I was flying home for a special occasion last month and really wanted a stress-free experience, so I decided to upgrade my position at the last minute. I simply opened the Southwest app about 45 minutes before my flight and checked for "Upgraded Boarding." For a small fee, I jumped from a middle seat in the C-group to an A-15 spot! It felt so good to board first and snag that extra legroom without a hassle.
Checking the app right before you board is naturally the best way to secure a better seat. If you change your mind earlier, you can also modify your entire fare class to "Business Select" through their website!