Choosing the right seat on a Boeing 737-800 can make the difference between a comfortable journey and a cramped, uncomfortable flight experience. As one of the most common aircraft in the skies today, the 737-800 serves routes worldwide across numerous airlines, each with slightly different configurations.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the best (and worst) seats across all cabin classes, helping you make an informed choice for your next flight.
Boeing 737-800 Overview: What to Expect
The Boeing 737-800 is a narrow-body aircraft that typically seats between 160-175 passengers, depending on the airline’s configuration. As part of the popular 737 Next Generation family, this aircraft strikes a balance between capacity, range, and efficiency that makes it ideal for both short domestic hops and medium-haul international flights.
Most 737-800 configurations feature three distinct seating sections:
- First Class or Business Class (typically rows 1-4)
- Premium Economy (branded as Economy Plus, Comfort+, or Main Cabin Extra)
- Standard Economy (Main Cabin)
Before diving into specific seat recommendations, it’s important to understand that seat quality can vary significantly between airlines. While the aircraft is the same model, carriers customize their interiors with different seat padding, legroom, amenities, and entertainment options.
Not Sure About Your Airline’s Configuration?
Airlines frequently update their seating layouts. For the most current information about your specific flight, check your carrier’s website or use SeatGuru’s up-to-date seat maps.
First Class Seats: Premium Comfort Options
First Class on the Boeing 737-800 typically consists of 16 recliner seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration across 4 rows. These premium seats offer significant advantages over economy options:
First Class Advantages
- Seat width: 20.4-21 inches (vs. 17.3 inches in economy)
- Seat pitch: 37-42 inches (vs. 30-31 inches in economy)
- Enhanced recline: 5 inches (vs. 3 inches in economy)
- Priority boarding and dedicated overhead bin space
- Premium meal service on eligible flights
First Class Considerations
- Significantly higher cost than economy options
- Row 1 may have reduced legroom due to bulkhead
- Proximity to galley may cause noise disturbance
- Limited storage space in bulkhead rows
- Entertainment equipment boxes may restrict underseat space
Best First Class Seats on Boeing 737-800
Row 2 (Seats 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D): These seats offer the ideal balance of comfort and convenience in First Class. You’ll enjoy full recline without disturbing others, be far enough from lavatories and galleys to avoid noise, and have full storage space under the seats in front.
Pro Tip First Class seats on Delta’s 737-800 have a slightly more generous pitch (38-39″) compared to United’s (37″).
First Class Seat Selection Strategy: If you’re traveling solo, window seats (A or F) provide the most privacy. For couples, the middle section (seats C and D) allows for easier conversation.
Premium Economy: Extra Legroom Worth the Upgrade?
Premium Economy sections (branded as Economy Plus on United, Comfort+ on Delta, or Main Cabin Extra on American) offer a middle ground between standard economy and first class. These seats maintain the same width as regular economy but provide 3-6 inches of additional legroom.
| Airline | Premium Economy Name | Typical Seat Pitch | Seat Width | Location (Rows) |
| United | Economy Plus | 34″ | 17.3″ | 7-21 |
| Delta | Comfort+ | 34-40″ | 17.1-17.3″ | 7-9, 14-15 |
| American | Main Cabin Extra | 34-40″ | 17.1-17.3″ | 7-9, 14-15 |
Best Premium Economy Seats on Boeing 737-800
Row 14 (Exit Row): These seats typically offer the most legroom in the premium economy section due to their exit row position. The trade-off is that these seats may have slightly reduced width due to the tray tables being stored in the armrests.
Rows 7-8: Located at the front of the premium economy cabin, these rows offer quick deplaning and are far from the lavatories at the rear of the aircraft.
“I always choose row 14 on Delta’s 737-800. The legroom is incredible – I can fully extend my legs (I’m 6’2″) and the recline is standard. Worth every penny for the upgrade.”
Important Note: Exit row seats come with responsibilities. You must be physically capable of assisting in an emergency and willing to help other passengers if needed. Airlines may restrict these seats to adult passengers who speak the operating language of the crew.
Economy Cabin: Finding Hidden Gems
The economy cabin makes up the majority of seating on a Boeing 737-800, typically arranged in a 3-3 configuration with approximately 30-31 inches of pitch and 17-17.3 inches of width. While these dimensions are standard across most carriers, there are still significant differences in comfort depending on your exact seat location.
Best Standard Economy Seats on Boeing 737-800
Row 16 (Post-Exit Row)
On many configurations, the row immediately behind the exit row benefits from extra legroom as the exit row seats in front don’t fully recline. This gives you additional knee space without the premium price tag.
