Southwest Airlines operates an all-economy cabin with no first class, no business class, and no assigned seats. Every passenger gets the same seat type in a 3-3 configuration on every aircraft.
Open seating means you pick any available seat when you board. Your boarding position determines how many seats you get to choose from.
This guide explains the exact seat dimensions on every Southwest aircraft, how to secure the best seat using the open seating system, what Business Select actually buys you, and how Southwest seats compare against Delta and American on domestic routes.
Southwest Airlines Seats: All-Economy Cabin Overview
Southwest Airlines seats are configured in a single all-economy cabin on every aircraft in the fleet. There is no first class cabin, no business class cabin, and no premium economy section.
Every seat on a Southwest flight is a standard economy seat in a 3-3 configuration. The seat you get depends entirely on when you board, not on how much you paid for your ticket.
The all-economy cabin means every passenger has the same seat pitch and width. A passenger on a Wanna Get Away fare sits in the same type of seat as a Business Select passenger.
Southwest uses this single-cabin model to simplify operations and speed aircraft turns. The trade-off is that passengers wanting a premium seat experience must look to other airlines.
The seat fabric features Southwest’s signature blue and heart-logo design with adjustable headrests. The cabin interior is clean, modern, and consistent across the fleet with some variation by aircraft age.
First-time Southwest flyers should understand there is no premium cabin upgrade available. Checking in early or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In is the only way to improve your seat selection.
Key Takeaway: Southwest operates a single all-economy cabin with no premium seats. Every passenger sits in the same seat type.
Southwest Airlines Seat Size: Pitch and Width by Aircraft
Southwest Airlines seat dimensions vary slightly by aircraft type with the newest Boeing 737 MAX 8 offering the most passenger-friendly seat measurements. The older 737-700 has slightly less legroom.
Seat pitch across the Southwest fleet ranges from 31 inches on the 737-700 to approximately 32 inches on the 737 MAX 8 and most 737-800 aircraft. The one-inch difference is noticeable for passengers above six feet tall.
Seat width measures between 17 and 17.8 inches depending on the aircraft type and seat model installed. The 737 MAX 8 features the widest seat in the Southwest fleet at 17.8 inches.
The seat design uses a slimline profile that creates the perception of more knee space by reducing the seatback thickness. The actual pitch measurement has not changed meaningfully but the slimline design improves the knee clearance.
Southwest seat dimensions are generally more generous than Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines which operate with 28 to 29 inches of pitch. Southwest compares favorably to ultra-low-cost carriers on personal space.
Seat specifications may vary on specific aircraft within the fleet due to different retrofit cycles and seat manufacturer contracts. Verify your specific aircraft type on southwest.com before booking.
Southwest Airlines Seat Pitch: Legroom You Actually Get
Southwest Airlines seat pitch measures 31 to 32 inches depending on the aircraft type operating your flight. The 737 MAX 8 and newer 737-800 configurations offer the full 32 inches.
The 737-700 fleet provides 31 inches of seat pitch on most aircraft. The difference of one inch compared to the MAX 8 is small but noticeable for tall travelers on longer flights.
Exit row seats on all Southwest aircraft offer substantially more legroom with approximately 36 to 38 inches of pitch. The exit row is the single best seat on the aircraft for legroom.
Bulkhead seats at the front of the cabin have no seat in front but the wall limits legroom stretch-out space. Bulkhead seats offer more knee room but less foot extension space than exit rows.
Southwest seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches is competitive with the standard economy pitch on Delta Air Lines and American Airlines main cabin. United Airlines Basic Economy on some aircraft measures only 30 inches.
Tall passengers should target exit row seats by securing an early boarding position and selecting the exit row upon boarding. Exit row seats are the most valuable real estate on a Southwest flight.
Southwest Airlines Seat Width: Across the Fleet
Southwest Airlines seat width measures 17 to 17.8 inches across the fleet with the Boeing 737 MAX 8 offering the widest seat. The 737 cabin is inherently narrower than Airbus A320 family aircraft.
