Decoding the Southwest Seating Puzzle: Your Comprehensive Guide to Seats Per Row
Ever wondered how many seats you'll find crammed into each row on a Southwest Airlines flight? Perhaps you're a seasoned Southwest flyer, or maybe you're considering your first journey with the airline known for its unique boarding process. Whatever your reason, understanding the seating configuration can significantly impact your travel experience. So, buckle up, because we're about to take a deep dive into the world of Southwest seating, row by row!
Step 1: Engage Your Inner Aircraft Sleuth – What Plane Are You On?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of seat counts, here's a crucial question: Do you know which Boeing 737 model Southwest will be operating for your flight? Southwest Airlines exclusively flies Boeing 737s, but they have several variants in their fleet. The exact number of seats per row is consistent across all their 737 models, but knowing the specific aircraft can give you a better overall picture of the cabin.
Why does this matter? While the seats per row remain the same, different 737 models have varying total passenger capacities and slightly different cabin layouts (e.g., length, number of rows), which can influence the feel of the cabin and the availability of certain seats.
How to Find Your Aircraft Type:
Check your booking confirmation: Often, the aircraft type is listed on your e-ticket or within your reservation details on the Southwest website or app.
Use flight tracking websites: Websites like FlightAware or FlightStats often display the specific aircraft type being used for a flight a few days or even hours before departure.
Look for clues in seat maps (if available): While Southwest doesn't have traditional assigned seating, sites like SeatGuru or AeroLOPA offer general seat maps for various Southwest 737 models, which can help you identify the plane.
Step 2: The Universal Southwest Seating Standard – A 3-3 Configuration
Now, for the answer you've been waiting for:
On all Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft, you will find six seats per row.
This is arranged in a standard 3-3 configuration. That means:
Three seats on the left side of the aisle.
An aisle.
Three seats on the right side of the aisle.
This configuration is consistent whether you're flying on a Boeing 737-700, a 737-800, or the newer 737 MAX 8. Southwest maintains a single-class cabin, meaning there's no first class, business class, or premium economy cabin with a different seat arrangement. Everyone enjoys the same 3-3 setup, which makes the boarding process, with its open seating policy, a bit more streamlined.
Sub-heading: Understanding the "Why" Behind 3-3
Why does Southwest stick to this 3-3 setup? It's largely due to the nature of the Boeing 737 aircraft itself. The 737 is a narrow-body aircraft designed to efficiently carry a large number of passengers on short to medium-haul flights. The 3-3 configuration maximizes the seating capacity within the aircraft's fuselage width, allowing airlines like Southwest to offer more competitive fares by fitting more passengers per flight. It's a balance between passenger comfort (within certain parameters) and operational efficiency.
Step 3: Dive Deeper – Seat Dimensions and Comfort Considerations
While the "seats per row" answer is straightforward, let's explore what that actually means for your comfort. The overall passenger experience isn't just about the number of seats but also their dimensions.
Sub-heading: Seat Width
Southwest Airlines seats typically have a width of approximately 17 to 17.8 inches. While some newer seat designs aim to optimize this space, this measurement is fairly standard for economy class on narrow-body aircraft. For some, this width is perfectly adequate; for others, especially those with broader shoulders or "customers of size," it can feel a bit snug.
Sub-heading: Seat Pitch (Legroom)
Seat pitch refers to the distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat directly in front of or behind it. This is a crucial measurement for legroom. Southwest generally offers a seat pitch of 31-33 inches across its fleet.
Boeing 737-700: Typically has a seat pitch of 31 inches.
Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8: Generally offer 32-33 inches of seat pitch.
While these numbers might seem small, a few inches can make a noticeable difference, especially on longer flights. It's important to remember that these are averages, and some rows, particularly exit rows, will offer significantly more legroom.
Sub-heading: Seat Recline
Southwest seats generally offer a modest recline, typically around 2-3 inches. While some passengers appreciate the ability to recline, others find it intrusive, especially if the person in front reclines fully into their space. Southwest has recently started to introduce "pre-reclined" seats on some of their newer aircraft, which slightly recline automatically and slide forward to maintain some space for the passenger behind.
