Decoding Your Flight Comfort: A Comprehensive Guide to Southwest Airlines Seat Sizes
Ever found yourself squished on a plane, wondering if your knees will survive the flight, or if you'll be practically sharing a seat with your neighbor? You're not alone! Airline seat sizes are a frequent concern for travelers, and Southwest Airlines, with its unique open-seating policy, often sparks questions about just how much space you can expect. This lengthy guide will break down everything you need to know about Southwest's seat dimensions, helping you prepare for a comfortable (or at least manageable) journey.
Let's dive in and demystify the seating situation on your next Southwest flight!
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Detective: What Matters Most to You?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty numbers, let's consider what "big" means to you. Are you a towering individual whose primary concern is legroom? Or perhaps you're broad-shouldered and worry more about seat width? Maybe you just want enough space to comfortably cross your legs. Understanding your personal priorities will help you interpret the dimensions and manage your expectations.
Legroom (Seat Pitch): This is the distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat directly in front or behind it. A higher number here means more space for your knees.
Seat Width: This is the measurement of the seat cushion itself, from armrest to armrest. A wider seat means more room for your hips and a less "squished" feeling.
Overall Comfort: This is a subjective measure, influenced by padding, recline, and even the overall cabin design. While numbers can tell us a lot, personal experience often fills in the gaps.
Think about your past flying experiences. What bothered you most? Was it the lack of knee space, the feeling of being too close to your neighbor, or something else entirely? Keep that in mind as we explore the details!
Step 2: Unveiling the Numbers: Southwest's Standard Seat Dimensions
Southwest Airlines primarily operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, including the 737-700, 737-800, and the newer 737 MAX 8. While there can be slight variations, the general dimensions are fairly consistent across their fleet.
Sub-heading: The Tale of Two Key Measurements
Seat Width: Southwest Airlines seats generally range from 17 to 17.8 inches wide.
On the Boeing 737-700, you'll typically find seats around 17 inches wide.
On the Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8, some newer seat designs are slightly wider, around 17.8 inches. Southwest has stated that these newer seats, while perhaps appearing thinner, are designed to offer comparable comfort and sometimes even a slightly wider cushion due to narrower armrests.
Seat Pitch (Legroom): This is where Southwest often gets a good reputation among budget airlines. Their standard seat pitch typically falls between 31 and 33 inches.
The Boeing 737-700 usually has a seat pitch of 31 inches.
The Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 generally offer a seat pitch of 32-33 inches in standard economy.
Sub-heading: Are These Dimensions "Good" or "Bad"?
Compared to some other budget carriers, Southwest's standard seat pitch is often considered quite respectable. Many ultra-low-cost airlines offer seat pitches as low as 28-29 inches, which can feel incredibly cramped, especially for taller individuals.
However, it's important to note that while the seat cushion width might seem standard, the design of the seat itself can impact how spacious it feels. Thinner seatbacks and redesigned armrests, while aiming to maximize space, can sometimes lead to a perception of less overall room.
Step 3: Navigating the Nuances: Beyond the Basic Measurements
While the core dimensions give us a good baseline, there are other factors that influence your perceived comfort on a Southwest flight.
Sub-heading: The Impact of Southwest's Open Seating Policy
Southwest's legendary open-seating policy means there are no assigned seats (at least, not yet for all flights, as changes are being rolled out for Q1 2026 travel). This can be both a blessing and a curse.
The Blessing: If you board early (e.g., with A-group boarding or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In), you have a better chance of snagging a coveted exit row or bulkhead seat, which often offer significantly more legroom. You can also scope out rows with fewer passengers to maximize your personal space.
The Curse: If you board late, especially on a full flight, you might be left with a middle seat between two larger individuals, making those standard dimensions feel much smaller than they are. This is why many experienced Southwest travelers emphasize the importance of boarding position.
Sub-heading: The Game Changer: Extra Legroom Seats (Coming Soon!)
In a significant shift, Southwest is introducing Extra Legroom seats and moving towards assigned seating on all flights, with booking available in Q3 2025 for travel beginning in Q1 2026. This is a game-changer for those seeking more space.
These "Extra Legroom" seats are expected to offer up to five additional inches of seat pitch compared to standard seats. This could mean a seat pitch of up to 34 inches or more in these designated rows.
These seats will be located at the front of the cabin and in exit rows.
Southwest anticipates roughly one-third of seats across their fleet will eventually offer this extended legroom.
This new development is crucial for travelers who prioritize legroom and are willing to pay a bit extra for it. It directly addresses a common pain point for many passengers.
Sub-heading: The "Customer of Size" Policy
Southwest has a long-standing and highly regarded "Customer of Size" policy. If you are a passenger who encroaches upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) (defined by the armrest), Southwest encourages you to proactively purchase an additional seat. The good news? You can request a refund for this extra seat after travel is complete, provided the flight was not full and the additional space wasn't needed. This policy aims to ensure comfort for all passengers.
