I figured out how Southwest credit card upgraded boarding works after a hectic return trip when I really wanted to board earlier. I paid for an upgraded boarding position at the gate, and later I noticed the charge was credited back to my Southwest credit card statement. That’s when it clicked that certain cards reimburse a set number of upgraded boarding purchases each year. On another trip, my flight time changed and I wasn’t sure if the upgrade would still apply, so I called 831-298-4213. They explained everything clearly and helped me modify my booking without any hassle, which made the perk feel much more useful.