Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever wondered how many people fit onto a Southwest Airlines plane? It's a great question, especially with their unique open seating policy. Unlike most airlines that assign seats, Southwest lets you pick your spot as you board. This guide will break down exactly how many seats Southwest's fleet of Boeing 737s typically has and give you a clear picture of what to expect on your next flight.
Let's dive in and unravel the seating mysteries of Southwest Airlines!
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Unique Approach to Seating
First things first, it's crucial to grasp that Southwest doesn't have assigned seating. This is the defining characteristic of their boarding and seating process. When you check in, you'll receive a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position within that group (e.g., A35). Your goal is to board as early as possible within your group to snag your preferred seat. No fighting over window or aisle seats beforehand – it's all about timing at the gate!
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| How Many Seats Does Southwest Airlines Have |
Step 2: Identifying Southwest's Core Fleet: The Boeing 737 Family
Southwest Airlines is famous for operating an all-Boeing 737 fleet. This simplifies things considerably when talking about seat counts. They don't have a mix of Airbus, Embraer, or other aircraft types. Currently, their fleet primarily consists of three main variants of the Boeing 737:
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Boeing 737-700 (737)
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Boeing 737-800 (738)
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Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8)
Each of these aircraft types has a different seating capacity, which we'll explore in detail.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
Step 3: Unpacking the Seating Capacity by Aircraft Type
Here's the breakdown of how many seats you'll find on each of Southwest's primary aircraft models:
Sub-heading 3.1: The Boeing 737-700 (737)
The 737-700 is a workhorse for Southwest, and it's generally the smallest of their current passenger aircraft.
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Seating Capacity: The Boeing 737-700 typically has 143 seats in an all-economy configuration.
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Historical Note: Earlier versions of the 737-700 for Southwest had 137 seats, but they underwent reconfiguration to increase capacity to 143.
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Seat Pitch: You can expect a seat pitch of around 31 inches on this aircraft.
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Cabin Experience: These aircraft often feature Southwest's "Evolve Interior" with slimline seats. While designed to be eco-friendly, some passengers have noted a slightly more cramped feeling due to the reduced seat pitch compared to older configurations.
Sub-heading 3.2: The Boeing 737-800 (738)
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
The 737-800 offers a significant jump in capacity compared to its smaller sibling, allowing Southwest to serve higher-demand routes more efficiently.
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Seating Capacity: The Boeing 737-800 accommodates 175 passengers.
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Seat Pitch: Generally, the 737-800 offers a slightly better seat pitch, around 32 inches.
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Cabin Experience: These planes also often feature the "Evolve Interior" and the Boeing Sky Interior, which includes sculpted ceilings and larger overhead bins, contributing to a more spacious feel in the cabin. This aircraft was a game-changer for Southwest, allowing for a close to 30% increase in passenger capacity over their previous largest 737 variants.
Sub-heading 3.3: The Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8)
The 737 MAX 8 is the newest addition to Southwest's fleet, designed for improved fuel efficiency and a modern passenger experience.
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Seating Capacity: The Boeing 737 MAX 8 also has 175 seats, matching the 737-800 in passenger count.
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Seat Pitch: Similar to the 737-800, the MAX 8 generally offers a seat pitch of 32 inches, with some rows like row 14 offering 38" and row 15 offering 35".
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Cabin Experience: The MAX 8 features Southwest's "Heart" interior, Boeing Sky Interiors, and Boeing Space Bins, which provide more overhead storage. These aircraft are also equipped with mood lighting and are being retrofitted with USB-A and USB-C power sockets for passenger convenience.
Step 4: Understanding Southwest's Seating Enhancements and Policies
While Southwest maintains its open seating philosophy, they have introduced some enhancements to the passenger experience:
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QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Sub-heading 4.1: Seat Options
Southwest has recently introduced new "seat options" that allow for a slightly different experience, even with open seating:
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Extra Legroom Seat: These seats offer more legroom (up to five additional inches on the 737-700) and are located at the front of the cabin and near exit rows. They also come with enhanced snacks and complimentary premium beverages.
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Preferred Seat: These are standard legroom seats located near the front of the cabin.
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Standard Seat: These are standard legroom seats located in the back of the cabin.
It's important to note that the availability and ability to select these seats depend on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status. For instance, A-List Preferred members can select any available seat, including Extra Legroom, at booking. Other tiers might have access closer to departure.
Sub-heading 4.2: Open Seating vs. Assigned Seating
Despite these new seat options, the fundamental principle of open seating remains. You still choose your specific seat from what's available when you board. The "seat options" are more about designating certain areas of the plane with different perks or early access based on your purchase or status.
Sub-heading 4.3: Family Boarding
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Southwest offers "Family Boarding" for those traveling with children aged six years or younger. This occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group, allowing families to find seats together more easily.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Southwest Seating Experience
Given the open seating policy, here are some tips to get the seat you want:
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Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight: This is the most crucial step for securing an early boarding position (A group). The earlier your position, the more choices you'll have.
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Consider "EarlyBird Check-In": This paid service automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you an even better chance at a higher boarding position.
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Business Select Fare: If you purchase a Business Select fare, you're guaranteed an A1-A15 boarding position, virtually ensuring your pick of seats.
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A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Frequent flyers with A-List or A-List Preferred status automatically receive priority boarding.
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Be Strategic: If you're boarding later, consider your priorities. Do you want a window, an aisle, or simply to be closer to the front or back for a quicker exit? Walk a little further back if the front rows are already full.
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Customer of Size Policy: Southwest has a long-standing "Customers of size" policy that allows passengers who require more than one seat to purchase an additional seat, which can be refunded after travel if needed, ensuring comfort for all.
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
Here are 10 common questions related to Southwest Airlines seating, with quick answers:
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How to know which type of Boeing 737 Southwest is using for my flight? You can often find the aircraft type on your flight details or by using flight tracking apps closer to your departure date.
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How to guarantee a window or aisle seat on Southwest? There's no guarantee due to open seating, but checking in early (24 hours prior or with EarlyBird Check-In) for a better boarding position significantly increases your chances.
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How to get extra legroom on Southwest? You can try to secure an "Extra Legroom" seat, either through your fare type (e.g., Choice Extra) or by being an A-List Preferred member. Otherwise, aim for exit row seats when boarding.
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How to sit with my family on Southwest? Utilize "Family Boarding" if you're traveling with children aged six or younger. Otherwise, try to check in early to get close boarding positions and board together.
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How to change my seat on a Southwest flight? Since Southwest has open seating, you cannot "change" your seat before boarding. Once onboard, you simply choose any available seat.
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How to board early on Southwest? Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or achieve A-List/A-List Preferred status.
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How to understand Southwest's boarding groups? You'll be assigned a group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60+). Group A boards first, then B, then C, in numerical order.
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How to get a refund for an extra seat purchased as a customer of size? After your travel is complete, you can submit a request to Southwest for a refund of the additional seat purchased.
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How to find the best seats on a Southwest plane? "Best" is subjective, but generally, rows 2-4 and exit rows (Row 14 and 15 on some aircraft) are popular for quick deplaning and legroom. Use SeatGuru for detailed seat maps.
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How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest? Board as early as possible. Passengers in the A group have the best chance of avoiding middle seats. If you're in a later group, try to be patient and look for open window or aisle seats further back in the aircraft.
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