What’s in This Article
- Key Takeaways
- Understanding Seat Width on Southwest Airlines
- How Southwest Seat Width Compares to Other Airlines
- Tips for Choosing the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines
- How Seat Width Affects Passenger Comfort
- Who May Find Southwest Seats Too Narrow
- Southwest Airlines Policies on Seat Width and Extra Space
- Frequently Asked Questions
Your seat choice can make a two-hour flight feel easy or uncomfortable. Southwest Airlines economy seats run about 17 to 17.8 inches wide, depending on the aircraft, with most rows offering 31 to 33 inches of legroom. Knowing those numbers, and matching them to your body type and trip length, helps you book the right spot before it’s gone.
Southwest, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, serves U.S. cities and select destinations in Central America and the Caribbean. The airline uses a point-to-point route system focused on shorter flights, which keeps costs low and turnarounds quick.
Quick Answer
On most Southwest Airlines flights, economy seats are about 17 to 17.8 inches wide between the armrests, with roughly 31 to 33 inches of legroom depending on the aircraft. That puts Southwest close to the U.S. industry average, though larger travelers may still prefer extra-legroom rows or an additional seat for greater comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines is a popular low-cost carrier known for its friendly service and straightforward approach to air travel.
- Seat width varies by aircraft: about 17 inches on Boeing 737-700s and closer to 17.8 inches on 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 planes.
- Southwest’s economy seat widths sit near the middle of the U.S. airline range, similar to most major domestic carriers.
- Check your aircraft type, consider exit rows or extra-legroom seats for more space, and avoid seats near the lavatories if foot traffic bothers you.
- Travelers who need extra room should review Southwest’s seating options and Customers of Size policy before booking.
Southwest switched to assigned seating for all flights departing on or after January 27, 2026, offering standard, preferred, and extra-legroom options. Before that date, passengers chose their own seats when they boarded. The airline has built a loyal customer base around simple pricing and helpful staff, but understanding seat dimensions and policies still helps you plan the most comfortable trip possible.
Understanding Seat Width on Southwest Airlines
Seat width is a key factor for comfort on any flight. Southwest Airlines economy seats run about 17 to 17.8 inches wide between the armrests. The exact measurement depends on the plane: around 17 inches on the Boeing 737-700 and closer to 17.8 inches on the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8. Both figures match what most other domestic airlines offer.
Seat pitch, the distance from one seat to the same spot on the seat in front, typically runs 31 inches for standard rows and up to 35 or 36 inches in extra-legroom sections. Width and pitch together decide how much space you actually feel during the flight.
Southwest’s cabins use a single aisle with three seats on each side. That 3-3 layout lets the airline carry more passengers per flight but can feel close when the plane is full.
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How Southwest Seat Width Compares to Other Airlines
Most major carriers — American, Delta, and United — offer economy seats between 17 and 18 inches wide, depending on the plane. Some airlines provide slightly wider seats on Airbus models with a different fuselage. Ultra-low-cost carriers often match Southwest’s width but cut legroom to add extra rows.
The differences are small on paper, but they matter on longer flights when you need extra space. Southwest’s seat width sits in the middle of the low-cost range. It doesn’t feel especially roomy compared with some full-service carriers that use wider cabin configurations on certain routes.
Knowing these numbers helps you decide which airline matches your comfort needs before you book.
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Tips for Choosing the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Check-In | Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or upgraded boarding improves access to preferred and extra-legroom seats. |
| Boarding Group | Earlier boarding groups give you faster access to overhead bins and a calmer start to the flight. |
| Seat Width | Check the aircraft type when booking — 737-800 and MAX 8 planes offer slightly wider seats than 737-700s. |
| Seat Location | Seats over the wing give a smoother ride; front seats tend to be quieter; window seats avoid aisle traffic. |
| Legroom | Exit rows and extra-legroom sections offer up to 35–36 inches of pitch, giving your legs noticeably more space. |
With assigned seating now in effect, you pick your seat when you book or check in. Your fare type and any paid seat upgrades determine what’s available. Booking early and checking in right away raises your odds of landing an extra-legroom or preferred seat before other passengers grab them.
