Are Southwest Planes to Hawaii Bigger?

Southwest’s Hawaii flights can use longer 737 jets, so you may see more rows and bin space, not wider seats.

You’re booking a long hop over the Pacific and wondering what you’ll walk onto at the gate. “Bigger” can mean a few different things: a longer airplane with more seats, a roomier feel during boarding, or a wider cabin with bigger seats.

On Southwest, the “bigger” part is mostly about length and capacity. Southwest flies only Boeing 737 variants. Some are shorter and carry fewer people. Others are longer and carry more people. The cabin cross-section is still the 737 cross-section, so seat width stays in the same neighborhood across the fleet.

This article breaks down what Southwest tends to fly to the islands, what changes when the plane is longer, and what stays the same once you’re buckled in.

What “Bigger” Means On A Southwest Flight

When travelers say a plane is bigger, they usually mean one of these things:

• More seats. A longer fuselage fits extra rows.
• More overhead bin volume. Newer interiors and longer cabins often mean more bag space.
• More galley and lav space. Layout choices can shift where lines form.
• More personal space. This depends on seat pitch, seat width, and which row you pick.

Southwest’s Hawaii service does not switch to a wide-body jet. You’re still on a single-aisle aircraft with three seats on each side of the aisle.

Which Southwest Aircraft Show Up On Hawaii Routes

Southwest’s fleet is made up of three main 737 types: the 737-700, the 737-800, and the 737-8 (also called the 737 MAX 8). In a Southwest fact sheet that lists fleet counts and seat totals, the -700 is shown with 143 seats, while the -800 and -8 are shown with 175 seats. Southwest’s corporate fact sheet lays that out in a simple fleet table.

In plain terms: when Southwest assigns a 737-800 or 737-8 to your flight, you’re on the longer version with more rows than the 737-700. That often leads to the “this plane feels bigger” comment during boarding.

Aircraft assignments can change by day, season, and even the same day if there’s an equipment swap. Treat the aircraft type as a “usually,” not a promise.

Are Southwest Planes to Hawaii Bigger?

Often, yes, in the sense that many Hawaii flights use the longer 737-800 or 737-8 rather than the shorter 737-700. Those longer jets carry more passengers and have more cabin real estate from nose to tail.

Still, “bigger” does not mean the cabin is wider. A Boeing 737 is a Boeing 737: one aisle, six seats across. The seat itself also depends on the seat model Southwest installed and whether the aircraft has been refreshed.

If your goal is extra space at your seat, the aircraft type matters less than the row you choose. Exit rows and the front rows with more legroom (when offered on that aircraft) can change comfort far more than the aircraft label on the app.

A Quick Way To Check Your Aircraft Before You Fly

You don’t need to guess. You can usually spot the aircraft type in your reservation details in the Southwest app or on the website. Look for the aircraft line item for the specific flight number and date.

Next, check the seat count on the seat map. A 175-seat Southwest layout is a good hint you’re on a -800 or -8. A smaller seat map points toward the -700. Seat maps can also shift as cabins change, so treat this as a strong clue, not a guarantee.

How A Longer 737 Changes The Feel On Board

The 737-800 and 737-8 are longer. That affects the cabin in ways you’ll notice, even if the seats are similar.

Boarding And Deplaning Flow

More rows mean more people in the aisle at once. That can add some stop-and-go during boarding. The flip side is that longer cabins can feel less stressed when people stow bags, since there’s more total overhead bin volume across the aircraft.

Overhead Bin Space

Bin space is where the longer jets can feel nicer. With more cabin length, there’s more total bin volume. Newer interiors can also be shaped to fit carry-ons on their sides, depending on the interior package.

Even with more bin volume, don’t count on unlimited space. If you board late, you may still end up a few rows away from your seat or checking a bag at the gate.

Lav Lines And Mid-Cabin Clusters

On a longer jet, the middle rows can feel like a traffic zone, since people stand to access bins, swap seats, or head to the lav. If you’re sensitive to aisle bumps, a window seat away from mid-cabin pinch points can feel calmer.

Ride Feel

Passengers sometimes say one aircraft feels smoother than another. In practice, ride feel is more tied to weather, altitude, and pilot technique than the difference between two 737 variants. Treat “smoother plane” claims as personal takes, not a rule.

Comparing Southwest 737 Options For Hawaii Flights

The chart below focuses on what a traveler can notice without needing an engineering degree. It blends fleet facts with practical, on-board impacts.

