Comfort in the sky isn’t just about what’s in front of you—it’s about the space all around you. In today’s tightly packed cabins, the difference between a pleasant journey and a cramped one often comes down to inches. While legroom gets the spotlight, seat width is an equally crucial factor, especially for travelers who need a bit more breathing room.
Southwest Airlines, long known for its no-frills, all-economy model, doesn’t formally offer “Extra Comfort” seating like some competitors. Still, many passengers wonder whether certain seats onboard offer more space—and more specifically, if any are actually wider. For assistance with seat inquiries or special accommodations, call Southwest Customer Service at 844-928-0428.
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Understanding Seat Space: Why It Matters for Travelers
The confined quarters of an aircraft cabin can magnify discomfort over the course of a flight. While legroom (or seat pitch) is the usual suspect, seat width plays a quiet but powerful role in overall comfort. It affects posture, shoulder space, and the ability to shift positions—particularly critical on longer routes.
In an era where more travelers are prioritizing comfort and wellness in-flight, the demand for extra space is growing. But on a single-class airline like Southwest, where all passengers technically have the same seats, how much variation is there really?
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What Are “Extra Comfort” Seats on Southwest?
Contrary to popular belief, Southwest Airlines does not offer a seat category officially called “Extra Comfort.” There is no premium economy section, no special recliner seats, and no dedicated upgrade program for larger seats. The term “extra comfort” is often used by travelers to describe bulkhead, exit row, or strategic aisle/window seats that feel roomier—but the seats themselves are not physically wider.
So while Southwest passengers may enjoy relative comfort based on where they sit, it's important to understand this is driven by seat location, not structural seat differences.
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Southwest’s Seating Model: All-Economy, No Assigned Seats
Southwest operates on a single-class, open-seating model. That means:
There are no assigned seats.
Passengers board in groups (A, B, C) and choose their seat on a first-come, first-served basis.
All seats are technically created equal in terms of size and configuration.
This model allows Southwest to streamline operations, turn aircraft faster at gates, and offer competitive fares. But it also means passengers who board earlier have a better chance of snagging the most desirable seats.
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Is There a Difference in Seat Width Across Southwest’s Aircraft?
Southwest’s entire fleet consists of Boeing 737 aircraft, including:
Boeing 737-700
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737 MAX 8
Despite the differences in aircraft length and layout, seat width remains largely consistent across the fleet, hovering between 17 and 17.8 inches.
There is no variation in width based on cabin location. However, space around you may feel different depending on proximity to the window, aisle curvature, or partition walls.
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Exit Rows and Bulkhead Seats: The Closest Thing to “Extra Comfort”
While no seats are technically wider, exit row and bulkhead seats offer significantly more legroom and fewer obstructions in front. These are commonly viewed as Southwest’s “extra comfort” options.
Exit rows: Extra pitch, minimal recline restriction, no under-seat storage.
Bulkhead seats: Often located near the front, with clear space in front instead of another seat—though legroom can vary depending on the aircraft.
These seats offer a more spacious feeling, even though the seat pan and frame are identical to other seats in the cabin.
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Seat Width in Numbers: Standard Economy Dimensions
Southwest’s standard seat width typically falls between:
17 inches on older 737-700s
17.8 inches on 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft
This places Southwest in line with most U.S. domestic carriers. For comparison:
Delta Main Cabin: 17.2 – 18.1 inches
United Economy: 17 – 18 inches
American Airlines Economy: 17 – 18 inches
JetBlue: 18 – 18.4 inches (industry-leading)
So while Southwest doesn’t lead the pack in width, it’s also not falling behind.
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The Myth of Wider Seats on Southwest: Setting Expectations
The notion that certain Southwest seats are wider is a myth. All seats are built to the same specifications—no hidden recliners or broad-shouldered oases tucked in row 15.
However, the perception of comfort varies, especially based on these factors:
Aisle seats allow more shoulder clearance into the aisle.
Window seats may feel tighter due to fuselage curvature.
Exit and bulkhead rows feel more spacious due to legroom, not width.
It’s psychological—and sometimes that perception is enough to make a difference.
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Additional Ways to Gain Comfort Without Wider Seats
Even without extra width, savvy flyers can still secure a more comfortable flight:
Check in exactly 24 hours prior to get a better boarding group.
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In to automate earlier boarding.
Target aisle seats in exit rows or bulkhead rows for more breathing space.
Avoid the rear of the aircraft, which tends to fill last and offers fewer seat options.
These strategies can help you secure a better seat without paying premium fares.
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Comparing Southwest to Other Airlines Offering Extra Comfort Options
AirlinePremium OptionWider Seats?Extra Legroom?Cost to Upgrade
SouthwestN/A (open seating)NoOnly in exit/bulkhead$15–25 for EarlyBird
DeltaComfort+NoYesVaries
JetBlueEven More SpaceYes (slightly)YesVaries
American AirlinesMain Cabin ExtraNoYesVaries
Southwest stands out for simplicity, not luxury. What it lacks in designated “extra comfort” seats, it compensates with no change fees, generous baggage policies, and straightforward boarding.
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Flying While Tall or Broad: Real Passenger Experiences
Many taller or broader travelers report mixed feelings about flying Southwest. The general consensus:
Seat width is adequate but snug for those with broader shoulders.
Exit rows make a meaningful difference in terms of legroom and personal space.
Middle seats should be avoided when possible for comfort’s sake.
For some, Southwest’s flexible policies make it worth the squeeze. For others, especially on longer flights, the lack of premium seating can be a drawback.
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Do Southwest Seats Accommodate Larger Travelers?
Yes. Southwest is known for its Customer of Size policy, which allows larger passengers to request a second seat at no extra charge (refunded after travel if not needed).
This seat can be reserved in advance.
It's discreet and intended to ensure comfort and safety.
Many find this policy more accommodating than other airlines' often rigid structures.
To explore this option, contact 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) before booking or visit a gate agent at the airport.
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Can You Pay for More Room on Southwest?
Not exactly. There’s no first class or premium economy. But there are paid options that improve your seat selection odds:
Business Select: Higher fare class that guarantees an A1–A15 boarding group, free drink, and Rapid Rewards points boost.
EarlyBird Check-In: Paid feature ($15–25 each way) that checks you in automatically, usually earning you a better boarding position.
Neither option guarantees a bigger seat—but they get you to better ones, faster.
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The Importance of Seat Pitch vs. Width
While width gets much of the focus, seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the one in front) often has more impact on your in-flight experience.
Southwest seat pitch averages 31–32 inches, slightly above the domestic standard.
This gives your knees and lower body room to shift, stand, and stretch.
Combined with early boarding and careful seat selection, it creates a comfortable enough experience for most domestic flights.
