If you’ve asked yourself this while booking a flight, you’re not alone. Southwest Airlines offers four distinct fare types each designed for a different kind of traveler. Whether you’re chasing the lowest price, need full flexibility, or want premium perks for a business trip, this 2026 breakdown tells you exactly what you get before you book.
Quick Comparison: Southwest Fare Types at a Glance (2026)
| Feature | Wanna Get Away | Wanna Get Away Plus | Anytime | Business Select |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Level | Lowest | Low–Mid | Mid–High | Highest |
| Refundable | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Flight Credit | 6 months | 12 months (transferable) | 12 months (transferable) | 12 months (transferable) |
| Rapid Rewards Points | 2 pts/$1 | 6 pts/$1 | 10 pts/$1 | 14 pts/$1 |
| Same-Day Change | ❌ No | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| EarlyBird Check-In | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Priority Boarding | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ A1–A15 guaranteed |
| Free Inflight WiFi | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Complimentary Drink | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (250+ mi routes) |
| 2 Free Checked Bags | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
What Is the Wanna Get Away Fare?
The Wanna Get Away fare is Southwest’s lowest-priced ticket built for budget-conscious leisure travelers who don’t need maximum flexibility. It’s the fare most people see advertised in flash sales and on the Low Fare Calendar.
Who It’s Best For
Travelers with fixed plans who are confident they won’t need to cancel or change their flight.
Benefits & Policies
- Lowest fare tier across all Southwest fare types
- Earn 2 Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on the base fare
- Includes 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item at no charge
- Free inflight entertainment: movies, live TV, and messaging
- Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to receive a flight credit
- Flight credit is valid for 6 months from the original booking date
- Not refundable credit only, no cash refund
- No same-day change or standby service
- Flight changes require upgrading to Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select
💡 FlyingTip: Wanna Get Away fares are ideal for non-refundable bookings when you're confident in your plans. If there's any chance you'll need to change, consider Wanna Get Away Plus the upgrade cost is often minimal.
What Is the Wanna Get Away Plus Fare?
Wanna Get Away Plus is Southwest’s step-up fare offering meaningfully more flexibility than the base fare without jumping to a premium price. It’s the sweet spot for travelers who want added protection at a reasonable cost.
Note: For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, updated credit and policy terms apply (detailed below).
Who It’s Best For
Travelers who want budget-friendly pricing but need the option to make same-day changes or transfer credits.
Benefits & Policies
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| 12-Month Transferable Flight Credit™ | Cancel and transfer your credit to any Rapid Rewards® member- a unique perk not offered at the base fare level |
| Free Same-Day Confirmed Changes | Change your flight on the day of travel with no airline fee (taxes and fees may apply) |
| Earn 6 Rapid Rewards Points/$1 | 3x more points than Wanna Get Away- better for Rapid Rewards members |
| Free Inflight Entertainment | Movies, live TV, and messaging included |
| Carry-On + Personal Item | Both fly free |
💡 FlyingTip: The transferable flight credit is Wanna Get Away Plus’s standout feature if you cancel, someone else in your household or travel group can use the credit. This makes it especially practical for group travel bookings.
What Is the Southwest Anytime Fare?
The Southwest Anytime Fare is Southwest’s mid-to-premium tier fully refundable and packed with convenience perks. If you’re wondering what “Anytime” means on Southwest: it means you can cancel or change at any time (at least 10 minutes before departure) and get a full cash refund back to your original payment method.
Who It’s Best For
Travelers with unpredictable schedules frequent flyers, last-minute bookers, and anyone who needs guaranteed flexibility without paying for Business Select.
Benefits & Policies
- ✅ Fully refundable: cancel 10+ minutes before departure for a full refund to your original payment method
- ✅ EarlyBird Check-In® included: automatic check-in 36 hours before departure for a better boarding position
- ✅ 10 Rapid Rewards points per $1 on base fare ideal for frequent flyers
- ✅ Free same-day confirmed change: switch flights on your travel day at no airline charge
- ✅ Transferable Flight Credit™:12-month validity, transferable to any Rapid Rewards member
- ✅ Priority check-in and security express lanes (where available)
- ✅ 1 carry-on + 1 personal item fly free
- ✅ Free inflight entertainment: live TV, movies, messaging
💡 FlyingTip: If the price gap between Anytime and Business Select is small on your route, consider the upgrade — Business Select adds guaranteed A1–A15 boarding and free WiFi, which Anytime does not include.
What Is the Southwest Business Select Fare?
Business Select is Southwest’s top-tier fare offering the maximum in flexibility, comfort, and Rapid Rewards earning. It’s designed for business travelers and frequent flyers who want guaranteed priority boarding, full refundability, and premium onboard perks every time they fly.
Who It’s Best For
Frequent business travelers, Rapid Rewards maximizers, and anyone who values guaranteed early boarding and full cancellation flexibility.