Step 4: Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Southwest Seating Experience
Given Southwest's open-seating model (and the upcoming assigned seating with premium options), here are some strategies to make your flight as comfortable as possible:
Sub-heading: Before You Fly
Consider Your Fare Type (for future travel): Once assigned seating rolls out, look into fare types that include or allow for the selection of Extra Legroom or Preferred seats if space is a priority.
EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select (for current flights): If you're flying before the full rollout of assigned seating, these options allow you to board earlier, giving you a better chance to choose your preferred seat, like an aisle, window, or exit row.
Check the Aircraft Type: While Southwest primarily uses 737s, knowing whether you're on a 737-700, 737-800, or MAX 8 can give you a slight indication of potential seat pitch.
Pack Smart: A smaller personal item that fits completely under the seat in front of you means more legroom for your feet.
Sub-heading: At the Airport and Onboard
Arrive Early: For current open seating, getting to your gate early and being among the first to board (if you have an A group boarding pass) is your best bet for seat selection.
Scan the Cabin: Once you board, quickly assess the cabin for empty middle seats, or rows with fewer passengers.
Exit Rows: If you meet the safety requirements, the exit rows offer the most legroom. Be aware that armrests in exit rows often contain the tray table, so they may not lift up.
Bulkhead Seats: The very first row of the plane (the bulkhead row) also offers ample legroom as there's no seat in front of you. However, the trade-off is often immovable armrests, and you'll need to store all belongings in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
Communicate (Politely!): If you're traveling with family or need specific accommodations, don't hesitate to speak to a Gate Agent or Flight Attendant. They are there to help, especially with Southwest's new policies for seating children with accompanying adults.
Step 5: A Word on Comfort and Expectations
Ultimately, airline seat comfort is a balance of dimensions, seat design, personal preference, and even the length of your flight. While Southwest's standard seats might not be "spacious" in the grand scheme of air travel, they are often considered more comfortable than many direct competitors in the low-cost carrier segment.
The introduction of Extra Legroom seats marks a significant evolution for Southwest, offering passengers more control over their comfort level. While the classic "free-for-all" boarding experience is shifting, the airline aims to maintain its value proposition while addressing customer desires for more predictable and comfortable seating options.
Remember, even a few extra inches can make a world of difference on a long flight! By understanding Southwest's seat sizes and leveraging the tips above, you can significantly enhance your travel experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to determine the exact seat dimensions for my specific Southwest flight?
While general ranges are provided, Southwest does not typically publish exact seat dimensions for individual flights. You can use resources like SeatGuru.com by entering your flight details; however, keep in mind that aircraft swaps can occur.
How to get an extra legroom seat on Southwest Airlines?
For travel beginning Q1 2026, you will be able to select "Extra Legroom" seats when booking your flight, potentially for an additional fee, as part of Southwest's new assigned seating policy. Before then, getting an early boarding position (e.g., with Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In) is your best bet to try and snag an exit row or bulkhead seat.
How to manage limited armrest space on Southwest Airlines?
If you're in a middle seat, politely communicate with your seatmates to establish armrest "ownership." On bulkhead and exit row seats, armrests are often immovable as they contain the tray table.
How to get a refund for an extra seat purchased as a Customer of Size on Southwest?
After your travel is complete, you can submit a request for a refund of the cost of the additional seat through Southwest's customer service channels. This refund is typically granted if there was available space on the flight and the extra seat wasn't needed to accommodate other passengers.
How to ensure my child sits with me on a Southwest flight?
Southwest has a policy to endeavor to seat a child (age six and younger) next to at least one accompanying adult. For children aged seven to 13, they will also endeavor to seat them next to an adult. Speak to a Gate Agent or Flight Attendant if you need assistance.
How to find the widest seats on Southwest Airlines?
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 and some retrofitted Boeing 737-800 aircraft may have slightly wider seats (around 17.8 inches) due to newer designs. However, the difference is minimal.
How to prepare for a Southwest flight if I am a tall traveler?
For tall travelers, aiming for an exit row or bulkhead seat is crucial for maximizing legroom. Consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare to improve your chances of securing one of these seats, especially before assigned seating is fully implemented.
How to make a Southwest Airlines seat more comfortable?
Bring a neck pillow and a small, soft blanket or sweater for added cushioning. If you have an aisle seat, you might be able to stretch your legs into the aisle periodically (when safe and clear).
How to understand Southwest's new assigned seating policy?
Southwest is transitioning to assigned seating and introducing "Extra Legroom" and "Preferred" seat options. You will be able to choose your seat at the time of booking, with different fare bundles offering varying levels of seat selection flexibility, for travel beginning Q1 2026.
How to know if my Southwest flight will have in-seat power or entertainment?
Southwest is in the process of upgrading its cabins to include in-seat power (USB/USB-C outlets) and larger overhead bins. While many newer aircraft (especially the MAX 8) have these features, it's not guaranteed on all flights. Southwest primarily offers in-flight entertainment via streaming to your personal device.
