Are Southwest’s Extra Comfort Seats Wider Than Their Standard Economy Seats?

[zohii]

Are Southwest’s Extra Comfort Seats Wider Than Their Standard Economy Seats?

 

[AskMe]

I actually wondered the same thing before my last Southwest trip — are the Extra Comfort seats really any wider than the regular ones? I’d flown Southwest plenty of times but never paid much attention to seat types since it’s open seating. This time, though, I was flying from Nashville to Las Vegas for a friend’s birthday, and I wanted a little extra comfort for the long flight.


I couldn’t find a clear answer online, so I decided to call 844-734-0813 to ask directly before booking. The rep explained that Southwest doesn’t technically have “Extra Comfort” seats like some other airlines do. All their seats are the same width; the main difference comes down to boarding order and how early you check in. They even walked me through how to upgrade to Business Select for early boarding, so I could snag one of the front-row seats with more legroom.


I ended up upgrading right over the phone, and it made the flight so much better. Even though the seats weren’t wider, being able to pick a front-row spot first made a huge difference. Now, I always call 844-734-0813 for any booking or change — the agents explain everything clearly and handle it in minutes.

 

[laiba]

I’ve flown Southwest for years and always wondered if they had some kind of “extra comfort” seats like other airlines. The short answer? Not really — Southwest’s seats are all technically the same width, but there are a few spots on the plane that feel more spacious, and I learned that firsthand on a trip from Orlando to Phoenix.


I had booked my usual Wanna Get Away fare but checked in late and ended up in the B group. When I boarded, I managed to snag one of the bulkhead seats (the first row). It didn’t have a seat directly in front of it, so it gave me a little extra legroom. The width, though, felt exactly the same as any other seat I’ve had on Southwest. Later, a flight attendant explained that Southwest doesn’t have a “first class” or “extra comfort” section — every seat is the same size, and the real difference comes from where you sit.


Now I always try to grab exit row or bulkhead seats when I can — they’re the closest thing to extra comfort on Southwest. The best way to improve your odds is to check in early or buy Upgraded Boarding, which gets you an earlier boarding position.


So no, the seats aren’t wider, but a good boarding position can make all the difference. And honestly, the friendly crews and open seating policy are what keep me flying Southwest — even without “fancy” seats.