Here are some strategies to obtain a good southwest airline seat upgrade.

Because Southwest Airlines don’t have designated seats, but provides boarding areas on the idea of how soon you board your flight, it’s long been known that an early check-in (preferably online) is the key to getting a good seat.

Purchase a first- or business-class airfare on a low-cost airline: Some domestic budget airlines offer business- or first-class airfare at a better discount than what the legacy lines charge (or would charge, absent the competition).

Right now, AirTran, America West, Spirit, and Sun Country offer (relatively) low-budget business- or first-class choices.
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