Best Seats on Boeing 737-800

Overview

The Boeing 737-800 is one of the world's most common narrowbody aircraft, operated by hundreds of airlines on routes ranging from one-hour hops to six-hour transcontinental flights. Its standard single-aisle cabin seats between 150 and 189 passengers in a 3-3 configuration. Understanding the seat map before you book can mean the difference between a comfortable journey and a miserable one.

Pitch (the distance between your seat and the one in front) typically runs 30–32 inches in economy, with width around 17–18 inches. Exit rows and bulkheads can push pitch to 35–38 inches, a significant upgrade on longer flights.

Economy Best Picks

The most universally praised seats on the 737-800 are the forward exit row seats, typically rows 16 or 17 depending on the airline's configuration. These offer extended legroom without the cold-shoulder of sitting directly against a galley wall.

• Rows 10–14 (window seats): Far enough back to avoid the forward galley noise but still close enough to deplane quickly. Seats like 10A, 12A, and 14F give clean views and no seat obstructions.
• Bulkhead row (Row 1 or Row 7): Extra legroom at the front, but no under-seat storage and bassinet fittings can mean families with infants nearby.
• Exit Row window seats (e.g., 16A/16F or 17A/17F): Best legroom in economy. Windows on exit rows are sometimes slightly offset, but the extra inches more than compensate.

Exit Row Guide

The 737-800 has two main exit row locations: the over-wing exits (usually around row 16–17) and the aft door area. Over-wing rows are the most desirable for extra legroom.

Important caveats: exit row seats cannot recline on many configurations, and the middle exit row seat (e.g., 16B or 17E) can feel cramped because of the armrest-mounted tray tables. Passengers must be able-bodied and willing to assist in an evacuation — airlines enforce this.

• Best exit seat: 16A or 16F (aisle-side window, over-wing, no one in front)
• Avoid: 16C or 17D (middle seats in exit rows, no recline, fixed armrests)

Seats to Avoid

Not all seats are created equal. These are consistently rated the worst on the 737-800:

• Last row (e.g., Row 33 or 34): Seats do not recline at all. Constant proximity to the aft lavatory means traffic, odors, and noise. Overhead bins fill with bags from passengers throughout the cabin.
• Row directly in front of exit row: This seat cannot recline because it would block the emergency exit. You lose all recline without any legroom gain.
• Galley-adjacent seats (rows 1 and aft): Galley noise, particularly from beverage carts and crew announcements, disrupts sleep on overnight flights.
• Window seat 13 on some configs: The wing root can obstruct views entirely, and the seat may be slightly misaligned with the window.

Window vs Aisle: Which Is Better?

The classic debate. On the 737-800's 3-3 layout, the answer depends on your flight length and travel habits.

Choose a window seat if: You want to sleep without being disturbed, enjoy views, or prefer to lean against the fuselage. Rows 10–25 on the left (A-side) get the best light for photography over most Northern Hemisphere routes.

Choose an aisle seat if: You drink a lot of fluids, are tall (aisle allows you to extend one leg), or need to move around frequently. C and D seats on the 737-800 (the two aisle seats) are equally good — pick the side based on where the sun will be.

The middle seat (B or E) has no advantages in standard rows. Only worth it if traveling with companions to guarantee you sit together.

Airline Variations

The 737-800 configuration varies meaningfully by carrier:

• Southwest Airlines: Open seating, no assigned seats. Board early (A-group) for best picks. Exit rows go fast.
• Ryanair: 189-seat high-density config, 30-inch pitch throughout. Extra legroom rows (1–2, emergency exit rows) cost extra. Row 17 is the best value exit row.
• Delta Air Lines: Comfort+ seating in rows 1–15 (34-inch pitch). Economy rows 16 onward drop to 31 inches. Bulkhead rows have power outlets.
• United Airlines: Economy Plus rows up front with 35-inch pitch. Standard economy from row 20. Exit rows require fee or status.
• Turkish Airlines: Business class at front (rows 1–4), economy from row 5. Generous 32-inch pitch in economy for a full-service carrier.