Rows We Avoid at ALL COSTS When Flying Southwest Airlines

Despite all the recent changes Southwest Airlines has undergone, it remains one of the most popular airlines to fly with.

If you’re flying Southwest for your next Disney vacation, you’re going to want it to be a comfortable commute. That’s why we put together a list of the rows you should definitely avoid when flying Southwest. It could be for one reason, or for multiple reasons, but we wouldn’t recommend any of these (and neither would you).

Southwest Airlines remains a popular airline for many traveler’s coming to Disney World! With the opening of Epic Universe, even more people will be making their way to Florida. There are three different types of Southwest aircraft — the Boeing 737 Max 8, the Boeing 737-800, and the Boeing 737-700.

The most notable row to avoid would be Row 30, on the Boeing 373 Max 8 and the Boeing 373-800. On the Boeing 373-700, this would be Row 24. If you haven’t guessed it yet, this is the very back of the plane. There are a few reasons we don’t like the back, and why others don’t as well.

At the back you have limited reclining, you’re close to the bathrooms and galley, and you’re most likely the last off the plane. The galley is where the flight attendants prepare drinks and snacks. The seats being near the bathroom at the back of the plane, means you’re probably going to have people hanging out right beside you…on a tight plane. There’s plenty of traffic between the galley and the bathroom, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re flying Southwest. You will also likely hear a lot of conversations in the galley as well if the flight attendants are chatting!

We’re also not the biggest fan of rows that are directly in front of the emergency exits. Being in front of the emergency exit means keeping that aisle clear at all times, so limited to no reclining. On the Boeing Max 8 and 800 this would be Row 13, on the 700 it’s a jagged Row 10.

This is more personal preference but on the Boeing 800, window seats in Row 9A and 10F don’t have a window. On the Boeing 700, there are no windows in Row 7A and 8F. Like we said, this is a more personal preference — but if you like looking at the window, we would avoid these seats. The Boeing Max 8 doesn’t have this problem.

Southwest Airlines previously revealed some important information about their business plans along with an update on their assigned seating policy. On top of that, Southwest will continue to focus on operational efficiency. The company stated, “The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest’s unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area. The carrier’s most loyal Customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board.”

Southwest Airlines has also decided, for whatever reason, to adjust its checked bag policy for flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025. When the change takes effect, ONLY Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select® fares will receive TWO free checked bags. A-List Members and other select Customers will receive ONE free checked bag.

So that means every other customer will be charged for their first and second checked bags. Traveler’s with the airline loved the free baggage policy, so we aren’t sure why the change. We’re honestly curious to see how this will affect Southwest in the near future. In a press release, Southwest stated that they are aiming to “deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers” and “create new opportunities to reach consumers who value fare above everything else.”

We’re going to be on the lookout for all the latest travel news and updates, so make sure to follow us at AllEars to get the latest scoop!

Learn more about the changes coming to Southwest, making it even harder to pack for Disney World

 

What are your least favorite spots to sit on a Southwest flight? Let us know in the comments!