The best way to find the exact price is to use Southwest’s website or app and search for your specific itinerary․
Is “Choice Extra” Worth It?
The value of “Choice Extra” depends on your priorities:
- Need Priority Boarding? If you absolutely want an A boarding position and dislike the stress of open seating, then “Choice Extra” might be worth the cost․
- Value Convenience? The included premium drink and bonus points add to the overall value․
- Price Sensitive? If you’re on a tight budget, “Basic” or “Choice” might be more suitable, especially considering the new checked bag fees․
While the exact cost of Southwest’s “Choice Extra” fare (formerly Business Select) is dynamic and depends on your specific travel details, understanding the new fare structure and your own priorities will help you determine if the upgrade is worth the investment․ Remember to factor in the new checked bag fees when making your decision;
Alternatives to “Choice Extra”
If the price of “Choice Extra” seems too steep, consider these alternatives to achieve similar benefits:
- EarlyBird Check-In: This automated check-in service assigns you a boarding position 36 hours before departure․ While not guaranteeing A1-A15, it significantly improves your chances of a good seat․ Weigh the cost of EarlyBird against the price difference between “Choice” and “Choice Extra․”
- Purchasing Upgraded Boarding (if available): At the gate, Southwest sometimes offers upgraded boarding positions for a fee․ This can be a last-minute option if you’re willing to take the risk and see if it’s available․
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: Certain Southwest credit cards offer benefits like priority boarding or bonus points, potentially offsetting the need to purchase a higher fare class․ Research the card benefits and annual fees to see if it’s a good fit for your travel habits․
Impact of Dynamic Pricing
It’s important to remember that Southwest is increasingly utilizing dynamic pricing․ This means fares, including “Choice Extra,” will fluctuate based on demand, time of day, day of the week, and how far in advance you book․ Flexibility in your travel dates can often lead to significant savings․
Future Considerations
As Southwest continues to refine its new fare structure, it’s crucial to stay informed․ Monitor Southwest’s website, social media channels, and travel news outlets for updates on pricing, benefits, and any potential changes to the “Choice Extra” offering․ Customer reviews and travel blogs can also provide valuable insights into the real-world experience of flying with the new fare categories․
The landscape of Southwest Airlines travel is evolving․ While the end of open seating and the introduction of new fare categories may require some adjustments, understanding the options and weighing the benefits against the costs will empower you to make informed decisions and maximize your travel experience․ Carefully evaluate your priorities, compare the different fare options, and consider alternatives to find the best value for your individual needs․