The 737 MAX 8 features seats measuring approximately 17.8 inches in width according to SeatGuru and Southwest’s published specifications. This is the widest seat in the Southwest fleet.
The 737-800 fleet offers seat width of approximately 17.2 to 17.5 inches depending on the specific seat model installed. The variation comes from different retrofit schedules across the large 737-800 fleet.
The 737-700 fleet has the narrowest seat at approximately 17 inches on older seat models. The 737-700 is being gradually retired and replaced by the MAX 8.
Aisle seats on the 737 have slightly less width at the shoulder due to the fuselage curvature. Window seats offer the best shoulder room in the 3-3 configuration.
Passengers above average build may find the 737 seat width constraining compared to the Airbus A320 family operated by Delta and American which offers approximately 18 inches of width in standard economy.
Key Takeaway: Southwest seat width is 17 to 17.8 inches. The MAX 8 has the widest seat. Window seats offer the best shoulder room.
Southwest Airlines Open Seating: How It Works
Southwest Airlines uses open seating with no assigned seats on any flight. Passengers board in groups and positions and choose any available seat on the aircraft.
Your boarding position is determined by a combination of your fare class, check-in time, and whether you purchased EarlyBird Check-In. The position is a letter and number such as A35 or B12.
Boarding groups are A, B, and C with positions 1 through 60 in each group. Group A boards first followed by Group B and finally Group C.
Business Select passengers are guaranteed positions A1 through A15. These passengers board first and have the widest seat selection on the entire aircraft.
A-List and A-List Preferred elite members receive priority boarding with positions reserved in the A group. The exact position depends on the fare purchased and booking timing.
Passengers with positions in the C group typically find only middle seats remaining. Late check-in or late booking without EarlyBird results in a C boarding position.
Southwest Airlines Boarding Process: Position Strategy
The Southwest Airlines boarding process determines your seat options. Understanding how to secure the best boarding position is the key to getting the seat you want.
Step one is checking in exactly 24 hours before departure on southwest.com or the Southwest app. Check-in opens precisely 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Step two is purchasing EarlyBird Check-In which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure. EarlyBird typically secures a position in the A or early B group.
Step three is booking a Business Select fare which guarantees positions A1 through A15. This is the most expensive option but guarantees first access to the aircraft.
Step four for elite members is relying on A-List or A-List Preferred status. Elite members receive priority boarding regardless of check-in time with positions reserved in the A group.
Solo travelers with a B group position can still find acceptable window or aisle seats on most flights. Couples in the B group can usually find two seats together. Families in the C group should expect to sit separately.
Southwest Airlines Best Seats: Top Picks by Traveler Type
For tall travelers, the best seats on any Southwest aircraft are the exit row window or aisle seats. Exit rows on the 737 MAX 8 offer approximately 36 to 38 inches of pitch.
For solo travelers who want a window, the best seats are rows 5 through 10 window seats on the left side of the aircraft. These seats are away from galley and lavatory traffic.
For couples wanting to sit together, the best strategy is booking EarlyBird Check-In or checking in exactly 24 hours before departure. Boarding in the A or early B group virtually guarantees two seats together.
For families with children, family boarding occurs between the A and B groups. This gives families access to seats before the B group boards and typically allows families to sit together.
For passengers who want to deplane quickly, the front of the aircraft rows 1 through 5 offer the fastest exit. Bulkhead row 1 has no underseat storage for personal items.
The worst seats on a Southwest aircraft are the middle seats in rows adjacent to the lavatories. Avoid the last rows near the rear galley and lavatory area where passenger congregation occurs.
Southwest Airlines Business Class Seats: The Product That Does Not Exist
Southwest Airlines does not offer business class seats on any aircraft. There is no premium cabin, no larger seat, and no enhanced service tier on any Southwest flight.
The search term “Southwest Airlines business class seats” is one of the most common queries about the airline. The answer is always the same: business class does not exist on Southwest.
