Upgrading seats at booking

[Dznypal]

Sorry but I think I asked this before but unfortunately I can’t find it

Anyways the SW flights have come down to a somewhat reasonable fare
Going down were on the old policy but coming home is the new
I’m planning on getting the next fare up I think it’s called basic
Which includes a standard seat at booking but I’d like to upgrade the seat to preferred or more keg room
Now will I be able to upgrade when I book.

 

[MikeF;NJ]

I just did a test booking on the Southwest website (didn't go past the seat selection screen).

Basic is the cheapest fare which gives you an assigned seat at check-in. Choice is the next level up that includes the Standard seat at booking. However, when you get to the seat selection screen, when booking Choice, all seats are available. If a seat is Preferred, or Extra Legroom, it will also show you how much it will cost to select that upgraded seat. I have not compared the seat upgrade price to the cost of selecting the category upgrade on the flight selection screen.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I would recommend reading the SW thread pinned to the top of this board and possibly asking your question there if you can’t find an answer in the most recent pages of that thread. It is an extremely active thread with many knowledgeable and helpful people who can help answer your questions.

 

[eticketplease]

I’m planning on getting the next fare up I think it’s called basic
Which includes a standard seat at booking but I’d like to upgrade the seat to preferred or more keg room

While the cheapest and most restrictive the BASIC fare, does include a standard seat at booking it is not one that you can choose. Your seat number will be assigned at check-in.

You can upgrade to the standard seats that are closer to the front, preferred seats which are closer yet or the extra leg room which are all in the very front.

While you can upgrade if you cancel you would not be refunded for that extra cost.

The basic fare will only come with a 6 month credit if you cancel. That 6 months starts when you booked your flight and travel must be completed by that 6 month period.

Most people would recommend at minimum the choice fare as if needing to cancel you would be issued a credit for 12 months and you can actually select your standard seat at check-in rather than SW assigning it for you.