The basic layout of a 737-800 cabin

A Boeing 737-800 typically has a single deck with seats arranged in three columns across the fuselage: two seats on the left side of the aisle, one aisle in the middle, and three seats on the right side. This creates what airlines call a 2-3 configuration. The total number of seats varies by airline — most 737-800s carry between 160 and 190 passengers, depending on how the airline chooses to space them and whether they've removed galleys or lavatories to add more rows.

The cabin is divided into sections. The front holds the flight deck (where pilots sit), then the main deck where passengers sit, and the rear galley and lavatories. Doors separate the flight deck from the passenger cabin for security. On most airlines, the first few rows are reserved for first or business class, though many carriers use the entire plane for economy seating.

Key Takeaways

  • A 737-800 seats passengers in a 2-3 layout: two seats on one side of the aisle, three on the other, with roughly 160 to 190 total seats depending on the airline's configuration.
  • The left side of the plane (seats A and B) has two seats per row; the right side (seats D, E, and F) has three seats per row, with the middle seat (E) often the least desirable.
  • Exit rows and bulkhead rows have different legroom and sometimes different seat widths, which airlines may charge extra to reserve.
  • Airlines decide how many rows to install and whether to include premium economy or business class, so the exact seat count and cabin layout varies by carrier.

How seat rows and letters work

Rows are numbered from front to back, starting at row 1 just behind the flight deck door. Seats within each row are lettered A through F. On the left side of the aisle, you'll find seats A and B. Seat A is the window seat on the far left; seat B is the middle seat on the left side. On the right side of the aisle, seats D, E, and F run from left to right — D is the aisle seat, E is the middle, and F is the window seat on the far right.

This means a 737-800 has no seat C. The aisle itself occupies that space. When you book a seat, the airline's system shows you the row number and letter so you know exactly where to sit. A seat labeled 12F means row 12, window seat on the right side of the plane.

Window, middle, and aisle seats explained

Window seats (A and F) sit against the outer wall of the plane. You get a view, a wall to lean against, and you don't have to get up when your seatmate needs the restroom — but you also have less legroom because the wall curves inward, and you're farther from the aisle if you need to move quickly.

Middle seats (B and E) are generally considered the least desirable. You're squeezed between two passengers, you don't have a window or direct aisle access, and you have no wall to lean on. Airlines sometimes charge less for middle seats, and some frequent flyers avoid them entirely.

Aisle seats (D on the right, B on the left) give you straightforward access to the aisle and restrooms, and you can stretch one leg into the aisle. You'll also be the first to get up when the plane lands. The trade-off is that the beverage cart and other passengers bump into your seat throughout the flight.

Exit rows and extra legroom

Certain rows on a 737-800 are designated as exit rows — these are rows where emergency exits are located. The FAA requires that passengers in exit rows be able to move quickly in an emergency, so airlines place these rows strategically. Exit row seats have significantly more legroom because there's no seat in front of them; instead, there's a wall or the emergency exit door itself.

Many airlines charge extra to reserve an exit row seat, sometimes $15 to $50 per flight depending on the route and how far in advance you book. When you check in or book online, you can usually see which rows are exit rows and what the additional fee is. Keep in mind that exit row seats come with responsibility — you must be willing and able to help in an emergency, and you cannot have a child or pet in an exit row seat.

Bulkhead rows (the first row of a cabin section, usually right behind the flight deck door or after the galley) also have extra legroom because there's no seat in front of them. These rows sometimes have a wall directly in front, which can make it harder to store a carry-on bag under the seat in front of you.

How airlines configure the 737-800 differently

The Boeing 737-800 is a standard aircraft, but airlines have flexibility in how they set it up. Some carriers remove the galley or lavatories to add extra rows. Others install premium economy or business class seats in the front, which are wider and recline farther, reducing the total number of seats. A few airlines keep the standard 2-3 economy layout throughout the entire cabin.

This means the exact row count and seat configuration depends on which airline you're flying. A 737-800 on one carrier might have 180 economy seats, while the same aircraft model on another airline might have 165 seats because some are wider business-class seats. When you book, the airline's website shows you the specific layout for that flight, so you can see the actual seat map before you choose your seat.

Seat width and comfort on a 737-800

Economy seats on a 737-800 are typically 17 to 17.5 inches wide, measured from armrest to armrest. This is standard for narrow-body aircraft like the 737. For comparison, wide-body planes like the Boeing 777 have economy seats around 17.5 to 18 inches wide, and business-class seats are much wider — often 6 to 7 feet when the seat is fully reclined into a bed.

Legroom in economy is usually 31 to 32 inches from the back of one seat to the back of the seat in front of it. Exit rows and bulkhead rows have 38 to 40 inches of legroom. If you're tall or straightforward prefer more space, exit row seats are worth the extra cost. Some airlines also sell "extra legroom" economy seats in regular rows, which have a few extra inches of pitch (the distance between rows).

Overhead bins and under-seat storage

A 737-800 has overhead bins that run the length of the cabin on both sides of the aisle. These bins are shared — they're not assigned to specific seats. Passengers typically fill them on a first-come, first-served basis as they board. The bins are smaller than those on wide-body planes, so large rolling suitcases can be tight, and not everyone will have space for a full-size carry-on bag.

Under each seat, there's space for a personal item like a backpack or small purse. Bulkhead rows sometimes have limited under-seat storage because of the wall or equipment in front of them. If you're in a bulkhead row and need to store a bag, you'll likely have to use the overhead bin instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seat 13 really skipped on a 737-800?

Some airlines skip row 13 on the 737-800, and some don't. It depends on the airline's choice. There's no FAA rule against row 13 — it's a cultural superstition. Airlines that do skip it renumber the rows so that row 12 is followed by row 14. When you look at the seat map online, you'll see whether that particular airline uses row 13.

Can I request a specific seat when I book?

Yes. Most airlines let you choose your seat when you book online, either for free or for a fee. Window and aisle seats often cost extra. If you don't choose a seat at booking, the airline assigns you one automatically, usually a middle seat in the back if you're flying economy.

What's the difference between a 737-800 and other 737 models?

The 737-800 is a stretched version of earlier 737 models, so it's longer and holds more passengers. Newer models like the 737 MAX have slightly different dimensions and seat configurations. The 737-800 has been in service since 1998 and is still one of the most common commercial aircraft, so you'll encounter it frequently.

Do all airlines use the same seat width on a 737-800?

Seat width is standardized at around 17 to 17.5 inches for economy across most airlines, but some carriers have installed slightly narrower seats to fit more rows. The difference is usually only an inch or less, but it's noticeable if you're sensitive to space. Check the airline's website for their specific seat dimensions if comfort is a priority.

Why is the middle seat on the right side (E) worse than the middle seat on the left (B)?

Technically, both middle seats are equally cramped. However, some passengers prefer seat B because the left side of the plane often has fewer passengers overall (since there are only two seats instead of three), which can mean a slightly less crowded experience. This is a minor difference and depends on how full the flight is.