Step 4: Mastering the Open Seating Policy and Securing Your Preferred Spot
Southwest's open seating policy is legendary (or infamous, depending on your perspective!). Knowing there are 3-3 seats per row is useful, but the key to getting a good seat lies in understanding how to leverage their boarding process.
Sub-heading: The A, B, C's of Boarding
A Group (A1-A60): These are the first passengers to board. If you're in the A group, you have the best chance of securing your preferred window or aisle seat, or even an exit row with extra legroom (provided you meet the safety requirements).
B Group (B1-B60): You'll still have decent options, but the prime window and aisle seats, especially towards the front of the plane, might be taken.
C Group (C1-C60+): This group boards last. Your choices will be more limited, likely to middle seats or seats towards the very back of the aircraft.
Sub-heading: Tips for Getting the Best Seat (Given the 3-3 Configuration)
Check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight: This is paramount for getting a good boarding position. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding group and number.
Consider EarlyBird Check-In: For a fee, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, often securing a better boarding position.
Purchase Upgraded Boarding: If available, you can upgrade your boarding position at the gate to A1-A15, guaranteeing you one of the first spots on the plane.
A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Loyal Southwest flyers with elite status automatically receive preferential boarding.
Family Boarding: Southwest allows families with children aged six and under to board between the A and B groups. This can be a strategic move if you're traveling with young kids and want to secure adjacent seats.
Be Prepared: Once your boarding group is called, have your boarding pass ready and know where you want to sit. Hesitation can cost you a good seat!
Step 5: Special Seating Considerations
Beyond the standard 3-3 rows, there are a few other things to keep in mind regarding Southwest's seating.
Sub-heading: Exit Rows
Exit rows offer significantly more legroom. On a 737-700, this could mean an additional 5 inches of seat pitch.
To sit in an exit row, you must meet specific safety requirements (e.g., be 15 years or older, able to understand and perform evacuation duties). Flight attendants will verify these requirements.
These seats are highly sought after, so if you're aiming for one, a strong boarding position is essential.
Sub-heading: Bulkhead Seats
These are the seats directly behind a physical bulkhead (a wall that separates cabins or galleys).
They often offer unobstructed legroom as there's no seat in front of you to recline.
However, they may have a fixed armrest (meaning it doesn't lift up), and you'll need to store all your belongings in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
Like exit rows, these are popular and require an early boarding position.
Sub-heading: Customers of Size Policy
Southwest has a "Customer of Size" policy designed to ensure comfortable and safe travel for all passengers. If a passenger requires more than one seat (meaning they encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) when armrests are down), Southwest encourages them to purchase an additional seat in advance. They can then request a refund for the extra seat after travel is complete, even if the flight was sold out. This ensures everyone has adequate space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Seating
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Southwest seating, with quick answers:
How to know my Southwest Airlines aircraft type before my flight? You can typically find the aircraft type on your booking confirmation, or by using flight tracking websites like FlightAware closer to your departure.
How to get an aisle or window seat on Southwest? The best way is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get an early boarding position (A group), or purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
How to get extra legroom on Southwest Airlines? Aim for an exit row or a bulkhead seat. You'll need an early boarding position to secure these.
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines? Utilize family boarding (for families with children 6 and under), or ensure all members of your party check in early to get consecutive boarding numbers and board together.
How to find a seat map for Southwest Airlines? While Southwest doesn't offer seat selection, you can view general seat maps for their Boeing 737 models on third-party sites like SeatGuru or AeroLOPA.
How to know if my Southwest flight will have power outlets? Some newer Southwest 737 MAX 8 aircraft are expected to be equipped with USB-A and USB-C power outlets. Older 737 models typically do not have power outlets. Check SeatGuru for specific aircraft details.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest? Get an A boarding group position by checking in early or purchasing EarlyBird/Upgraded Boarding. The earlier you board, the more likely you are to find a window or aisle seat.
How to recline your seat on Southwest Airlines? Southwest seats have a recline button, usually located on the armrest. Simply press the button and lean back. Note that some newer seats are "pre-reclined."
How to request a seatbelt extension on Southwest Airlines? Politely ask a flight attendant once you are on board. They are readily available.
How to ensure I have enough space if I am a customer of size on Southwest? Southwest recommends purchasing an additional seat in advance to ensure comfortable and safe seating. You can request a refund for the extra seat after your travel.
