Cracking the Code: How Many Seats in a Row on Southwest Airlines? Your Ultimate Guide!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever wondered what you're walking into when you step onto a Southwest Airlines flight? Specifically, how many seats are actually in a row? If you're like most people, you want to know what to expect, especially with Southwest's unique open-seating policy. Well, you've come to the right place! Get ready to become a Southwest seating pro with this comprehensive guide.
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| How Many Seats In A Row On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Let's Get Real About Southwest Seating
First things first, let's address the elephant in the cabin: Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seating. Yes, you read that right! No pre-selecting your window or aisle seat months in advance. This can be a game-changer for many, and understanding it is key to having a smooth boarding and flight experience. Instead, Southwest operates on a first-come, first-served boarding process, determined by your boarding group (A, B, or C) and number (1-60+).
So, while you can't pick your exact seat beforehand, you can strategically position yourself to get the type of seat you desire. Knowing the row configuration is a massive part of that strategy!
Step 2: Unveiling the Standard Southwest Row Configuration
Now for the main event! The vast majority of Southwest Airlines' fleet consists of Boeing 737 aircraft. Across all their Boeing 737 variants, Southwest maintains a consistent and familiar seating arrangement:
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A 3-3 configuration.
This means that in almost every single row, you will find six seats in total: three on one side of the aisle and three on the other. It's a classic narrow-body layout, designed for efficiency and maximizing passenger capacity.
Step 3: Diving Deeper - Specific Boeing 737 Models and Their Nuances
While the 3-3 configuration is standard, there are slight variations in total seat count and certain desirable or less desirable rows depending on the specific Boeing 737 model. Southwest primarily operates three variants of the Boeing 737:
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Sub-heading: The Boeing 737-700 (73G)
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Total Seats: The Boeing 737-700 typically accommodates 143 passengers.
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Row Configuration: Still the reliable 3-3 layout in most rows.
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Key Nuances:
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Some reconfigured 737-700s may feature "Evolve" interiors with slimmer seats.
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Exit row seats (often row 11) can offer more legroom. Interestingly, sometimes row 11 on the 737-700 might have only two seats (11B and 11C) on one side due to the emergency exit, making it a highly coveted spot for couples!
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Seat 12A on the 737-700 is often considered one of the best seats as it has unlimited legroom due to a missing seat in front.
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Sub-heading: The Boeing 737-800 (738)
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Total Seats: The larger Boeing 737-800 typically seats 175 passengers.
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Row Configuration: Predictably, it's a 3-3 configuration throughout.
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Key Nuances:
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These aircraft feature Southwest's "Heart" interior and Boeing Sky Interiors, offering a more modern feel.
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Exit row seats (often rows 14, 15, and 16) provide increased legroom.
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Seats 16A and 16F are often considered the best on this model due to ample legroom as they are window seats without a seat directly in front.
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Row 15 might be configured as 2-2 in some instances, making it another good option for couples seeking a bit more privacy.
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Sub-heading: The Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8)
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Total Seats: Similar to the 737-800, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 also typically holds 175 passengers.
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Row Configuration: You guessed it – a consistent 3-3 setup per row.
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Key Nuances:
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These are Southwest's newest aircraft, featuring Boeing's Sky interior and often including USB-A and USB-C charging ports (with a retrofit program underway for older MAX 8s).
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Just like the 737-800, seats 16A and 16F are highly sought after for their excellent legroom.
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Rows 14 and 15 also offer additional legroom near the exit rows.
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Step 4: Maximizing Your Seating Experience with Southwest's Open Seating
Since you can't pre-select your seat, understanding the 3-3 configuration and the nuances of each aircraft type becomes even more critical. Here's a step-by-step guide to increasing your chances of getting your preferred seat:
Sub-heading: Check-in Early, Always!
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The Golden Rule: Southwest assigns boarding positions (A1-A60, B1-B60, C1-C60, etc.) based on check-in time. The earlier you check in (exactly 24 hours before your flight), the better your boarding position will be. A higher boarding position (e.g., A group) gives you first pick of seats.
