Good news for pet owners flying Southwest! If you’re planning to travel with your furry friend in a pet carrier, Southwest Airlines’ new 737-800 planes offer more space and convenience. Having just flown on one of these new aircraft, I took the opportunity to investigate the under-seat dimensions, specifically with pet carriers in mind.
Measuring the Under-Seat Space on Southwest’s 737-800
Just like other Southwest planes, the depth of the under-seat space on the 737-800 is approximately 17 inches. This measurement is taken from the rail behind your heels to the support bracket of the seat in front. Crucially, while there are life jacket pouches under each seat, these are soft and compressible. This means the effective under-seat height is a comfortable 11.5 to 12 inches.
Width varies depending on your seat selection. Aisle seats have a bar that slightly restricts width, offering 14.25 inches of usable space. However, middle seats boast a generous 20 inches in width, and window seats provide a very respectable 18.5 inches.
Improved Space for Your Pet Carrier Compared to 737-700 Models
For those familiar with Southwest’s 737-700 series, the 737-800 offers notable improvements for accommodating your pet carrier. The middle and window under-seat areas are wider, providing more left-to-right room for your Southwest Pet Carrier. Furthermore, the shift to soft enclosures for life jackets effectively increases the usable height by 2-3 inches across all under-seat locations.
This enhanced space is a significant advantage. If you board a Southwest flight and can easily see the first row on the left side of the plane from the entrance, you’re likely on a 737-800. This is excellent news, as fitting your pet carrier under the seat should be noticeably easier and less cramped than on older models.
Traveling with Your Pet on Southwest: Carrier Comfort Matters
These measurements confirm that Southwest’s 737-800 planes are designed with passenger comfort – and pet travel – in mind. The increased under-seat space, particularly in width and effective height, makes these planes a more pet-carrier-friendly option. Always remember to check Southwest’s official guidelines for in-cabin pet carrier size restrictions to ensure a smooth and safe journey for you and your beloved pet. With these new planes, traveling with your southwest pet carrier just got a little bit easier.
