Airline seat guide
Southwest Airlinesseat guide: economy legroom, best seats & upgrades
Southwest Airlines economy seats pitch from 31 in on narrowbody jets up to 31 in on widebody routes. Exit rows often unlock more space for free. Here is exactly what to book — and what to skip.
How much legroom does Southwest Airlines economy have?
Every Southwest Airlines aircraft carries a slightly different economy layout. The table below shows pitch, width, seat configuration, and the routes each aircraft type flies most often.
| Aircraft | Economy pitch | Width | Layout | Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 31 in | 17 in | 3-3 (all-economy, 175 seats) | All domestic US routes; largest and fastest-growing fleet type (~300 aircraft) |
| Boeing 737-800 | 31 in | 17.2 in | 3-3 (all-economy, 175 seats) | Medium and long-haul domestic routes; workhorse fleet (207 aircraft) |
| Boeing 737-700 | 31 in | 17 in | 3-3 (all-economy, 143 seats) | Shorter and thinner domestic routes; smallest aircraft, being gradually retired |
Premium-cabin pitch varies by aircraft. See the upgrade section below for exact figures.
What are the best seats on Southwest Airlines?
On the 737-800 and MAX 8, seats 16A or 16F sit directly at the exit door with no seat in front — effectively unlimited legroom at Extra Legroom price. On the 737-700, row 15A offers the same advantage. If you want Extra Legroom plus fast deplaning, rows 1–2 deliver both. If skipping the upgrade fee, rows 6D–6F (Preferred zone) put you just behind the extra-legroom section and board in Group 3.
General rules that apply on any Southwest Airlines flight
- Exit rows — typically 4–8 extra inches of pitch with no seat in front. Often free to select at check-in even when they cost money at booking.
- Bulkhead rows — the most forward-cabin legroom, but tray tables live in the armrest and overhead bins may be pre-assigned to another cabin.
- Window seat for sleep — a wall to lean against and no one climbing past you. Rows near the middle of the plane minimize wing noise and turbulence.
Which Southwest Airlines seats should I avoid?
Row 13 (737-800/MAX 8): seats do not recline despite being priced as Preferred. Rows 29–30 (737-800/MAX 8): no recline, near rear lavatories, last to deplane. Row 15 B–E (737-700): non-reclining with armrest-mounted tray tables and narrower effective width. Row 14 (737-700): limited or no recline. Row 1 A–C/E–F (all aircraft): no underseat stowage — carry-on bag must go overhead only.
How to upgrade your Southwest Airlines seat
Southwest Airlines offers 2 cabin tiers above standard economy. Prices below are typical ranges — exact costs shift with route length, demand, and how far in advance you buy.
| Cabin / product | Pitch | Typical price | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Legroom Seat | 34 in (35 in on 737-700) | $38–$41 short-haul; $83–$91 long-haul; up to $250 on select routes (dynamic pricing) | Front cabin or exit rows, complimentary alcoholic beverage, Wonderful Pistachios snack, Group 2 boarding priority, early overhead bin access; free for A-List Preferred members and SW Priority cardholders within 48 hrs of departure |
| Preferred Seat | 31 in | $23–$26 short-haul; $36–$41 long-haul (dynamic pricing) | Forward cabin placement (rows 6D–F and 7–13 on 737-800/MAX 8) for faster deplaning, Groups 3–5 boarding |
On most Southwest Airlinesroutes, upgrading at check-in or bidding through the airline's upgrade program costs less than buying at booking.
How much does seat selection cost on Southwest Airlines?
Standard seats: no fee with Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares. Preferred seat upgrade: ~$23–$41 depending on route. Extra Legroom upgrade: ~$38–$250 depending on route (dynamic pricing). Basic (Wanna Get Away) passengers receive no advance seat selection — seat is auto-assigned at check-in.
Basic economy rule
Wanna Get Away (basic fare) passengers cannot select a seat at booking. A Standard seat is auto-assigned at check-in approximately 24 hours before departure, typically in the rear cabin. Wanna Get Away Plus and higher fares allow advance standard seat selection at booking.
Want the authoritative seat map for every Southwest Airlines aircraft? Check the Southwest Airlines fleet page on SeatGuru — interactive maps show every row, exit door, and window position so you know exactly what you are booking before you pay.
More Southwest Airlines guides
Seat specifications verified against Southwest Airlines fleet data and SeatGuru on .
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