How Big Are Southwest Airlines Seats and Seatbelts: A Quick Guide

When choosing an airline for your next trip, comfort is an essential factor to consider, especially for longer flights.

Southwest Airlines’ seat size and seatbelts are of particular interest for those looking to find the best seating option for their travels.

Southwest Airlines’ seat width ranges from 17 to 17.8 inches on their Boeing 737 fleet. The standard seatbelt length is 40 inches, but they offer an additional 25 inches with seatbelt extenders for passengers of size to ensure a safe and comfortable flight for everyone.

As you plan your trip, it’s important to be aware of Southwest Airlines’ seat specifications and how they compare to other airlines.

Additionally, it’s crucial to be familiar with their passengers of size policy and seatbelt extenders available, so you can prepare accordingly for a comfortable flight. Considering travel tips and frequently asked questions related to seating arrangements can also aid in a pleasant flying experience.

Key Takeaways

• Southwest Airlines offers a range of seating configurations to accommodate comfort and safety needs on their Boeing 737 aircraft.
• Familiarity with seat specifications, their passengers of size policy, and seatbelt extenders can help ensure a stress-free flight.
• Researching and comparing airlines, as well as following travel tips, can lead to a more enjoyable flight experience overall.

Southwest Airlines Seat Specifications

Seat Width

When flying with Southwest Airlines, the seat width typically ranges from 17 to 17.8 inches across their fleet, which mainly consists of Boeing 737 aircrafts. This allows for a comfortable experience for most passengers.

Seatbelt Length

On Southwest Airlines, the standard seatbelt length is 40 inches. However, if you require an extension, they offer seatbelt extenders with an additional 25 inches for passengers of size. This ensures a safe and comfortable flight for everyone on board.

Armrests

The armrests on Southwest planes are designed with a lower-profile, which provides more personal space and greater comfort. This design allows for additional space for personal devices and contributes to an overall enjoyable in-flight experience.

Comparing Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers 17 to 18 inches of seat width in their economy class, providing adequate space for most passengers. Their seatbelts are typically around 46 inches long, which should accommodate a wide range of travelers.

Allegiant

Allegiant Air’s standard seat has a width of 17.8 inches, relatively spacious compared to some airlines. However, information on seatbelt lengths for Allegiant is not readily available.

American Airlines

Economy seats on American Airlines can range from 16.6 to 18 inches wide, depending on the aircraft. Their seatbelt lengths are typically around 45 inches, and they offer seatbelt extenders for passengers who need an additional length.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines economy seats offer widths between 17 and 18 inches. You can expect their standard seatbelt length to be around 45 inches, with seatbelt extenders available upon request.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines provides a comfortable experience, with economy seat widths ranging from 17 to 18 inches. Seatbelt lengths are not readily available for this airline.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is known for its generous economy seats, boasting widths of up to 18.25 inches. Information on seatbelt lengths is not easily accessible for JetBlue Airways.

United Airlines

United Airlines economy seats vary in width, generally between 17 and 18 inches. United’s seatbelts measure around 45 inches long, with extenders available for those who require extra length.

Passengers of Size Policy

Southwest Airlines Policy

Southwest Airlines offers a Customer of Size policy which allows passengers who require extra space to book two seats free of charge. It is important to familiarize yourself with their guidelines and booking process for a comfortable travel experience.

When booking with Southwest, start by contacting their customer service and explaining your needs. They will provide guidance on how to reserve an extra seat, ensuring both your comfort and safety onboard.

Other Airlines Policies

Other major airlines such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways also have their own size policies for passengers who need extra room.

For United Airlines, it is recommended to review their customers with disabilities section, as they require passengers who cannot comfortably fit between the armrests to purchase an additional seat.

American Airlines suggests contacting special assistance before your flight to discuss your requirements and ensure a comfortable journey, while Delta Air Lines outlines their special needs policies, including the need for additional seats.

Lastly, JetBlue Airways offers private screening rooms for customers of size. Review their policy and make necessary arrangements to make sure your travel experience is comfortable and enjoyable.

Seat Belt Extenders and FAA Regulations

Seat Belt Extender Availability

At Southwest Airlines, seat belt length is 44 inches, and they offer seat belt extenders for passengers who need them. To ensure a comfortable flight, you can request a seat belt extender from a flight attendant once you board the plane.

FAA Regulations and Compliance

It’s important to note that you should not bring your own seat belt extender on a Southwest Airlines flight. The FAA requires airlines to use only seat belts and extenders that are inspected and maintained under their FAA-accepted Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP).

By offering seat belt extenders and adhering to FAA regulations, Southwest Airlines helps to accommodate passengers of various sizes while ensuring safety and compliance on their flights.

Travel Tips for Comfortable Seating

Choosing the Right Seat

When flying with Southwest Airlines, it’s essential to be aware of their unique open seating policy. This means that seats are not assigned, so choose your seat wisely. To increase your comfort, consider opting for an aisle seat, as they provide more room to stretch your legs during the flight.

Arriving Early at the Airport

Arriving early at the airport can make a significant difference in your seating experience.

By checking in online 24 hours before your flight or investing in Southwest’s Early Bird Check-In service, you can improve your chances of securing a better boarding position.

With an earlier boarding position, you’ll have more seating options to choose from and increase your chances of finding a comfortable seat.

Communicating with Airline Personnel

If you’re a customer of size, it’s vital to communicate with Southwest Airlines personnel before your trip. They can provide you with information about purchasing a second seat and ensure that you have a comfortable and safe flight.

Additionally, if you face any challenges with your seating or the seatbelt, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from the flight attendants. They’re there to help make your flying experience as comfortable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seat width on Southwest?

The seat width on Southwest Airlines is approximately 17 inches. This is a standard size for most economy class seating, providing a comfortable journey for passengers. ¹

Southwest vs Delta seat size?

When comparing Southwest and Delta seat sizes, they are quite similar. Both airlines offer a seat width of approximately 17 inches in economy class. However, seat pitch (the distance between rows) may slightly differ between the airlines. ²

Legroom in Southwest seats?

The legroom in Southwest seats ranges from 31 to 33 inches, depending on the aircraft type and specific row. While most seats offer similar legroom, exit row seats and bulkhead seats usually provide more space for stretching out. ³

Length of Southwest seatbelts?

Southwest Airlines seatbelts are approximately 40 inches long. If you require additional length, you can request a complimentary seatbelt extender from the flight crew to ensure a comfortable fit during your flight. ⁴

Need for seatbelt extender?

If you find that the standard seatbelt isn’t long enough to fit comfortably, you may need a seatbelt extender. Southwest Airlines provides seatbelt extenders free of charge upon request. Simply ask a flight attendant for assistance once you are seated. ⁵

Southwest plus size friendly?

Southwest Airlines is considered plus size friendly, offering a Customer of Size policy to accommodate passengers who need additional seating. If you require extra space beyond a single seat, you can purchase a second seat at the same fare, ensuring a comfortable and safe flying experience.