Unlock the Secrets of Southwest Airlines Legroom: Your Ultimate Guide to Stretching Out!
Hey there, fellow travelers! Are you tired of feeling like a sardine in a can when you fly? Do your knees ache and your back groan just thinking about a long flight? If you're considering flying Southwest Airlines, you're probably wondering, "Just how much legroom do they really have?" Well, you've come to the right place! Get ready to dive deep into the world of Southwest's seating, learn how to maximize your comfort, and discover the tips and tricks to make your next flight a breeze.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics – What is "Legroom" Anyway?
Before we get into the specifics of Southwest, let's clarify what we mean by "legroom." It's not just the space directly in front of your knees. In aviation terms, legroom is primarily measured by seat pitch.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
What is Seat Pitch? Seat pitch is the distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat directly in front of it. Think of it as the total space allocated for you and your legs. A higher seat pitch generally means more legroom.
Why Does It Matter? More seat pitch allows for more space to stretch your legs, recline your seat (if applicable), and simply feel less confined. It can make a huge difference, especially on longer flights.
Ready to unravel Southwest's legroom mysteries? Let's go!
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| How Much Legroom Does Southwest Airlines Have |
Step 2: Decoding Southwest's Standard Legroom
Southwest Airlines is known for its single-cabin, open-seating policy. This means there are typically no distinct "economy plus" or "premium economy" sections, although this is starting to change with new initiatives (more on that later!). Generally, Southwest's standard legroom is considered above average compared to many other domestic carriers.
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
The Boeing 737 Fleet: Southwest operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet. While the specific models (737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8) have slight variations, their standard seat pitch has historically been quite consistent.
Boeing 737-700: These aircraft typically offer a 31-inch seat pitch.
Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8: These larger aircraft generally provide a 32-inch seat pitch for standard seats.
The "Heart" Interior: Many Southwest planes feature their "Heart" interior, which includes slimline seats. While these seats are designed to maximize space, some passengers find the padding to be less plush than older models. However, the thinner seat back design can actually contribute to a feeling of more space.
It's important to remember that these are average measurements. Slight variations can occur even within the same aircraft type.
Step 3: The Game-Changer: Southwest's New Extra Legroom Seats!
Here's where things get really exciting for those who crave more space! Southwest has been rolling out a significant enhancement to its cabin experience by introducing Extra Legroom seats. This is a major shift for the airline and gives passengers more choices than ever before.
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
What's the Deal? These new seats boast a 34-inch pitch, offering a noticeable 2-3 inch increase over standard legroom. Some configurations might even see up to 36 inches of pitch!
Where Can You Find Them? The Extra Legroom seats are being implemented across the fleet, specifically in the larger Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. You'll generally find them:
At the front of the cabin: Several rows right behind the bulkhead.
Near the exit rows: These traditionally already offered more space, and now they're officially part of the "Extra Legroom" offering.
Benefits Beyond Legroom: These upgraded seats also come with some additional perks, such as:
Earlier access to overhead bin space.
Enhanced snacks and complimentary premium beverages.
The Rollout: This is a gradual process. Southwest began retrofitting aircraft in May 2024 and aims to equip a significant portion of its fleet with these seats. It's estimated that roughly 30-40% of seats on these larger aircraft will offer the extra legroom.
This new offering represents a significant step for Southwest in catering to passenger comfort and is a direct response to customer feedback.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Legroom – Strategies for Southwest's Open Seating
Southwest's unique open-seating policy means that securing the best seats, including those with maximum legroom, requires a strategic approach.
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Sub-heading: Understanding the Boarding Process Southwest boards passengers in groups (A, B, C) and numbers (1-60). Your boarding position is crucial for seat selection.
A Group (A1-A60): These are the first to board, giving them the pick of any available seat.
B Group (B1-B60): Board after the A group, with fewer choices.
C Group (C1-C60): Board last, often leaving limited options.
Sub-heading: Strategies for Securing More Legroom
Check-in Early! (24 Hours Out): This is the golden rule for Southwest. The earlier you check in (exactly 24 hours before your flight), the better your boarding position will be. A-list Preferred members, Business Select fares, and EarlyBird Check-In purchases get priority.
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In: For a fee, EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position before the 24-hour mark, significantly increasing your chances of getting an A or early B boarding pass.
Invest in Business Select: This is Southwest's highest fare class and guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position, virtually ensuring your pick of the best seats, including the Extra Legroom rows.
Consider Upgrading at the Gate: If available, you might have the option to upgrade your boarding position at the gate. This can be a last-minute opportunity to improve your chances.