What You Notice	737-700	737-800 / 737-8
Typical seat count on Southwest	143	175
Cabin length and number of rows	Fewer rows	More rows
Cabin width (six across)	Same 3-3 layout	Same 3-3 layout
Overhead bin feel	Can fill faster on full flights	More total bin volume, often feels less tight
Boarding pace	Often a bit faster	Can be slower with more passengers
Seat comfort driver	Row choice matters most	Row choice matters most
Best picks for legroom	Exit row and front rows (when offered)	Exit row and front rows (when offered)
Best pick for a quieter feel	Forward of the engines, away from lav lines	Forward of the engines, away from lav lines

Seat Space: What Stays The Same Across Southwest’s 737 Fleet

If you’re hoping “Hawaii flight” equals “bigger seat,” set expectations. Southwest does not run a separate wide-body cabin to the islands. Most seats you’ll see are standard economy seats, and the cabin is still six across.

The two numbers that shape comfort are seat width and seat pitch. Seat width is tied to the aircraft’s cabin cross-section and the seat model. Seat pitch is the distance between a point on your seat and the same point on the seat in front. Airlines can tighten or loosen pitch by adding or removing rows.

Southwest has announced cabin changes that include extra-legroom options on parts of the fleet, plus in-seat power additions on newer aircraft. Those changes can matter more than whether you’re on a -800 or a -8 on a given day.

Choosing The Best Row For A Long Overwater Flight

On a five-hour plus hop, little choices add up. Here’s how to pick a spot that matches your priorities.

If You Want More Legroom

Start with exit rows. They often add knee room, but the trade-offs can include a firmer seatback in front, a colder feel near doors, or rules about who can sit there. If you’re traveling with kids, exit rows are off the table.

Next, consider the front rows if Southwest is selling extra-legroom seating on that aircraft. These seats may cost more once assigned seating and legroom tiers are active across the fleet.

If You Want A Calmer Cabin

Window seats cut down on aisle hits. Sitting a few rows forward of the wing can also reduce traffic, since the middle rows see more people standing for bins and lav access.

If You Want Fast Exit At Arrival

Pick a seat closer to the front. On Hawaii arrivals, many people stand right away and crowd the aisle. Being forward saves time and can help you beat the baggage claim rush if you checked a bag.

If You Get Motion Sick

Seats over the wing tend to feel steadier than seats far behind the wing. If you’re prone to nausea, keep snacks handy, sip water, and pick a middle-of-the-aircraft row when possible.

What To Pack Differently When Your Plane Is A 737

A narrow-body cabin has fewer wide open spaces. Packing with that in mind makes the trip smoother.

• Use a soft personal item. It slides under the seat more easily than a rigid case.
• Bring one seat kit. Earbuds, charging cord, wipes, lip balm, meds, and a pen, all in a small pouch.
• Layer for cabin temps. A thin hoodie or wrap beats a bulky coat.
• Plan for bin competition. If you’re boarding later, a smaller carry-on saves stress.

Comfort Checklist For Southwest Hawaii Flights

Use this table as a quick decision tool while you’re picking seats and packing your day bag.

Your Goal	Best Move	Trade-Off To Accept
More legroom	Exit row or extra-legroom front rows	Rules for exit row seating, higher price for legroom tiers
Quiet feel	Window seat, a few rows forward of mid-cabin	Harder to get up for lav breaks
Easy naps	Avoid seats near lavs and galleys	May be farther back in the cabin
Fast deplane	Choose seats nearer the front	More foot traffic during boarding
Less bin stress	Board earlier or check a bag	Early boarding may cost more; checked bags add waiting time
Stay charged	Carry a cable and a small power bank	Power options vary by aircraft

So, Should You Care If It’s A 737-700 Or A 737-800/MAX 8?

If your question is “will the plane feel larger,” the longer jets often do. More rows and more total cabin volume change the vibe during boarding and when people move around.

If your question is “will my seat be wider,” the answer is usually no. The aircraft family is the same, and the cabin is still six across. Your best bet for comfort is a smart row choice, boarding timing, and a tidy carry-on plan.

If you’re curious about the model family Southwest uses for the 737-8, Boeing’s 737 MAX overview gives background on the aircraft line.

Before you head to the airport, check your aircraft in the app, then pick the seat strategy that fits your priorities. That’s the move that pays off on a long day to the islands.