What Southwest does offer is a fare bundle called Business Select. Business Select is not a separate cabin class but a ticket type that includes priority boarding and a complimentary drink.
Business Select passengers sit in the same economy seats as every other passenger. The only difference is that Business Select passengers board in positions A1 through A15 and get first choice of the standard seats.
Travelers searching for a true business class experience with larger seats, lie-flat beds, or premium dining should book Delta One, American Flagship Business, or United Polaris. Southwest is an all-economy airline.
The absence of a premium cabin is Southwest’s defining product characteristic. The airline chooses to offer consistent seating and two free checked bags rather than a tiered cabin experience.
Key Takeaway: Southwest has no business class, no first class, and no premium seats. Business Select is a fare bundle, not a cabin.
Southwest Airlines Business Select: What the Fare Actually Buys
Southwest Airlines Business Select is a fare bundle that includes priority boarding positions A1 through A15. It also includes a complimentary premium drink and bonus Rapid Rewards points.
Business Select does not provide access to a separate cabin or larger seat. The seat you sit in is the same economy seat as every other passenger on the aircraft.
The value of Business Select is entirely in the A1 through A15 boarding position. This guarantees first access to the aircraft and the widest seat selection including exit row and bulkhead seats.
Business Select also includes a dedicated check-in lane at some airports and priority security screening where available. The ground experience is enhanced but the in-flight seat is unchanged.
Business Select fares are significantly higher than Wanna Get Away fares on most routes. The price premium is for the boarding position and flexibility, not for a better seat.
Business travelers whose company pays for Business Select should use the A1-A15 position to grab an exit row window or aisle seat. The seat itself is standard but the legroom in the exit row is the best on the aircraft.
Southwest Airlines Premium Seats: Exit Row and Bulkhead
Southwest Airlines does not charge extra for exit row or bulkhead seats. These seats are available to any passenger who boards early enough to select them.
Exit row seats on the 737 provide approximately 36 to 38 inches of seat pitch. This is the most legroom available on any Southwest aircraft and the closest thing to a premium seat on the airline.
Exit row passengers must meet FAA eligibility requirements. You must be 15 years or older, physically capable of operating the exit, and willing to assist in an emergency.
Bulkhead seats in row 1 offer more knee room than standard rows but no underseat storage for personal items. The tray table deploys from the armrest reducing seat width slightly.
The second exit row on the 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 offers full legroom with no exit door obstruction. This row is the single best seat on the aircraft for tall passengers.
Solo travelers securing exit row seats should choose the window for maximum shoulder room and no seatmate disruption. Aisle exit row seats offer easier lavatory access but less shoulder privacy.
Southwest Airlines Extra Legroom: Where to Find It
Southwest Airlines extra legroom is available in exit row seats on all aircraft types. There are no other extra legroom seat options on Southwest flights.
The over-wing exit rows on the 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 offer the best legroom on the aircraft. These rows have approximately 36 to 38 inches of pitch compared to 31 to 32 inches in standard rows.
There is no Economy Plus or Main Cabin Extra product on Southwest. The airline does not sell extra legroom seats as an add-on or seat assignment upgrade.
The second exit row behind the primary exit row offers full legroom with full recline. The primary exit row may have limited recline depending on the specific aircraft configuration.
A-List and A-List Preferred elite members do not receive guaranteed exit row access. The seat is available on a first-board, first-choose basis like all other seats.
Tall passengers who want exit row legroom should purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select. The boarding position is the only way to secure the exit row before other passengers.
Southwest Airlines 737 MAX Seats: The Newest Cabin
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 features the newest cabin interior in the fleet with the most passenger-friendly seat dimensions. The MAX 8 seats offer the widest width and best pitch available on Southwest.
Seat pitch on the 737 MAX 8 is approximately 32 inches in standard rows. Exit rows offer substantially more with 36 to 38 inches of pitch.
Seat width on the 737 MAX 8 is approximately 17.8 inches which is the widest in the Southwest fleet. The slimline seat design maximizes knee clearance without sacrificing cushion comfort.