Hidden Gem
Rows 20-21
These mid-cabin rows offer a good balance – far enough from lavatories to avoid noise and odor, but not so far back that you’ll be last to deplane. They’re also typically away from wing obstruction for better views.
Balanced Choice
Window Seats (A and F)
For shorter flights, window seats provide a view and a surface to lean against for napping. The trade-off is less accessibility to the aisle for stretching or bathroom visits.
Best for Views
Economy Seats to Avoid
Worst Economy Seats
- Last Row (typically row 30+): Limited or no recline, close to lavatories, noise from galleys
- Middle Seats (B and E): Restricted on both sides with no direct aisle access
- Seats near lavatories: Constant foot traffic and potential odors
- Rows 9-11: Often positioned over the wing, limiting views
- Seats with misaligned windows: Some rows may not align properly with window placement
Economy Seat Selection Strategy: If you can’t secure premium seats, aim for rows 16-22 in the middle of the cabin. Choose window seats for views and leaning space, or aisle seats for easy movement. Avoid the last 5 rows whenever possible.
Boeing 737-800 Seat Map Visualization
Boeing 737-800 typical seat map with highlighted best and worst seat choices
| Color Code | Seat Category | Description |
| Blue | First Class | Rows 1-4, premium seating with extra width and legroom |
| Green | Premium Economy | Extra legroom seats, typically rows 7-15 (varies by airline) |
| Yellow | Standard Economy | Regular economy seating with standard pitch and width |
| Red | Seats to Avoid | Limited recline, near lavatories, or other negative factors |
Airline-Specific Variations
While the Boeing 737-800 is a standardized aircraft model, airlines customize their interiors significantly. Here’s how the major U.S. carriers configure their 737-800 fleets:
United Airlines
First Class: 16 recliner seats with 37″ pitch and 21″ width
Economy Plus: 48 seats with 34″ pitch
Economy: 102 seats with 30″ pitch
Notable Feature: United’s 737-800s have personal device entertainment rather than seatback screens on most aircraft.
Delta Air Lines
First Class: 16 seats with 38-39″ pitch and 20.9″ width
Comfort+: 18 seats with enhanced legroom
Economy: 126 seats with 31-32″ pitch
Notable Feature: Delta’s 737-800s feature power outlets in all classes and often have seatback entertainment screens.
American Airlines
First Class: 16 seats with 40-42″ pitch and 20.4″ width
Main Cabin Extra: 30 seats with 34-40″ pitch
Main Cabin: 114 seats with 31″ pitch
Notable Feature: American’s newer 737-800 configurations have power outlets throughout the cabin.
International Carriers: Airlines like Ryanair, TUI, and Turkish Airlines may have even more densely configured 737-800s with up to 189 seats in an all-economy layout. Always check your specific airline’s configuration before booking.
Special Considerations and Expert Tips
What’s the best seat for tall passengers?
Tall passengers (over 6′) should prioritize exit row seats (typically row 14) or bulkhead seats in premium economy. Avoid standard economy rows where the 30-31″ pitch can be extremely restrictive for taller individuals.
Which seats are best for passengers with mobility issues?
Passengers with mobility concerns should select aisle seats in rows 7-10, which provide easier access and are close to the front for quicker boarding and deplaning. Avoid exit rows, as airlines require passengers in these seats to be physically capable of assisting in emergencies.
Are there seats with extra storage space?
Window seats often have a small additional space between the seat and aircraft wall. First class seats offer more generous storage options. Bulkhead seats have no underseat storage as there’s no seat in front of you.
Which seats are quietest?
Seats forward of the wing (rows 7-13) tend to be quieter than those over or behind the engines. The very rear of the aircraft (last 5 rows) experiences the most noise from both engines and the galley area.
Pro Tip: Many airlines release preferred seats 24 hours before departure if they remain unsold. Check in exactly when online check-in opens for the best chance at scoring a free upgrade to better seats.
Conclusion: Making Your Boeing 737-800 Journey Comfortable
The Boeing 737-800 remains one of the most common aircraft for both domestic and short international flights. While not known for spaciousness, strategic seat selection can significantly improve your comfort level during the journey.
For maximum comfort, first class seats (particularly row 2) offer the best experience. If that’s not within budget, premium economy exit rows provide excellent legroom at a more reasonable price point. In standard economy, aim for mid-cabin seats (rows 16-22) away from lavatories and galleys.
Remember that configurations vary between airlines, so always check your specific carrier’s seat map before making final selections. With the information in this guide, you’re now equipped to choose the best possible seat for your next Boeing 737-800 flight.
