Southwest Airlines
Boeing 737-800
Southwest 737-800 Seat Guide (2026) | Cabin
TL;DR
Southwest switched from open seating to assigned seating in January 2026, ending a 50-year policy. The 737-800 has 175 seats in a 3-3 layout with no first class or business class. The single best seats are 16A and 16F - window seats behind the exit row with no seat in front, offering the most legroom on the aircraft. Avoid row 30 entirely.
Try Cabin
The best and worst seats on Southwest's 737-800 - exit rows, extra legroom, and what changed when Southwest switched to assigned seating in January 2026. Updated April 2026.
Southwest's 737-800 is the workhorse of one of America's most popular airlines. Until January 2026 it was the only major US carrier where you picked your own seat after boarding. That era is over. Southwest now works like every other airline - you choose a seat when you book, and you sit in it.
If you haven't flown Southwest since the change, here's what you need to know before you pick your seat.
The New Seat Categories
Southwest now has three types of seats: Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom. Standard and Preferred seats are the same seat in different locations - Standard toward the back, Preferred closer to the front. Both offer 31 inches of pitch. Extra Legroom seats have 3 to 5 extra inches of legroom and are at the front of the plane and in the exit rows.
Extra Legroom seats also include extra snacks and complimentary premium beverages.
The Layout
Southwest's 737-800 seats 175 passengers with a seat pitch of 31 inches and a width of 17.8 inches. Every seat is in a 3-3 configuration. There is no first class, no business class, and no premium economy. Everyone is in the same cabin.
One thing that catches people out: Southwest uses pre-reclined seats that are fixed in a slight recline position. There is no recline button, which means no recline wars with the passenger behind you.
No power outlets on this aircraft. Bring a portable battery.
Best Seats
Seat | Why |
|---|---|
16A, 16F | Best on the plane. Window seats behind the exit row door with no seat in front. Maximum legroom. |
14A, 14F, 15A, 15F | Exit row seats. Extra legroom, good window views. |
Rows 1-6 | Extra Legroom designation at the front. Good for quick deplaning. |
Over-wing rows | Smoothest ride if you're prone to turbulence. |
Seats to Avoid
Seat | Why |
|---|---|
Row 30 | Last row. Narrower due to fuselage taper, no recline, close to galley and lavatory. |
10A, 11A, 11F | These seats have a missing or misaligned window on the 737-800. Simple Flying |
Row 15 | Exit row seats here do not recline due to the exit row behind them. |
Exit Row Rules
Exit row seats require you to be willing and able to assist in an emergency. You cannot have bags stored under the seat in front during takeoff and landing. The tray table is in the armrest, which makes the seat slightly narrower. Worth it for most passengers given the legroom gain.
The Version Lottery
Southwest operates three 737 variants - the 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8. The 737-800 and MAX 8 have similar layouts. If you're checking your flight and see "73H" in the booking details, that's the 737-800. "7M8" is the MAX 8.
What is the best seat on Southwest 737-800?
Seats 16A and 16F are the best on the aircraft - window seats behind the exit row with no seat in front, offering more legroom than any other position.
Does the Southwest 737-800 have power outlets?
No. The 737-800 does not have power outlets or USB charging ports. Bring a portable battery pack.
Did Southwest change to assigned seating?
Yes. Southwest officially switched to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, ending its open seating policy after more than 50 years.
How many seats does the Southwest 737-800 have?
175 seats in a 3-3 configuration, all economy class.
What is Extra Legroom on Southwest?
Extra Legroom seats have 3 to 5 extra inches of pitch compared to standard seats and are located at the front of the plane and in the exit rows. They also include extra snacks and complimentary premium beverages.
Does Southwest have Wi-Fi on the 737-800?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available on Southwest's 737-800 fleet.
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