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Set a reminder! Seriously, put an alarm on your phone for precisely 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
Sub-heading: Consider Upgraded Boarding
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If getting a specific seat is paramount and you miss the early check-in window, consider purchasing Upgraded Boarding. This allows you to snag an A1-A15 boarding position, if available, for a fee. It's often worth it for longer flights or if you're traveling with a group and want to sit together.
Sub-heading: Strategize Your Boarding Lane Choice
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
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Once your boarding group is called, pay attention to the rows. If you're aiming for an exit row, head to that part of the plane. If you prefer the front or back, make a beeline.
Sub-heading: Be Prepared for the "Dash"
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With open seating, there's often a bit of a "dash" to preferred seats once the boarding door opens. Be polite but decisive! If you know you want an aisle, go straight for it.
Sub-heading: Communicate with Your Travel Companions
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If you're flying with others, especially children, coordinate your boarding strategy. Southwest offers "Family Boarding" between the A and B groups for families with children six years old or younger, which can be a lifesaver for securing seats together.
Step 5: What About Seat Dimensions?
Beyond the number of seats in a row, the comfort of those seats matters. Southwest's seats are generally considered standard for economy class on narrow-body aircraft.
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Seat Pitch: This is the distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat in front of it (essentially, your legroom). Southwest generally offers a seat pitch of 31-33 inches, depending on the aircraft and specific row. The 737-700 typically has 31 inches, while the 737-800 and MAX 8 offer 32-33 inches.
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Seat Width: The width of the seat itself. Southwest seats are typically around 17-17.8 inches wide.
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Recline: Southwest seats offer some recline, typically around 2 inches. Some newer "slimline" seats might offer a "pre-reclined" position where the seat base slides forward instead of the back tilting.
Conclusion
So, the definitive answer to "how many seats in a row on Southwest Airlines" is overwhelmingly six, arranged in a 3-3 configuration. While this consistency simplifies understanding the layout, Southwest's open seating policy means that your ability to choose your preferred seat within that row depends heavily on your boarding position. Master the art of early check-in, consider upgraded boarding when needed, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a comfortable flight on the airline known for its quirky charm and bags fly free policy!
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Become a Southwest Seating Guru
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Southwest Airlines seating:
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
How to get the best seats on Southwest Airlines?
To get the best seats (like exit row or bulkhead with extra legroom), check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure an early boarding position (A group). Alternatively, purchase Upgraded Boarding if available.
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines?
Utilize Family Boarding (for families with children 6 and under) which occurs between the A and B groups. If you don't qualify for Family Boarding, try to get early boarding positions for your group by checking in precisely 24 hours prior to departure.
How to find out which type of Boeing 737 my Southwest flight is?
You can often find the aircraft type on your flight details in the Southwest app or website, or by searching your flight number on sites like FlightAware or PlaneSpotters.net closer to your departure date.
How to know if my Southwest flight has power outlets?
Generally, newer Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft are being equipped with USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Older 737-700s and many 737-800s do not have power outlets. It's best to assume no power outlets unless you are on a recently retrofitted MAX 8.
How to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines?
Aim for exit row seats (like row 11 on 737-700s, or rows 14-16 on 737-800s/MAX 8s) or bulkhead seats (the very front row of the plane) by securing an early boarding position.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
How to avoid middle seats on Southwest Airlines?
Get an early boarding position (A group) by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight. This significantly increases your chances of selecting a window or aisle seat before they are taken.
How to know which seats are "bad" on Southwest Airlines?
Seats in the last row often have limited recline and are near lavatories/galleys (noisy). Some seats near exit rows may also have limited or no recline. Certain seats might also have misaligned or missing windows (e.g., 10A, 11A, 11F on some aircraft).
How to change my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Since Southwest has open seating, you don't "change" your seat in advance. You simply board according to your assigned boarding position and choose any available open seat once you are on the plane.
How to purchase upgraded boarding for Southwest Airlines?
You can purchase Upgraded Boarding online or at the gate on the day of travel, subject to availability. This typically gets you an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to prepare for Southwest's open seating system?
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Set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight to check in.
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Arrive early at the gate to line up in your assigned boarding group.
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Know the aircraft layout for your flight (3-3 configuration is standard, but know the best/worst rows for your specific model).
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Be decisive when boarding to snag your preferred seat.
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