Southwest Airlines
Boeing 737-700
Southwest Boeing 737-700 Seat Map & Best Seats Guide (2026) | Cabin
Quick Verdict
The Boeing 737-700 is the "workhorse" of the Southwest fleet. While reliable, it is the most tech-limited aircraft in their lineup. It typically lacks in-seat power and features older cabin interiors. Best for short hops; bring a portable charger for longer flights. Recommended seats: Row 12 (Exit) or Row 1 (Bulkhead).
The Bottom Line: The 737-700 is a reliable but aging aircraft. It generally lacks power outlets and features the older "Evolve" or "Heart" slimline seats.
Best Seats: Row 12 (Exit Row) for maximum legroom; Row 1 for quick deplaning.
Worst Seats: Row 11 (No recline); Row 24 (Last row, noisy, no recline, near lavatories).
Charging: Caution. Most -700s do not have in-seat power. Bring a portable charger.
Try Cabin
Discover the best seats and find out the truth about power outlet availability on the Southwest Boeing 737-700 in our comprehensive 2026 guide.
The Southwest 737-700 Seat Map at a Glance
Southwest flies several versions of the -700, but they all share a 3-3 configuration with 143 seats.
Feature | Specification |
Seat Pitch | 31 inches (standard) |
Seat Width | 17 inches |
Rows | 24 Rows |
WiFi | Southwest/Viasat (Satellite-based) |
The Power & Charging Audit (Critical Update)
One of the most frequent searches for this aircraft is southwest boeing 737-700 power outlets.
The reality: Unlike the newer MAX 8 fleet, the vast majority of Southwest’s 737-700s do not have AC power or USB ports.
The Charging Matrix
Aircraft Version | USB-A | USB-C (60W) | AC Outlet |
Standard 737-700 | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None |
Retrofit (Very Rare) | ✅ Yes | ❌ None | ❌ None |
Cabin Coach Tip: If your tail number starts with N7, assume you will have zero power. Always carry a 20,000mAh battery pack for flights over 2 hours.
Best Seats on the Southwest 737-700
The Legroom Winner: Row 12 (Exit Row)
Because the -700 only has one over-wing exit row per side, Row 12 is the "Goldilocks" zone. You get a significant bump in legroom (roughly 38" pitch) and full recline.
The Bulkhead Debate: Row 1
Row 1 is the most requested row for Business Select passengers.
The Pro: You are the first off the plane - vital for tight connections.
The Con: There is no under-seat storage. All bags must go in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing. Furthermore, the tray tables are in the armrests, which slightly reduces seat width.
Seats to Avoid
Row 11: This row is directly in front of the exit row. To ensure the exit path isn't blocked, these seats do not recline.
Row 24: The "Back of the Bus." These seats do not recline, are narrower due to the cabin curvature, and are subject to constant noise and foot traffic from the rear lavatories and galley.
The Tall Traveler’s Verdict
At 31 inches of pitch, the 737-700 is "passable" for travelers up to 6'0". However, if you are 6'2" or taller, your knees will likely touch the seatback in front of you.
Tall Traveler Hack: Aim for an Aisle Seat in the second half of the plane. Southwest's open seating means the back of the plane often fills last; you might score an empty middle seat, allowing you to angle your legs for more comfort.
Comparison: 737-700 vs. 737-800
Many travelers ask: “How many seats on a Southwest 737-700 vs -800?”
Feature | 737-700 | 737-800 |
Passenger Capacity | 143 Seats | 175 Seats |
Power Outlets | Rare/None | Often (USB-A) |
Legroom | 31" Pitch | 32" Pitch |
Cabin Feel | Older/Cramped | Newer/Sky Interior |
Does the Southwest 737-700 have a window in Row 11?
Yes, unlike some Ryanair configurations, the Southwest -700 generally has aligned windows throughout the cabin.
How many rows are on a Southwest 737-700?
There are 24 rows in a standard Southwest -700 configuration.
What are the best seats on the Southwest 737-700 for families?
We recommend the very back (Rows 20-23). It is close to the lavatories, and because Southwest uses open seating, families are more likely to find three seats together in the rear of the cabin.
Is there a "windowless" seat on this plane?
Generally, no. However, Row 8 and Row 9 sometimes have slightly misaligned windows where you have to lean forward or back to see out.
Southwest Airlines, Boeing 737-700, Seat Map, Budget Travel, Aircraft Review