What to Expect Flying the Southwest 737-800 in 2026

For frequent flyers and occasional vacationers alike, the Boeing 737-800 is a familiar sight. This aircraft serves as the reliable backbone of the Southwest Airlines fleet, flying high-demand routes across the country. With recent overhauls to the airline’s historical boarding and seating policies, understanding the cabin layout is more important than ever.

What is the seating layout on the Southwest 737-800?

The Southwest Boeing 737-800 cabin layout features 175 economy seats arranged in a single-aisle, 3-3 configuration. Passengers can expect an average seat width of 17.8 inches and a standard seat pitch of 31 inches, with Extra Legroom seats offering up to 35 inches of pitch [Southwest Airlines, 2026].

Southwest Airlines divides these 175 seats into three distinct assigned seating zones: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard.

• Extra Legroom (46 seats): Found in rows 1–5, 6A-C, and exit rows 14–16. These provide 34 to 35 inches of pitch.
• Preferred (45 seats): Found in rows 6D-F and 7–13. These offer a 31-inch pitch but allow for faster deplaning.
• Standard (84 seats): Found in rows 17–30. These provide the baseline 31-inch pitch and standard service [SeatCompare, 2026].

Southwest 737-800 Seat Dimensions

How does the new assigned seating system work?

Starting in early 2026, Southwest Airlines officially replaced its legacy open-seating model with assigned seating. Passengers now choose or are assigned a specific seat based on their purchased fare class, prioritizing Extra Legroom and Preferred zones for higher-tier tickets [SeatCompare, 2026].

Choose a Choice Extra fare if securing Extra Legroom and complimentary premium beverages matters most to you. Alternatively, select a basic fare if you want the lowest cost and do not mind sitting in a randomly assigned Standard seat at the back of the plane.

Assigned Seating Breakdown

What in-flight amenities are available on the 737-800?

Passengers flying on the Southwest Boeing 737-800 have access to complimentary streaming entertainment via their personal devices, free non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks. Rapid Rewards members receive free WiFi, while non-members pay a flat fee of $8 per device [One Mile at a Time, 2022].

Southwest does not offer seatback screens, so you must bring a fully charged smartphone or tablet. The airline serves basic snacks, such as a snack mix or Wonderful Pistachios for premium passengers, but does not sell fresh food onboard.

Are there power outlets on the Southwest 737-800?

Most Southwest Boeing 737-800 aircraft feature the older “Heart” interior, which does not have power outlets. However, a small but growing number of retrofitted “Elevate” interiors provide USB-A and USB-C charging ports at every seat [SeatCompare, 2026].

If you are flying on a standard Heart interior, bring a portable battery bank to keep your devices charged.

Heart vs. Elevate Interior

Which are the best and worst seats on this aircraft?

The best seats on the Southwest 737-800 are 16A and 16F due to their unlimited legroom, while the worst seats are in Row 13 and Rows 29–30 because they lack recline and sit adjacent to the lavatories [SeatCompare, 2026].

• Best for Legroom: Seats 16A and 16F have no seat directly in front of them, offering maximum stretch space.
• Best for Quick Exits: Seats 1D, 1E, and 1F are in the very first row, meaning you will be the first passenger off the aircraft.
• Worst for Comfort: Avoid Row 13 completely. Because it sits directly in front of the emergency exit, the seats do not recline.

How does the 737-800 compare to the 737-700 and MAX 8?

The Boeing 737-800 holds 175 passengers, making it significantly larger than the older 737-700, which holds only 137 passengers. The 737-800 shares the exact same 175-seat capacity and general layout as the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8 [Southwest Airlines, 2026].

Choose the 737-800 or MAX 8 over the 737-700 if you prefer a slightly wider seat. The 737-800 offers a maximum seat width of 17.8 inches, compared to the 17.0-inch width found on the older 737-700 aircraft.

What do real passengers say about the experience?

Customer reviews for the Southwest 737-800 highlight the generous 31-inch standard pitch and friendly cabin crews, though many criticize the lack of power outlets and the occasionally unreliable WiFi connectivity [One Mile at a Time, 2022].

According to verified reviews, passengers appreciate the affordable pricing and flexible baggage policies. However, business travelers often note that the lack of device holders and power outlets makes working on a laptop difficult during longer flights.

Deciding if the Southwest 737-800 fits your travel needs

The Southwest 737-800 remains a highly competitive option for domestic travel, especially with the introduction of assigned seating and distinct Extra Legroom zones. By understanding the cabin layout, you can easily secure a comfortable seat that matches your budget. Always remember to pack a portable charger, download the airline’s app for entertainment, and book a Choice Extra fare if you want to guarantee maximum legroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Southwest 737-700 seat map differences?

The Boeing 737-700 carries 137 passengers compared to the 737-800’s 175. It features only two lavatories instead of three and has narrower seats with a maximum width of 17.0 inches [Southwest Airlines, 2026].

What is the Southwest 737-700 best seat?

The best seats on the Southwest 737-700 are located in the exit row (typically Row 12) or the bulkhead (Row 1), as these provide the maximum available legroom.

Where are the Southwest 737-700 extra legroom seats?

On the Boeing 737-700, Southwest designates the bulkhead (Row 1) and the overwing exit rows as Extra Legroom seats, offering between 35 and 36 inches of pitch.

What are the best seats on Southwest?

Across most of the fleet, the best seats are the Extra Legroom window and aisle seats in the exit rows (like 16A and 16F on the 737-800) because they offer unlimited legroom and full recline.

Which seats are bigger on Southwest?

All standard seats on the 737-800 and MAX 8 are 17.8 inches wide. Extra Legroom seats are not wider, but they provide a longer pitch (34-35 inches) compared to the standard 31 inches.

Can a 300 lb person fit in an airline seat?

A 300 lb person may find a standard 17.8-inch seat tight. Southwest offers a “Customer of Size” policy, allowing passengers who extend past the armrest to purchase an extra seat and request a refund after the flight.