When traveling with family—especially young children—one of the biggest concerns passengers have is whether their group will be able to sit together. With Southwest Airlines’ unique open-seating model, this concern is even more common. Many travelers wonder whether purchasing a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade can improve their chances of choosing seats together during boarding. But how does this actually work when Family Boarding is also available?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how the Southwest boarding process works, whether upgrades affect Family Boarding, and how families can strategically combine different options—including EarlyBird, Business Select, and Southwest Airlines premium cabin upgrade perks—to maximize comfort and convenience.

If you want to secure holiday deals without losing flexibility, feel free to contact the experts at My Flight Policy at +1-877-271-4004 for help finding the best combination of price and flexibility.

Quick Overview: How Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Options Influence Boarding

Southwest Airlines does not assign seats. Instead, passengers board in groups based on their boarding positions:

• A1–A15: Includes Business Select or passengers who purchase upgraded boarding

• A16–A60: Regular early check-ins

• Family Boarding: Between A and B for qualifying families

• B Group and C Group: Later boarding, fewer seat options

Because of this system, better boarding positions lead to better Southwest Airlines seat selection. This is why travelers often purchase a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade to improve their boarding group and secure preferred seats.

However, the most important question remains:Do these upgrades affect Family Boarding?Let’s break it all down.

Understanding the Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Choices

Before determining whether upgrades affect family seating, it’s important to understand what kinds of upgrades Southwest offers.

1. Business Select

This fare includes priority boarding (A1–A15), priority check-in, extra Rapid Rewards points, and added benefits. Many passengers informally refer to it as a Southwest Airlines business class upgrade or even a Southwest Airlines first class upgrade, although Southwest has no true first-class cabin.

2. Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15)

Available at the gate or during check-in on the day of departure. Gives travelers access to prime seats early.

3. EarlyBird Check-In

Automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure but does not guarantee group A boarding.

All these upgrades affect Southwest Airlines seat selection, but do they change anything for families?

Does the Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Apply to Family Boarding?

Short answer: No—Southwest upgrades do not replace or override Family Boarding.

Long answer: They still help, depending on how you use them.

Family Boarding is a special boarding window reserved for:

• 2 adults

• Traveling with a child age 6 or under

This group boards after Group A and before Group B.

Even if you buy a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade, you can still use Family Boarding if you have an eligible child. Upgrades do not remove your Family Boarding eligibility.

However, passengers who use upgrades may sometimes board before Family Boarding.

So the question becomes not whether upgrades apply, but how they interact with Family Boarding.

Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade: How It Interacts With Family Boarding 

Let’s look at different scenarios.

Scenario 1: Parents Purchase A1–A15 Boarding (Upgraded Boarding or Business Select)

If parents buy a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade and receive A1–A15, they board before Family Boarding.

But if children do not have upgraded positions, they cannot board with parents during A1–A15.

Most families wait for Family Boarding instead.

Scenario 2: Only One Parent Purchases Upgraded Boarding

Sometimes one adult chooses an upgraded boarding slot to save seats or secure overhead bin space while the rest of the family uses Family Boarding.

This is a common strategy for peak travel periods.

Scenario 3: Everyone Uses Family Boarding Only

Families with young children often skip upgrades entirely because Family Boarding already ensures better seating than Groups B and C.

Scenario 4: Family Boarding + EarlyBird Check-In

EarlyBird does not affect Family Boarding but is helpful if:

• Your child is older than 6

• You are traveling without a child

• You want a backup in case you miss the Family Boarding announcement

This combo offers peace of mind without paying for A1–A15 boarding.

Can a Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Guarantee Seats Together?

This is one of the most important questions families ask.

The answer: No upgrade can guarantee seats together—but it dramatically improves your odds.

Why?

Southwest does not pre-assign seats. Even with a Southwest Airlines premium cabin upgrade, seats remain first-come, first-served.

However, upgrades can still help:

• Earlier boarding = more available seats

Perfect for finding a full row for the family.

• More control over Southwest Airlines seat selection

Parents can choose window/aisle seats or front-of-cabin locations.

• Less stress during peak travel seasons

Especially popular during summer and holidays.

• Better chance to sit in the same row

Boarding later makes this extremely difficult.

So while upgrades don’t directly change Family Boarding rules, they make family seating easier.

Family Boarding vs. Upgraded Boarding: Which Is Better?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Families with eligible young children will find Family Boarding better than EarlyBird and almost as effective as many Southwest Airlines seat upgrade options—except for the A1–A15 slots.

How to Strategically Combine Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Options

Families can combine upgrades with Family Boarding to maximize benefits.

Best Strategy for Young Kids (Age 6 and Under)

✔ Use Family Boarding✔ Add EarlyBird as a backup✔ Upgrade only if flights are extremely full

Best Strategy for Older Kids (Age 7+)

✔ Buy EarlyBird or Upgraded Boarding✔ Use Business Select for priority✔ Board early enough to choose seats together

Best Strategy to Secure Luggage Space

✔ One parent purchases Upgraded Boarding✔ The rest board during Family Boarding

During holidays and high-traffic travel dates, upgrades offer an extra layer of assurance.

Christmas Flight Deals 50% Off — Family Boarding Tips During Peak Travel

During holiday seasons, Southwest sees a surge in family travelers, and flights fill up quickly. This is when combining a Southwest Airlines seat upgrade with Family Boarding is most effective.

Many families take advantage of seasonal promos similar to Southwest Airlines New Booking specials or holiday fare discounts. During such times, flights are often full, and the competition for good seats increases.

If you need help relocating seats, confirming upgrade availability, or navigating peak-season boarding rules, you can speak with an expert at My Flight Policy at +1-877-271-4004 for real-time guidance.

Does Southwest Airlines Have a First Class or Premium Cabin for Families?

Southwest does not operate a traditional first-class cabin, but some of its fare types offer high-tier perks.

Here’s how each is perceived:

• Southwest Airlines premium cabin upgrade → usually refers to Business Select

• Southwest Airlines business class upgrade → another informal term for Business Select

• Southwest Airlines first class upgrade → often used by travelers to describe A1–A15 boarding or Business Select

However, remember:

Even with these upgrades, seating is still open. No seats are bigger or separated into cabins.

The upgrade value is in boarding position and flexibility, not seat type.

Final Answer: Does the Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade Apply to Family Boarding?

Yes—but only indirectly.

A Southwest Airlines seat upgrade:

✔ Helps families board earlier✔ Improves seat selection✔ Supports group seating✔ Provides flexibility during busy flights

However:

✘ It does not replace Family Boarding✘ It does not give special seating privileges✘ Kids without upgrades cannot board in A1–A15

Family Boarding remains your primary tool for keeping your family seated together, while upgrades serve as helpful enhancements.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling with children, understanding how the Southwest Airlines seat upgrade works with Family Boarding can make your trip significantly smoother. Whether you choose EarlyBird, Upgraded Boarding, or Business Select—often viewed as a Southwest Airlines business class upgrade or premium cabin upgrade—each option can offer a better boarding experience.

But the best strategy for most families is to use Family Boarding first and upgrades as needed for seat flexibility or overhead bin space.

For personalized guidance, booking support, flight changes, or upgrade assistance, contact My Flight Policy at +1-877-271-4004. Our experts are here to help you plan a stress-free and comfortable family trip.