Southwest Airlines Seat Maps & Best Seats (2026)
Browse Southwest Airlines seat maps for all three aircraft types: Boeing 737-700 (143 seats), 737-800 (175 seats), and 737 MAX 8 (175 seats). Southwest switched from open boarding to assigned seating in 2025 — your ticket now shows a specific row and seat. Each Southwest seating chart shows exit row locations and the full 3-3 economy layout so you can pick the best seat when you book.
Airline Details
Airline Description
Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of 3 aircraft types. Based in United States. View interactive seating charts, find the best seats, and read verified passenger reviews.
Explore all destinations and flight routes operated by Southwest Airlines
Aircraft Fleet
Seat maps by aircraft type
Flight Seatmaps
Southwest Now Has Assigned Seating
Southwest Airlines switched from open boarding to assigned seating in 2025. Every seat on Southwest is now pre-assigned at booking — just like any other major US carrier. All three Southwest aircraft types (Boeing 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8) operate all-economy layouts with 143 or 175 seats in a standard 3-3 configuration.
Southwest Airlines Fleet & Seat Counts
| Aircraft | Seats | Layout |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-700 | 143 | 3-3 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 175 | 3-3 |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 175 | 3-3 |
Best Seats on Southwest Airlines
- Exit rows (rows 15–16 on the 737-800/MAX 8, rows 10–11 on the 737-700) offer extra legroom at no charge — book early before they fill.
- Avoid the last row on any Southwest aircraft — seats do not recline and you're next to the lavatories.
- Rows 1–5 are closest to the front door and allow the quickest deplaning.
- Window seats on the left side (A seats) face away from the sun on most westbound afternoon flights.
- Southwest's 3-3 layout means every aisle seat is equally convenient — no middle-seat-only sections like some international jets.
Southwest Airlines Boarding Process
With assigned seating, Southwest no longer uses its A/B/C boarding group system. Your boarding pass will show a specific row and seat number (e.g., 14A). Board at your scheduled departure time — early boarding is available for premium seats and select loyalty tiers.
Southwest Airlines — Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest have assigned seating now?
Yes. Southwest Airlines switched to assigned seating in 2025, ending its famous open boarding policy. Passengers now receive a specific seat assignment at booking, just like Delta, United, and American Airlines.
What aircraft does Southwest fly?
Southwest operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet: the 737-700 (143 seats), 737-800 (175 seats), and 737 MAX 8 (175 seats). All aircraft use a standard 3-3 all-economy layout.
What are the best seats on Southwest Airlines?
The best seats on Southwest are the exit rows: rows 15–16 on the 737-800 and MAX 8, or rows 10–11 on the 737-700. These provide extra legroom at no extra charge. Avoid the last row — seats do not recline.
How many seats does a Southwest plane have?
Southwest's Boeing 737-700 has 143 seats. The Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 each have 175 seats. All are configured in an all-economy 3-3 layout.
Does Southwest have first class or business class?
No. Southwest Airlines is an all-economy carrier — there is no first class, business class, or premium economy on any Southwest aircraft. However, some fare types include additional perks like priority boarding.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees 2026
Carry-on, checked bag, and oversized baggage fees for Southwest Airlines.
Updated May 2025: Southwest dramatically changed its famous free bag policy in May 2025. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders may still receive free checked bags — check your card benefits.
Carry-On Bag
Free
One personal item + one carry-on always free
1st Checked Bag
$35
Changed from free in May 2025
2nd Checked Bag
$45
Changed from free in May 2025
Overweight Fee
$100
50–70 lbs
Oversize Fee
$75
Over 62 linear inches
Want to avoid Southwest Airlines bag fees?
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Performance Business, and Premier credit cards include 1–2 free checked bags per flight.
Baggage fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees on the airline's official website before travel.
Southwest Airlines — frequently asked questions
Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of 3 aircraft types: Southwest Airlines - Boeing 737-800 Winglets, Southwest Airlines - 7S7, Southwest Airlines - Boeing 737 MAX 8. View detailed seat maps and seating charts for each aircraft on FlightSeatMap.
To find the best seat on Southwest Airlines, start by checking the seat map for your specific aircraft type. Look for seats with extra legroom, avoid seats near lavatories or galleys, and consider window seats for views or aisle seats for easier access. Use the FlightSeatMap search tool to look up your flight number and see the exact seating layout.
Yes, FlightSeatMap has detailed seating charts for all 3 Southwest Airlines aircraft types. Each seat map shows cabin class layouts, seat dimensions, and highlights seats to avoid or prefer.
You can check Southwest Airlines seat availability by entering your flight number in the FlightSeatMap search tool. This will show you the real-time seat map with available and occupied seats, helping you choose the best seat before or after booking.
Southwest Airlines offers various cabin classes depending on the aircraft type and route. Browse the individual seat maps below to see the exact cabin layout for each aircraft, including the number of seats in each class.
SeatGuru shut down in October 2025, and AeroLOPA doesn't offer real-time seat data. FlightSeatMap is the best alternative for Southwest Airlines seat maps, offering 3 interactive seating charts with live availability, seat reviews, and automated alerts.
Flying Southwest Airlines? See which seats are open on your flight
Search your flight number free. Live seats and a seat alert for that flight cost $4.99 once with a Trip Pass, or $8.99/mo for every trip.