Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus vs Anytime vs Business Select differences

Choosing the right Southwest Airlines fare can significantly affect how much flexibility, value, and comfort you get from your trip. While Southwest keeps its fare structure simpler than most U.S. airlines, many travelers still struggle to understand the real differences between Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select—especially when it comes to refunds, flight changes, boarding priority, and Rapid Rewards points.

This in-depth guide breaks down Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus vs Anytime vs Business Select in plain language, backed by official Southwest policies, consumer-advocacy principles, and real-world travel scenarios. By the end, you’ll know exactly which fare type best matches your budget, travel flexibility, and priorities.

Understanding Southwest’s Fare Philosophy

Southwest Airlines operates differently from most U.S. carriers:

• No basic economy
• No change fees
• No assigned seating
• Two free checked bags

According to Consumer Reports and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Southwest consistently ranks high for transparency and customer satisfaction due to these consumer-friendly policies.

However, fare differences still matter—especially when plans change or time is critical.

Overview of Southwest Fare Types

Southwest currently sells four fare types:

1. Wanna Get Away (basic, non-refundable)
2. Wanna Get Away Plus
3. Anytime
4. Business Select

This article focuses on the three most commonly compared flexible fares:

• Wanna Get Away Plus
• Anytime
• Business Select

Quick Comparison Table: Wanna Get Away Plus vs Anytime vs Business Select

Source: Southwest Airlines official fare rules and Rapid Rewards program terms.

What Is Wanna Get Away Plus?

Core Features

Wanna Get Away Plus is designed for travelers who want affordability with flexibility, especially when plans may change.

Key benefits:

• Transferable flight credits
• No change fees
• Same-day standby allowed
• Earns Rapid Rewards points

Unlike standard Wanna Get Away fares, credits do not expire with the original passenger.

Refund & Cancellation Rules (Wanna Get Away Plus)

• Not refundable to original payment
• Cancel → receive transferable flight credit
• Credit does not expire
• Can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards member

This makes it ideal for families or group planners.

Who Should Choose Wanna Get Away Plus?

Best for:

• Leisure travelers with uncertain plans
• Families booking multiple tickets
• Travelers who may need to transfer credits
• Budget-conscious flyers who still want flexibility

Real-world example:
A family books summer flights months ahead. If one traveler can’t go, the credit can be transferred to another family member—something not allowed with Anytime or Business Select.

What Is Anytime Fare?

Anytime fares sit between Wanna Get Away Plus and Business Select in price and benefits.

Key advantages:

• Fully refundable to original form of payment
• Priority boarding (A-group)
• Same-day standby included
• Higher Rapid Rewards earning

Refund & Change Rules (Anytime)

• Refundable to original payment method
• No change fees
• Credits (if canceled) cannot be transferred
• Same-day confirmed change not included

Who Should Choose Anytime?

Best for:

• Travelers with unpredictable schedules
• Corporate travelers who may cancel
• People needing refundable tickets without premium extras

According to Harvard Business Review, refundable fares reduce risk and stress for professionals managing uncertain itineraries.

What Is Business Select?

Core Features

Business Select is Southwest’s most premium fare, optimized for time-sensitive and business travelers.

Exclusive benefits:

• A1–A15 boarding position
• Priority security lane (where available)
• Free premium drink onboard
• Same-day confirmed flight changes
• Highest Rapid Rewards earning rate

Refund & Change Rules (Business Select)

• Fully refundable
• Same-day confirmed changes at no extra cost
• Highest flexibility of all fare types

Who Should Choose Business Select?

Best for:

• Business travelers
• Frequent flyers
• Travelers who need guaranteed early boarding
• Those valuing time over cost

Example:
A consultant flying same-day meetings can switch flights instantly without waiting on standby.

Boarding Differences Explained

Southwest does not assign seats—boarding position is critical.

Boarding Priority Breakdown

• Wanna Get Away Plus: Standard boarding (B or C group likely)
• Anytime: A-group boarding
• Business Select: A1–A15 (best possible)

Early boarding increases your chance of:

• Overhead bin space
• Preferred seating (front or exit rows)

Rapid Rewards Points Comparison

Same-Day Travel Changes: Critical Differences

Same-Day Standby

Available on all three fares:

• Fly earlier/later same day
• No fare difference charged
• Seat not guaranteed

Same-Day Confirmed Change

Only included with:

• Business Select

This allows guaranteed seat confirmation on another flight.

Price Differences (What to Expect)

While prices vary by route and season:

• Wanna Get Away Plus: ~10–20% more than Wanna Get Away
• Anytime: ~25–40% more
• Business Select: ~50–70% more

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on exact price percentages, but historical fare tracking supports these ranges.

Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Fare

Step 1: Assess Your Flexibility

• Plans uncertain? → Wanna Get Away Plus

• Need refund? → Anytime

• Time-critical travel? → Business Select

Step 2: Evaluate Boarding Importance

• Carry-on only? Early boarding matters
• Checking bags? Less critical

Step 3: Consider Credit Use

• Want transferable credits? → Wanna Get Away Plus
• Corporate reimbursement? → Anytime or Business Select

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

• Paying for Business Select when A-group boarding would suffice
• Choosing Anytime instead of Wanna Get Away Plus when refunds aren’t needed
• Ignoring transferable credit benefits

Expert Travel Tips

• Upgrade selectively: Business Select often costs less than buying EarlyBird + fare difference.
• Watch fare drops: Southwest allows free re-pricing.
• Use Wanna Get Away Plus for group bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Wanna Get Away Plus refundable?

No. It provides transferable flight credit instead.

2. Can I transfer Anytime flight credit?

No. Only Wanna Get Away Plus credits are transferable.

3. Does Business Select guarantee a seat?

Yes, including same-day confirmed changes.

4. Which fare earns the most Rapid Rewards points?

Business Select.

5. Is Business Select worth the price?

For business or time-sensitive travelers, yes.

6. Can I upgrade from Wanna Get Away Plus to Business Select?

Yes, by paying the fare difference.

7. Does Anytime include EarlyBird Check-In?

It includes A-group boarding, which is better.

8. Which fare is best for families?

Wanna Get Away Plus due to transferable credits.

9. Are same-day changes free?

Yes, but confirmed changes are Business Select only.

10. Do these fares include free bags?

Yes—two checked bags on all fares.

Final Verdict: Which Southwest Fare Is Best?

• Choose Wanna Get Away Plus if you want flexibility without overpaying.
• Choose Anytime if refunds matter more than perks.
• Choose Business Select if time, comfort, and boarding priority are critical.

Southwest’s transparent fare structure gives travelers more control than most airlines—if you understand the differences.