Over the past year or so, Southwest has been remaking itself. Gone are free bags and open seating. Say hello to assigned seating, paid luggage, and extra legroom seats(for a fee). This was the first time I rode with Southwest on their 737-700 in the Extra Legroom section of the plane. I’m traveling from Baltimore to Greenville SC on a 90 minute flight. There are a few little benefits to the Extra Legroom section, but it’s mostly the larger seat pitch. These seats can be purchased as part of a bundle during initial booking, or you can buy the seat alone a la carte.
Bottom Line: Southwest’s Extra Legroom isn’t fancy, it’s just a small section at the front of the plane and exit rows that cost a little more money for more space. It also includes free drinks and snacks but otherwise the experience is broadly the same as the rest of the cabin.
Southwest Airlines Boarding Process
For years, Southwest had a somewhat unique boarding process. They boarded in order that you checked in, once onboard, you chose whatever seat is available. No assigned seats. Those days are gone.
Our Southwest 737 arrived at the gate a few minutes late, but nothing crazy.
Southwest no longer has A.B.C groups. Things are now just Group numbers. There’s also no assignment within the group. It’s a very standard airline boarding process.
I boarded with group 2 as I have an Extra Legroom seat.
Southwest 737-700 Extra Legroom Seats
Onboard, I found my seat on the left hand side of the plane. Like I said, these seats are just extra leg room, they are no different than the other seats onboard.
I will say, there is a ton of legroom here in the Extra Legroom seats. The downside is that Southwest still doesn’t have power on all of their planes. So make sure you have your devices charged.
Overhead panel is pretty standard Boeing. This is an older plane so the air vents actually work, unlike the newer planes.
I lucked out and have the whole row to myself. This flight isn’t very full.
Southwest 737 Push-back and Takeoff
Outside the sun is starting to set as the boarding process finished. The pilots gave their welcome and the door was soon shut.
We pushed back from the gate right on time. As we did, the flight attendants gave their safety briefing.
Nice short taxi time to the runway and we tookoff towards the west and climbed quickly into the evening.
We got a great view of DC as we headed south.
Southwest Drinks and Snacks
Southwest has a pretty decent selection of complementary drinks. There’s also alcoholic beverages available for purchase, but being in the Extra Legroom seats, those are complementary.
Southwest does drinks a little differently, the flight attendant will come through and take your drink order. Then the flight attendant comes back with a tray of drinks. No cart. I went with a coke and a Wild Turkey. Not my favorite bourbon, but good enough.
For snacks there was a cookie that I thought was pretty good, but I’m a sucker for almond.
There is also a Maui Onion pretzel. I’m not a huge pretzel fan, but these are also pretty solid.
Southwest 737-700 Lavatory
Nothing fancy or unexpected here in the lavatory on the Southwest 737. It’s pretty generic and good enough. It as at least clean.
Southwest 737-700 In Flight
Outside the sun had set and we got a nice clear night.
In the cabin the lights were left on for most of the flight. I guess that’s not too unusual on a short flight. The seatbelt sign was on and off at this point in the flight. As we’ve gone further south it’s gotten a little rougher, but nothing bad.
Southwest 737 Descent and Landing
With about 25 minutes left in the flight, the pilot told us we had started to descend into Greenville. We got a nice view of Charlotte on the way down.
In the cabin the flight attendants did their final pass through the cabin to collect trash and then turned off the cabin lights.
Looks like a nice clear night here in Greenville.
Just a few minutes later we landed into Greenville. Perfectly on time and a very pleasant flight.
Southwest 737-700 Extra Legroom Final Thoughts
Southwest has lost a little of its magic and uniqueness. No more free bags means overhead space is at a premium. No more free seating means people have to pay for specific seats, that can be good and bad.
I liked the Extra Legroom seating, but it’s not worth the cost. On this short flight between Baltimore and Greenville the seat cost $60. That’s crazy for some extra legroom and a free drink.
So I did like having the leg room, and the empty row, next time I’ll just take any old seat and buy a drink for $9.