The 737 MAX 8 features the Boeing Sky Interior with larger overhead bins, LED mood lighting, and sculpted sidewalls. The cabin feels more spacious than older 737 models despite the same fuselage width.
Power outlets and USB ports are available at each seat on the 737 MAX 8. The inflight entertainment is delivered through the Southwest app on personal devices with free live television and movies.
Solo travelers on the 737 MAX 8 should target the exit row window seats for the best combination of legroom, width, and privacy. The MAX 8 is the most comfortable aircraft in the Southwest fleet.
Southwest Airlines 737-800 Seats: The Workhorse Fleet
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 is the largest aircraft type in the fleet by total count and serves as the workhorse for most domestic routes. The seat dimensions are slightly less generous than the MAX 8.
Seat pitch on the 737-800 varies between 31 and 32 inches depending on the specific aircraft configuration and retrofit status. Newer Evolve and Recaro slimline seats provide better knee clearance.
Seat width on the 737-800 measures approximately 17.2 to 17.5 inches depending on the seat model. The variation comes from Southwest’s ongoing fleet retrofit and standardization program.
The 737-800 features in-seat power and USB ports on most aircraft with newer interiors. Older 737-800 configurations may have limited or no power access at the seat.
The cabin interior on newer 737-800 configurations matches the 737 MAX 8 aesthetic with the Boeing Sky Interior. Older 737-800 aircraft have the previous generation cabin with smaller overhead bins.
The 737-800 exit rows provide the same generous legroom as the MAX 8 exit rows. The exit row is the best seat on the 737-800 for passenger space.
Southwest Airlines 737-700 Seats: The Older Configuration
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 is the oldest aircraft type in the fleet and offers the least generous seat dimensions. The 737-700 is being gradually retired with replacement by the MAX 8.
Seat pitch on the 737-700 is 31 inches on most aircraft. This is the tightest pitch in the Southwest fleet and the least comfortable for passengers above six feet.
Seat width on the 737-700 measures approximately 17 inches on older seat models. The narrower seat combined with the tighter pitch makes the 737-700 the least comfortable Southwest aircraft.
The 737-700 cabin interior is the previous generation with smaller overhead bins and older lighting systems. Power outlets are not available at all seats on older 737-700 configurations.
Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment through personal devices are available on all 737-700 aircraft. The entertainment experience is the same as other fleet types.
Passengers on the 737-700 should prioritize exit row seats for legroom. The difference between standard rows and the exit row is more meaningful on the 737-700 than on any other Southwest aircraft.
Key Takeaway: The 737-700 has the tightest seats in the fleet. Target exit row seats on this aircraft type for acceptable legroom.
Southwest Seats vs Delta: All-Economy vs Full Service
Delta Air Lines offers assigned seats with multiple cabin classes including Delta One, First Class, Delta Comfort Plus, and Main Cabin. Southwest offers a single all-economy cabin with open seating.
Delta Main Cabin seat pitch is 31 to 32 inches which is comparable to Southwest’s 31 to 32 inches. The standard economy legroom is essentially identical between the two carriers.
Delta seat width on the A320 family is approximately 18 inches which is slightly wider than Southwest’s 17 to 17.8 inches on the 737. The Airbus cabin width advantage is measurable but not dramatic.
Delta Comfort Plus offers 34 inches of pitch with dedicated overhead bin space and complimentary drinks. Southwest has no equivalent premium economy product.
Delta charges for checked bags on Main Cabin fares while Southwest includes two free checked bags. The baggage fee difference can offset the fare difference on routes where the two airlines compete.
Business travelers who value a premium cabin experience should choose Delta. Budget travelers who check bags should compare the all-in cost including bag fees between Delta Main Cabin and Southwest.
Southwest Seats vs American: Value Comparison
American Airlines offers assigned seats with Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and Flagship Business cabins. Southwest offers a single all-economy cabin with open seating.
