American Airlines
Boeing 737-800
American Airlines 737-800 Seat Guide (2026) | Cabin.coach
TL;DR
The 737-800 features a 2-2 Business Class (37" pitch) and 3-3 Economy layout (30" pitch). Best seats are bulkhead MCE in row 8 (8A/8F) and exit row 17 (17A/17F) for extra legroom. Avoid row 33 (last row with no recline) and all B/E middle seats in economy. Premium Economy is available on this aircraft for added comfort between Business and Economy.
Try Cabin
The American Airlines 737-800 offers Business and Premium Economy cabins on select routes. With a 2-2 business layout and standard 3-3 economy configuration, seat selection is crucial for comfort. This guide helps you avoid middle seats and find the best spots for your journey.
Business Class
American Airlines Business Class on the 737-800 features a 2-2 seating layout with 16 total seats across 8 rows. Each seat offers 37 inches of pitch and 21 inches of width, providing adequate comfort for short to medium-haul flights. However, note that this cabin does not include a privacy door between seats, so you may have some interaction with your cabin mate. Business Class passengers enjoy priority boarding, enhanced meal service, and premium amenities.
Premium Economy Class
Premium Economy is available on this aircraft, offering a middle ground between Business and Economy. Passengers receive better pitch and width than Economy Class, along with enhanced service and amenities. This is an excellent option for cost-conscious business travelers or leisure passengers seeking extra comfort without the Business Class price tag.
Economy Class
Economy Class uses the standard 3-3 configuration with 30 inches of pitch and 17 inches of width. The cabin is divided into main deck economy and standard economy rows. Middle seats (B and E) are generally the least desirable due to lack of aisle or window access. Exit row seats offer additional legroom but come with restrictions on who can sit there. Row 33, the final row, offers limited recline and proximity to lavatories and galleys, making it less comfortable for longer flights.
Best seats
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
8A / 8F | Business / MCE | Bulkhead position provides extra legroom and prestige with minimal foot traffic |
17A / 17F | Economy | Exit row seats offer substantially more legroom without Business Class cost |
2A / 2F | Business | First row window seats with direct aisle access and premium positioning |
Seats to avoid
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
Row 33 | Economy | Last row with limited recline, proximity to lavatories, and minimal comfort on longer flights |
B / E seats (all rows) | Economy | Middle seats lack window views and direct aisle access, offering worst personal space |
Rows 25-32 | Economy | Standard economy with no extra legroom and higher foot traffic near lavatories |
Does the 737-800 Business Class have direct aisle access?
Yes, the 2-2 layout means all Business Class seats have either window or aisle access. However, there is no privacy door between seats, so you may interact with your seatmate during the flight.
What is the difference between Main Cabin Extra and Premium Economy?
Main Cabin Extra (MCE) offers extra legroom in Economy seating areas, typically in rows 8 and exit rows. Premium Economy is a separate cabin class with wider seats, better pitch, and enhanced service. Premium Economy offers superior comfort but at a higher price point than MCE.
Can I recline in row 33?
Row 33 has limited or no recline function as it is the last row of the aircraft. This makes it uncomfortable for extended flights, so it's best avoided if possible.
Are exit row seats worth booking?
Exit row seats (row 17) offer significantly more legroom than standard Economy at a reasonable upcharge. However, you must be able-bodied and willing to assist in an emergency. These seats are excellent value for economy passengers seeking extra space.
What is the best seat for a solo traveler?
Window seats in rows 8A/8F (MCE) or 17A/17F (exit row) are ideal for solo travelers, offering privacy, extra legroom, and no middle seat intrusion. These provide the best economy experience on the 737-800.
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