Exit-row seats add legroom but often see more foot traffic and noise from nearby galleys or lavatories. Think about those trade-offs when you choose.
Pro tip: Check your reservation details or the Southwest app to confirm the aircraft type before your flight — 737-800 and MAX 8 planes give you about 0.8 inches more seat width than 737-700s.
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How Seat Width Affects Passenger Comfort
Seat width plays a big part in how a flight feels. Southwest seats run 17 to 17.8 inches wide. Many passengers find this fine on short trips. Others feel it’s snug, particularly on longer routes or in a full middle seat where armrest space gets shared with neighbors on both sides.
Cushioning, seat pitch, and recline also shape how comfortable a seat feels. Southwest’s seats give solid basic support that works well on shorter flights, though they’re not as padded as premium options on other carriers.
Newer planes in the fleet feature refreshed cabins with updated seats, power outlets, and improved lighting. These upgrades help comfort even when the core seat dimensions stay the same.
Who May Find Southwest Seats Too Narrow
Larger travelers or passengers with mobility issues may find 17 to 17.8 inches too narrow. The issue becomes more noticeable on longer flights when you sit for several hours without much room to shift position.
Anyone who needs extra space for medical reasons should contact Southwest before traveling to discuss available options. Now that seating is assigned, the boarding rush no longer forces anyone into a last-resort spot, but planning ahead still matters.
Southwest Airlines Policies on Seat Width and Extra Space
Southwest Airlines has seating policies designed to help every passenger while keeping flights on schedule. The airline asks travelers who need more space — because of size or a medical condition — to reach out to customer service before the trip.
Southwest’s Customers of Size policy lets eligible passengers buy a second seat for extra room. That seat may receive a refund after travel if the flight operated with empty seats and other conditions are met. Full details appear on Southwest’s official extra seat policy page. Travelers who think they may need more than one seat should review that information before booking.
Note: The second-seat refund isn’t automatic — it depends on the flight not being full and meeting additional conditions, so don’t count on it when budgeting your trip.
Southwest also works to make its planes accessible for passengers with disabilities, with special seating areas, boarding assistance, and accessible lavatories on many aircraft. The airline now offers clearly labeled standard, preferred, and extra-legroom seats. You can review the current options on Southwest’s assigned seating updates page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the width of the seats on Southwest Airlines?
Most Southwest economy seats measure about 17 to 17.8 inches wide between the armrests, depending on the aircraft model. Boeing 737-700s run closer to 17 inches, while 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft offer seats closer to 17.8 inches.
Are Southwest Airlines seats comfortable for larger passengers?
Southwest’s seat widths sit near the U.S. airline average, so some larger travelers may find them snug on longer flights. If you’re concerned about fit, review the Customers of Size policy and consider booking a second seat or choosing an aisle seat for a bit more shoulder room.
Does Southwest Airlines offer seating options for passengers who need extra space?
Yes. The Customers of Size policy lets eligible passengers book a second seat for more room, which may be refunded after travel if the flight wasn’t full. Extra-legroom rows and assigned Extra Legroom seats also provide more personal space, though seat width stays the same.
Can passengers request a wider seat on Southwest Airlines?
Standard economy seats on Southwest are all roughly the same width, and no wider seat option exists. To gain extra personal space, you can purchase a second seat under the Customers of Size policy or choose exit and extra-legroom rows where available.
Which Southwest aircraft offer slightly wider seats?
Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft have seats around 17.8 inches wide, compared with about 17 inches on the smaller 737-700. You can usually see the aircraft type during booking or in your reservation details before the flight.
Plan Around the Numbers Before You Book
Southwest economy seats run 17 to 17.8 inches wide — right in line with most U.S. domestic carriers. That’s enough room for most passengers on short flights, but worth thinking about if you’re larger or flying a longer route.
Check the aircraft type before you book, look at extra-legroom rows if you need more space, and review the Customers of Size policy if a standard seat won’t work for you. A few minutes of planning before checkout can make a real difference once you’re in the air.
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