American Main Cabin seat pitch is 30 to 32 inches depending on aircraft type. The American 737 fleet has similar pitch to Southwest’s 31 to 32 inches with more variation by specific aircraft.
American Main Cabin Extra offers additional legroom with 33 to 35 inches of pitch for an upcharge. Southwest has no equivalent paid extra legroom product.
American charges for checked bags on Main Cabin fares while Southwest includes two free checked bags. The free bags on Southwest are a meaningful value advantage for travelers with luggage.
American’s A320 family seats are approximately 18 inches wide compared to Southwest’s 17 to 17.8 inches on the 737 fleet. The width difference is small but favors American on Airbus routes.
Budget travelers checking bags should compare the total cost of American Main Cabin plus bag fees against Southwest’s all-inclusive fare. The Southwest value proposition strengthens as checked bag count increases.
Key Takeaway: Southwest seats are comparable to Delta and American standard economy. Free checked bags are the Southwest value differentiator.
Important Accuracy Notes for Southwest Airlines Seats
Southwest Airlines seat dimensions, aircraft assignments, and boarding procedures change without public notice. Fleet retrofit programs and new aircraft deliveries shift the mix of seat types across the network.
Verify the following directly before traveling:
Your specific flight’s operating aircraft type on southwest.com at the time of booking to understand which seat dimensions apply.
EarlyBird Check-In availability and pricing for your specific route and travel dates.
Exit row eligibility requirements on the FAA website if you plan to sit in an exit row.
A-List and A-List Preferred boarding benefits for your specific elite tier and fare class.
Current boarding procedures and family boarding policies on southwest.com.
The most important action is checking in exactly 24 hours before departure if you do not purchase EarlyBird Check-In. Your boarding position determines your seat selection and late check-in results in C group boarding with limited seat availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Airlines Seats
Does Southwest Airlines have assigned seats?
Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seats on any flight.
Passengers board in groups and positions and choose any available seat on the aircraft.
Your boarding position determines how many seats you get to choose from.
What is the seat size on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines seat pitch is 31 to 32 inches depending on the aircraft type.
Seat width measures 17 to 17.8 inches with the Boeing 737 MAX 8 offering the widest seat.
Exit row seats provide approximately 36 to 38 inches of pitch for additional legroom.
Does Southwest Airlines have business class or first class?
Southwest Airlines does not have business class, first class, or any premium cabin.
The entire fleet operates with a single all-economy 3-3 cabin configuration.
Business Select is a fare bundle with priority boarding, not a separate cabin class with larger seats.
How do I get the best seat on Southwest Airlines?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In or a Business Select fare for the earliest boarding positions.
Check in exactly 24 hours before departure on southwest.com for a better position without paying extra.
Board early and select an exit row window or aisle seat for the best legroom and comfort.
Which Southwest aircraft has the most legroom?
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 offers the most legroom in standard rows with approximately 32 inches of seat pitch.
Exit rows on all Southwest aircraft provide 36 to 38 inches of pitch regardless of aircraft type.
The 737-700 has the least legroom in standard rows with 31 inches of pitch.
Is Southwest seat pitch better than Delta or American?
Southwest standard seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches is comparable to Delta Main Cabin and American Main Cabin.
Delta Comfort Plus and American Main Cabin Extra offer more legroom than any Southwest standard row.
Southwest exit rows provide comparable legroom to premium economy products on legacy carriers.
Your Southwest Airlines Seat Strategy
Southwest Airlines seats are consistent across the fleet with every passenger in the same all-economy 3-3 cabin. The seat you get depends on when you board, not on your fare class or elite status.
Check in exactly 24 hours before departure, purchase EarlyBird Check-In for a better position, or book Business Select for A1 through A15 boarding. Board early and walk straight to an exit row window seat for the best legroom and comfort on the aircraft.
Do not search for business class on Southwest because it does not exist. Accept the open seating system, target the exit row, and enjoy the two free checked bags that make Southwest a better value than paying for bags on Delta or American.
