Economy Class
The Ryanair 737-800 is configured as a single all-Economy cabin with a 3-3 layout across 189 seats. Pitch is 29 inches and seat width is 17 inches — among the tightest specifications in the European low-cost segment. Seats do not recline meaningfully, and there is no seatback entertainment system onboard. The cabin is divided into two galleys and lavatories, typically positioned mid-fuselage and aft. Forward rows offer proximity to boarding and deplaning; rear rows experience galley noise, lavatory queues, and passenger foot traffic. Frequent flyers note that aisle seats in forward sections provide easier egress and shoulder room, while middle seats throughout the cabin are universally cramped and unpopular. Verify the precise locations of exit rows, galley zones, and any restricted-legroom rows on Ryanair's official seat map before booking, as configuration can vary by individual aircraft.
Best seats
| Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|
| Forward window seat (rows 1–5, A or F) | Economy | First to board, first to deplane; window position provides wall to lean against and avoids middle-seat squeeze |
| Forward aisle seat (rows 1–5, C or D) | Economy | Easiest legroom in tight cabin; quickest access to lavatory and boarding bridge |
| Seat over wing (typically mid-fuselage window, A or F) | Economy | Reduced engine noise relative to rear rows; smoother ride during turbulence |
| Row immediately forward of aft galley/lavatory | Economy | Avoids foot traffic and noise from passengers queuing behind; exact row number varies by aircraft — check seat map |
Seats to avoid
| Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|
| Middle seat (B or E), any row | Economy | 17-inch width and no armrest privacy; passengers on either side; no wall or aisle escape |
| Rear rows adjacent to aft galley and lavatories | Economy | Noise, odour, and constant foot traffic from other passengers; lavatory queue congestion during descent |
| Last row | Economy | Fixed armrests, limited recline, engine noise, and long deplaning delay as last off the aircraft |
| Rows with restricted legroom (if any) | Economy | Verify on Ryanair's seat map — some rows may have reduced pitch due to structure or equipment; exact row numbers vary by airframe |
💰 True Cost Breakdown
Ryanair's seat selection model relies on dynamic pricing tied to seat location and demand. On the 737-800, the airline typically segments the cabin into zones: front rows (1–6), exit rows and extra-legroom areas, and standard economy throughout the rear. Each zone carries its own selection fee, which fluctuates by route, season, and booking proximity to departure.
For most passengers, the economics favor selecting a standard rear seat at no charge if flexibility is possible. Front-row selection appeals primarily to passengers prioritizing early boarding and deplaning; exit rows often command a premium despite limited actual space gains on this aircraft type. Window seats in mid-cabin typically cost less than aisles or exits, yet offer equal legroom.
Ryanair frequently bundles seat selection into ancillary packages—combining priority boarding, checked baggage, and assigned seating. Evaluate whether the bundle cost justifies your journey length and baggage needs. Check the airline's website at your time of booking to confirm current fees and zone definitions; pricing varies daily and by origin–destination pair.
📐 Space Reality
The Ryanair 737-800 Economy cabin offers 29 inches of pitch and 17 inches of seat width. For a passenger of average height (5'8"–5'10"), the pitch accommodates a laptop bag or small daypack under the seat ahead; knee clearance exists but feels modest on longer routes. The 17-inch width seats most adults comfortably without armrest friction on a 2-hour flight; longer journeys may expose the narrowness, especially if your seatmate fills their half fully.
A direct comparison: Southwest Airlines' Boeing 737-800 configures its economy (called "Bags Fly Free") at generous pitch and roughly generous width—a small but perceptible advantage in legroom that compounds over 3+ hour flights. Ryanair's 29-inch pitch sits in the tighter segment of European short-haul fleets.
Slimline seat pans on this aircraft feel as cramped as the numbers suggest, with minimal recline and thin cushioning. Armrest rigidity is pronounced; elbow-sharing with neighbors becomes a negotiation point. The tray table and overhead stowage are functional but modest in volume—standard cabin luggage fits wheels-first, though overhead bins fill quickly on full flights.
⚡ Power & Connectivity
The Ryanair 737-800 does not offer seatback USB power or integrated inflight WiFi as standard amenities. Some aircraft in the fleet have received retrofit WiFi capability, but availability is inconsistent across the network and is not guaranteed on your assigned aircraft. Before booking, check Ryanair's current fleet pages or contact reservations to confirm whether your specific route's aircraft includes WiFi; do not assume it is present.
For passengers relying on devices, a portable power bank (20,000 mAh or larger) is prudent. Most Ryanair flights operate in the 1–4 hour range, during which a smartphone and tablet battery can sustain modest use without external power; longer regional hops or connections benefit from a charged backup.
Airplane Mode is mandatory; mobile data is unavailable. If work or entertainment depends on internet, plan offline alternatives (downloaded media, offline maps, local content) or budget time in airport lounges or terminal WiFi between legs.
🏃 Boarding & Exit Strategy
Ryanair employs a tiered boarding system that rewards front-cabin seat assignments and priority-fare passengers. Passengers seated in rows 1–10 (approximately) typically board early; priority add-ons (such as priority boarding) accelerate entry further. Window and middle seats in these rows board before aisles in the same band, a quirk designed to minimize aisle congestion during the initial surge.
On the 737-800, aisle seats near the front (rows 1–8, if unassigned fees allow) deplane fastest; the forward galley and flight-deck proximity create natural flow to the forward door. Exit-row aisles (typically rows 12–14) deplane early for safety briefing compliance but are not necessarily faster than mid-cabin aisles on a full turnaround.
The 737-800 is equipped with both forward and aft doors. Ryanair activates rear-door deplaning on high-frequency turnarounds at major hubs to accelerate passenger egress; however, rear-door use varies by airport infrastructure and crew discretion. Current rear-door policy is not guaranteed route-to-route; consult Ryanair's airport-specific procedures or ask crew before touchdown if rear-exit speed matters to your connection. Passengers in rows 25–29 benefit from proximity to the aft door if it opens, but should not plan a tight connection solely on that assumption.
Passenger Reviews
Passenger reviews for the Ryanair 737-800 aren't yet available in our database. The specs above are verified from Ryanair's published fleet data. As we add sources for this aircraft, this section will be updated with passenger experience summaries.