Head for the Bulkhead Rows (Row 1): These seats offer unlimited legroom as there's no seat in front of them. However, they come with certain restrictions:
No under-seat storage during takeoff and landing.
Tray tables are usually in the armrests, which are often immovable.
Can be near the galley and lavatories, potentially leading to more foot traffic and noise.
Target the Exit Rows: The exit rows (typically rows 11/12 on 737-700s and 14/15/16 on 737-800/MAX 8s) also offer significantly more legroom.
Important Note: To sit in an exit row, you must meet certain FAA requirements, including being able-bodied and willing to assist in an emergency. Passengers with disabilities, those traveling with infants, or those requiring a seatbelt extender cannot sit in an exit row. Also, exit row seats often have limited or no recline.
Look for the "Unicorn" Seats: On some aircraft configurations, particularly the Boeing 737-700 (Seat 12A) and Boeing 737-800/MAX 8 (Seats 16A and 16F), there might be a window seat directly behind an exit row that has no seat in front of it due to the emergency exit door. These are often considered the "holy grail" of legroom on Southwest flights.
Observe the Boarding Line: As people board, you can sometimes get a sense of where empty seats might be. If you're in a later boarding group, scanning the cabin as you walk down the aisle can help you spot available rows with more space.
The Last Row Caveat: While the very last row sometimes has slightly more space due to the curvature of the plane, it also often has no recline and is close to the lavatories and galley, which can be noisy and high-traffic. Generally, it's best to avoid the very last row if comfort is your priority.
Step 5: A Glimpse into the Future – Assigned Seating and More Options
Southwest is evolving! With the introduction of Extra Legroom seats, they are also making changes to their traditional open seating policy, or rather, augmenting it with more choice.
New Fare Bundles: Starting in Q3 2025, Southwest will introduce new fare bundles with updated names and benefits.
Choice Extra: This new fare class, which will replace Business Select, includes the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking. This is a significant change, offering guaranteed legroom for the first time.
Choice Preferred: This will allow selection of a Preferred seat (standard legroom, closer to the front) at booking.
Choice: Allows selection of a Standard seat at booking.
Basic: The most economical option, where a Standard seat is assigned at check-in.
Assigned Seating for Q1 2026 Travel: Customers can expect to start booking flights with assigned seats in Q3 2025 for travel beginning in Q1 2026. This means the days of purely open seating are coming to an end for certain fare types, giving passengers more control over their seating experience from the moment they book.
These changes signal Southwest's commitment to enhancing the customer experience and offering more tailored options for travelers who prioritize specific amenities, including legroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Airlines Legroom
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines legroom, with quick answers:
How to know the exact legroom on my specific Southwest flight? While Southwest generally maintains consistent seat pitch for its aircraft types, the most accurate information for a specific plane can sometimes be found on websites like SeatGuru or AeroLOPA by looking up the specific Boeing 737 variant (e.g., 737-700, 737-800, MAX 8).
How to get extra legroom on Southwest without paying extra? Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get the best possible boarding position (A group), increasing your chances of selecting an open bulkhead or exit row seat.
How to identify the "unicorn" legroom seats on Southwest? On the 737-700, it's typically seat 12A. On the 737-800 and MAX 8, look for seats 16A and 16F. These are window seats behind an exit row with no seat in front.
How to know if I qualify for an exit row seat on Southwest? You must be able-bodied, at least 15 years old, capable of understanding and following instructions, and willing to assist in an emergency. You cannot sit in an exit row if you are traveling with a lap infant or require a seatbelt extender.
How to ensure I get an Extra Legroom seat on Southwest with the new fare options? From Q3 2025 for travel beginning Q1 2026, book the Choice Extra fare bundle, which includes the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking.
How to find seat maps for Southwest aircraft? Websites like SeatGuru.com and AeroLOPA.com offer detailed seat maps for various aircraft types, including Southwest's Boeing 737 models, showing seat pitch and other features.
How to deal with limited recline in exit rows on Southwest? Be aware that exit row seats often have limited or no recline due to FAA regulations. If reclining is a priority, these seats might not be the best choice despite the extra legroom.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for better legroom chances? You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the booking process or add it to an existing reservation through the Southwest Airlines website or app.
How to request a refund for a second seat if I'm a Customer of Size on Southwest? Southwest has a generous Customer of Size policy. If you proactively purchase an additional seat for comfort or safety, you can request a refund for the extra seat after your flight, even if the flight was sold out. Contact Southwest Customer Relations for this process.
How to make a long flight on Southwest more comfortable if I can't get extra legroom? Wear comfortable clothing, get up and stretch frequently, bring a neck pillow and eye mask, use personal entertainment, and consider booking shorter flights or flights with layovers to break up the journey.
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