Benefits & Policies
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Priority Boarding (A1–A15) | Guaranteed first-to-board status — best seat selection on every flight |
| 100% Refundable | Full refund to original payment method if canceled 10+ minutes before departure |
| 14 Rapid Rewards Points/$1 | Highest earning rate of any Southwest fare — 7x more than Wanna Get Away |
| Free Inflight WiFi | Complimentary internet access on every flight |
| Complimentary Premium Drink | One free alcoholic or premium beverage on flights over 250 miles |
| 2 Free Checked Bags | Same as all Southwest fares |
| All Anytime Fare Benefits | Includes EarlyBird Check-In®, same-day changes, transferable credit, priority lanes |
⚠️ Refund policy note: To qualify for a refund on Business Select, you must cancel at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Missing your flight without prior cancellation may result in forfeited funds.
How to Choose the Right Southwest Fare?
Here’s a practical decision framework based on the most common traveler situations:
Choose Wanna Get Away if:
- You have firm, non-negotiable travel dates
- You’re traveling for leisure on a tight budget
- You’re comfortable with travel credit (not cash) if plans change
Choose Wanna Get Away Plus if:
- You want same-day change flexibility without a premium price
- You’re booking for a group and want transferable credits
- You’re a Rapid Rewards member who wants to earn more points
Choose Anytime if:
- Your schedule is unpredictable or work-dependent
- You want a cash refund option, not just flight credit
- You book last-minute frequently and need guaranteed flexibility
Choose Business Select if:
- You fly Southwest regularly for business
- Priority boarding (and seat choice) matters to you
- You want to maximize Rapid Rewards points on every trip
- Free WiFi is important for productivity in the air
How to Book Southwest Fare Types in 2026?
- Visit southwest.com or open the Southwest mobile app
- Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and passenger count
- Select one-way, round-trip, or multi-city
- Browse available flights fare tiers (Wanna Get Away, WGA+, Anytime, Business Select) display side by side with prices
- Select your fare and add optional extras (EarlyBird Check-In if not included, trip insurance)
- Enter passenger and payment details
- Receive your confirmation email save your confirmation number for Manage Booking access
✈️ Pro Tip: You can upgrade your fare type after booking by paying the difference. If your plans become uncertain after booking Wanna Get Away, upgrading to Wanna Get Away Plus secures same-day change and a longer, transferable flight credit.
Can I Upgrade My Southwest Fare After Booking?
Yes. You can upgrade from a lower fare to a higher one at any time by paying the fare difference. For example:
- Wanna Get Away → Wanna Get Away Plus
- Wanna Get Away → Anytime
- Wanna Get Away Plus → Business Select
You cannot downgrade to a lower fare class after booking.
Final Thoughts: Southwest Fare Types in 2026
Southwest’s four-fare structure gives every type of traveler a clear, honest choice no hidden fees, no fare class confusion. From the budget-first Wanna Get Away to the all-in Business Select, each tier is built around a specific kind of traveler.
The short version:
- Saving money, firm plans? → Wanna Get Away
- Budget + some flexibility? → Wanna Get Away Plus
- Full flexibility, cash refunds? → Anytime
- Premium perks, maximum points? → Business Select
Use the comparison table at the top of this guide to match your needs to the right fare before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions: Southwest Fare Types 2026
What is the difference between Anytime and Wanna Get Away on Southwest?
Anytime fares are fully refundable to your original payment method and include EarlyBird Check-In® and same-day confirmed changes. Wanna Get Away fares are cheaper but non-refundable cancellations yield a flight credit (6 months), not cash.
Are any Southwest fares refundable?
Yes. Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable if cancelled at least 10 minutes before departure. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus offer flight credits, not cash refunds.
Can I get a Business Select refund if I miss my flight?
No. You must cancel at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure to receive a refund. If you miss the flight without cancelling, your fare may be forfeited.
Which Southwest fare earns the most Rapid Rewards points?
Business Select earns 14 points per $1 spent on the base fare the highest of any fare type. Anytime earns 10 pts/$1, Wanna Get Away Plus earns 6 pts/$1, and Wanna Get Away earns 2 pts/$1.
How do I find out which fare type I booked?
Check your booking confirmation email or log in to your Southwest account and view your trip details the fare class is listed there.
Is Wanna Get Away Plus worth it over Wanna Get Away?
For most travelers, yes especially if there’s any chance of schedule changes. The transferable 12-month flight credit and free same-day change are meaningfully better than WGA’s 6-month non-transferable credit, often for a small price difference.
Does Southwest charge fees to change flights?
No. Southwest charges no change fees on any fare type. You only pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more. If it costs less, you receive a travel credit for the difference.
This guide reflects Southwest Airlines’ fare policies as of 2026. Fare benefits and prices are subject to change always verify current details at southwest.com before booking.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
