Overview: what you should know about Southwest 737-700 seating
On Southwest, seats are not assigned, but choosing wisely still matters for comfort and ease. The Boeing 737-700 is one of the most common types in the Southwest fleet, with a single cabin class and a 2 3 2 seating configuration. Because seat labels are standard across many 737s, you can rely on bulkhead, exit row, and window characteristics even when specifics vary by aircraft age and airport. This evergreen guide explains key dimensions, row-by-row trade-offs, and repeatable strategies so you can pick the best seats quickly and confidently on Southwest 737-700 flights.
Typical 737-700 layout and seat map basics
The 737-700 usually carries 135 to 149 passengers in Southwest’s dense single-class cabin. There are two seats on the left (A and B) and three on the right (A, B, and C), labeled sequentially front to back. A and C are window seats; B is the middle. Aisle seats are in high demand for quick deplaning and easier movement, while window seats appeal to travelers who like to lean and to view the outside. Understanding this 2 3 pattern helps you evaluate trade-offs between window comfort, aisle access, and proximity to lavatories or galleys.
Seat map terminology you will see
- Window seat (A or C): leans on fuselage; limited legroom directly ahead but stable walls.
- Aisle seat (A or C on the end, or open middle seats): easy entry/exit; possible foot traffic and knee interference.
- Middle seat (B): connects window and aisle; armrests define personal space, but access requires climbing over neighbors.
- Bulkhead row: in front of a bulkhead; more knee room but often no under-seat bin for carry-ons.
- Exit row: designated emergency exit seats; must be able to assist in an emergency and meet policy rules.
- Forward galley: near the front service area; convenience but possible noise and lines.
Seat dimensions and comfort factors, explained
On the 737-700, seat pitch (the space between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front) is typically about 31 to 32 inches in the main cabin. Seat width is roughly 17 to 18 inches per seat, though exact usable space varies with aircraft age and interior configuration. Seatback pocket location, display monitor placement, and privacy between rows can affect your sense of space. Headroom beside the window is often limited by the curve of the fuselage and window ledge. Knowing these dimensions helps you anticipate comfort before you board.
Key comfort measurements at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical seat pitch | Approximately 31–32 inches in main cabin | Manufacturer spec / Southwest seat map data |
| Typical seat width | Approximately 17–18 inches per seat | Manufacturer spec / airline layout diagrams |
| Configuration | 2 3 seating (A/B/C) | Southwest standard narrowbody layout |
Row-by-row guidance for the 737-700
On most 737-700s used by Southwest, rows are numbered roughly 1 to 30 or higher near the tail. Row 1 nearly always includes the flight deck partition and often has extra knee room; it can be quieter, though carry-on space may be restricted. Rows immediately in front of lavatories or galleys (commonly mid-range numbers) trade convenience for noise, lines, and possible smells. Rows over the wings tend to feel smoother during turbulence, while rows at the very back may be louder and rock more during takeoff and landing. Exit rows offer more legroom but require you to meet eligibility rules and assist in an emergency, so consider your ability and willingness to take on that responsibility.
Quick choose-by priority guide
- If minimizing noise is your priority: pick rows 2–6, away from the very back and service areas.
- If legroom is critical: consider exit row or the first row behind the flight deck bulkhead.
- If ease of deplaning matters: seats in the middle of the cabin (not the very last row) often balance speed and crowding.
- If turbulence sensitivity matters: rows over the wings typically feel steadier than the very front or very back.
Operational realities on Southwest
Southwest does not assign seats, so seat selection happens at check-in, typically 24 hours before departure or earlier during EarlyBird Check-in. Boarding is open, with Groups A through E calling in sequence; your boarding position affects which seats are still available. Because seat maps can differ across aircraft of the same type, do not assume that the same row number will always offer identical features. Bulkheads and exits may shift between planes, and interior updates can change seat width, outlet locations, and pocket layouts over time.
Decision framework: matching your priorities to seats
Use these common priority profiles to guide your choice on the Southwest 737-700, and pick the best seats based on what matters most to you:
- Comfort + quiet: rows 2–6, middle of the cabin, away from the very back and service areas.
- Legroom + ease: exit row or first row behind the flight deck bulkhead, if eligible and acceptable.
- Fast deplaning: middle cabin seats slightly forward of the very last row, avoiding the final row and aft galleys.
- Minimize turbulence: rows over the wings, typically midplane and not too close to the tail.
- Window view + limit motion sickness: window seat on the side you prefer; being able to see the horizon can help some travelers.
How seat choices can affect your experience
The right seat can reduce fatigue, lower stress during boarding, and improve rest on shorter hops. A quiet row near the wing can make it easier to sleep, while an aisle seat gives parents or travelers with mobility needs faster access to the lavatory. Conversely, a seat beside a high-traffic path or directly in front of a screen may interrupt comfort on longer flights. Since Southwest’s policies mean you may move during open boarding, arriving a few minutes early can help you keep your preferred spot if the seat is still open.
Bottom line on best seats on the Southwest 737-700
There is no single perfect seat on the Southwest 737-700, but you can consistently choose well by matching your priorities to seat type and row. For most travelers, a window or aisle in rows 2–6, away from the very back and major service areas, balances legroom, quiet, and convenience. If you need more legroom and can meet requirements, the exit row or first row behind the bulkhead are strong options. Because seat availability varies by aircraft and day, use the Southwest seat map at check-in, apply your priority framework, and lock in your choice during EarlyBird Check-in or as soon as seats open.
Use this guide the next time you fly the 737-700 so you board with confidence, know exactly what to expect, and end up in a seat that supports comfort, access, and peace of mind.