When you're looking at your Alaska Airlines boarding pass and see a Boeing 737 listed, it's natural to wonder what your flight experience will be like, especially when it comes to where you'll be sitting. These versatile aircraft form the backbone of many routes, whisking travelers to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. But not all 737s are created equal, and understanding the different configurations can make a world of difference in your journey.
Alaska Airlines operates a fleet of 737-800 and 737-9 MAX models, each offering distinct seating arrangements. For the popular 737-800, you'll typically find two main cabin layouts. One configuration offers a total of 174 seats, split between 12 in the premium Business Class and 162 in Economy. The other configuration slightly reduces the Economy count to 156, bringing the total to 168 seats, still with those 12 Business Class spots. It's worth noting that these particular models don't offer infant bassinets, so if you're traveling with a very young child, it's good to be aware of that.
For those who find themselves in the Business Class cabin on a 737, expect a dedicated space designed for ultimate comfort. The seats are laid out in a 2-2 configuration, offering a generous width of up to 22 inches and a legroom of 37 inches. You'll appreciate features like extendable leg rests with fold-out footrests, ergonomic cushioning, and the convenience of USB charging ports. Many of these flights also provide a 10-inch HD touchscreen for entertainment, and some even have seatback entertainment systems. Plus, with a cocktail table and an armrest-embedded dining table, you'll have plenty of space to work or dine.
Looking ahead, Alaska Airlines is undertaking a significant upgrade for over 40 of its 737-800 aircraft, with the first refreshed planes expected to debut around 2027. This modernization promises an even better flying experience, including new seats in both Business and Economy that support charging, a refreshed interior design, and larger overhead bins to make stowing your carry-on a breeze.
The 737-9 MAX, on the other hand, represents a newer generation. These aircraft are equipped with 178 newly designed leather Recaro seats. You'll find redesigned First Class seats with footrests, new cup holders in both First and Premium Class, and ergonomically designed tablet holders with shelves at every seat. Power outlets for charging your devices and inflight internet service are also standard, alongside inflight entertainment. However, it's important to be aware that the 737-9 MAX fleet is being retrofitted with Wi-Fi, so it might not be available on all flights initially.
For the 737-800, beyond the Business Class offerings, the main cabin is designed with passenger comfort and fuel efficiency in mind. These planes typically feature 159 or 161 leather Recaro seats, offering more personal space. You'll also find seatback outlets for charging, Boeing's Sky Interior with ambient mood lighting for a more spacious feel, and access to an inflight entertainment hub. Larger overhead storage bins are a welcome addition, helping to ease the boarding process.
And then there's the 737-900, a model Alaska Airlines was the launch customer for back in 2001. These aircraft feature 178 leather Recaro seats, complete with seatback power outlets, Premium Class seating, and the Sky Interior. They also boast Boeing's innovative Space Bins, which offer a substantial increase in overhead storage capacity – about 48% more bags, which is fantastic news for anyone who's ever struggled to find space for their luggage.
Ultimately, whether you're in Business Class enjoying the extra legroom and amenities, or in Economy appreciating the modern cabin and charging ports, Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 fleet aims to make your flight as comfortable and convenient as possible. Checking the specific seat map for your flight is always the best way to ensure you pick the spot that best suits your needs.
