Southwest Airlines Seating Chart: The Ultimate Guide for a Comfortable Flight

Southwest Airlines, known for its low fares and friendly service, offers a variety of seating options to meet the needs of its passengers. With a total of 737 aircraft in operation, the airline provides a combination of economy, business, and first-class seating options. Understanding the Southwest Airlines seating chart can help you choose the best seat for your comfort and budget.

Economy Seating

Southwest Airlines' economy seating is the most affordable option, with prices typically starting as low as $49 for short flights. Economy seats are typically arranged in a 3-3 configuration, with 17 rows of seats in total. Passengers sitting in economy seats have access to in-flight entertainment via personal devices, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks.

Pros of Economy Seating:

• Most affordable option
• Free snacks and drinks
• In-flight entertainment available

Cons of Economy Seating:

• Limited legroom and seat recline
• Middle seats can be uncomfortable
• No power outlets available

Business Select Seating

Business Select is Southwest Airlines' premium economy product, offering passengers a more comfortable experience at a higher price point. Business Select seats are typically arranged in a 2-2 configuration, with a total of 12 rows. Passengers in Business Select enjoy priority boarding, complimentary access to Wi-Fi, and increased legroom and seat recline.

Pros of Business Select Seating:

• Priority boarding
• Increased legroom and seat recline
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• More comfortable seats

Cons of Business Select Seating:

• Higher price than economy
• Limited availability
• No power outlets available

First Class Seating

Southwest Airlines does not offer a traditional first-class product, but it does offer a "Wanna Get Away Plus" fare that provides passengers with some additional perks. Wanna Get Away Plus passengers enjoy priority boarding, a dedicated check-in line, and access to early check-in.

Pros of Wanna Get Away Plus Seating:

• Priority boarding
• Dedicated check-in line
• Early check-in available

Cons of Wanna Get Away Plus Seating:

• Higher price than economy
• No additional legroom or seat recline
• No complimentary Wi-Fi

Tips and Tricks for Choosing the Best Seat

• Book early. The best seats tend to be booked quickly, so it's important to book your flight as early as possible to secure your preferred seat.
• Check the seat map. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to view the seat map when booking their flight. This can help you identify the best seats for your needs.
• Consider your budget. Economy seats are the most affordable option, but they may not be the most comfortable. If you're willing to pay more, Business Select offers a more comfortable experience.
• Think about your travel companions. If you're traveling with a companion, you may want to choose a seat that's next to theirs.
• Read the fine print. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your ticket before selecting a seat. Some fares may restrict your ability to choose certain seats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't wait until the last minute to book your flight. The best seats tend to be booked quickly, so it's important to book your flight as early as possible.
• Don't choose a seat in the back of the plane. The back of the plane is typically noisier and more crowded than the front of the plane.
• Don't sit next to the bathroom. The bathroom area can be noisy and smelly, so it's best to avoid sitting next to it if possible.
• Don't select a seat that's too close to the wings. The wings can block your view and make it difficult to see out the window.
• Don't sit in the middle seat. The middle seat is the least comfortable seat on the plane, so it's best to avoid it if possible.

Tables

Table 1: Southwest Airlines Seat Dimensions

Table 2: Southwest Airlines Seat Map

Table 3: Southwest Airlines Seating Options

Table 4: Southwest Airlines Seat Availability