Which Is Better? Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 Versus The 737 MAX 8

The time has come to compare the Boeing 737 Next Generation product to the Boeing 737-8 MAX on

Southwest Airlines

. Granted, I prefer flying on a Boeing 737 MAX as the 737 MAX is more efficient and passenger-friendly.

Why confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX?

Some may ask why I exude confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX family after recent issues? Fair question, especially after Alaska Airlines had the failed door plug in the skies over Portlandia, the late 2010s overseas 737 MAX crashes, and the revelations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations such as issues around missing footage.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

However, I look at the situation as a matter of statistics. As of December 2023, there are no less than 1,160 active members of the 737 MAX family and a check of ch-aviation on August 31 now shows 1,540 737 MAX active family members among 80 carriers.. How many members of the 737 MAX family have an incident? The probabilities favor the 737 MAX family.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

Additionally, with all the helpful sunlight—cue Sophie Ellis-Baxtor’s “Today The Sun’s On Us”— on the 737 MAX family, from mechanics to pilots to flight attendants, is more attentive to safety, compared to, say, an old 737 Next Generation aircraft that appears to be just another aircraft airborne. Hence, my confidence goes beyond home state pride in the 737 MAX Renton, Washington State factory.

Photo: Jonathan Hendry | Simple Flying

Finally, I have flown before on the 737 MAX – both with Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Overall, I hope it’s clear that I believe in the 737 MAX, and encourage you to do so as well. With that, I review my latest Southwest Airlines experience.

Southwest technology at check-in and boarding position

Although Southwest Airlines pledges to at some date next year to shift to assigned seating, until the shift boarding position will matter for Southwest Airlines customers to get the best seats. So I kept notes of how my current boarding experience was.

For instance, Southwest Airlines sends out an email four days before the flight offering a calendar reminder to check in 24 hours before. The problem is that the calendar reminder is only for Microsoft Outlook – and I use Google Calendar. However, one can purchase an early check-in to be checked in 36 hours before the first flight which is called EarlyBird Check-In to have decent seating position. One should review the Simple Flying guide to the 2024 Southwest Airlines boarding process:

The guide helps explain how even with EarlyBird Check In, one could end up in B group. I made the mistake of not reviewing the guide and was glaring at being in B group for the Las Vegas-Reno (LAS-RNO) leg.

I must admit to having flown with Southwest Airlines a few times – including once in 2022 in a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700. But after paying for EarlyBird Check-In and finding out that for my second flight from Las Vegas (LAS) to Reno (RNO), my boarding position would be B10, my views would change.

Yes, I would have B10 in boarding order. That is about #60 in order – not counting those with preboarding privileges. I could accept a whopping $90 bill, $40 for SEA-LAS and $50 for LAS-RNO for A1-A15. I declined – that’s a lot of money just for a slightly boarding position.

As such, I welcome the news of assigned seating coming to Southwest Airlines, especially as someone who prizes most flights and creates aerial photography from commercial flights. recently Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan went on the Airlines Confidential podcast a few weeks ago and shared why the change from open seating to assigned seating at 23:05 into the podcast,

“We’re doing this because this is what our customers want. … Herb [Kelleher, Southwest Airlines’ late founder] always said, If you don’t change, you die. And so Southwest Airlines is always changing, and we follow our customers, and the data is really clear, 80% of our customers want the move to assigned seating and more choice.”

The interview also mentioned that Southwest Airlines is reprogramming its cabins to have seats with more legroom. I’m about 5’8” (1.72 meters) tall, so legroom is not an issue for me. But for those, er, larger bodies who like to fly Southwest I’m sure this will be a treat.

In the end, I got very, very lucky and got a window seat in the second row on my SEA-LAS flight thanks to a gracious senior couple. Also worth noting that Flight Attendant McKenna called the flight attendants in the back to save a few seats for a young family. But still… I believe assigned seating will be better.

Two free bags big help

That said, I used the two free checked bags feature. One for my overnight luggage and books that I wanted autographed at Tailhook. The other four 7-11 hydration drinks that had to be checked luggage. I went this route to save some cash – especially as I don’t drive and the 7-11 closest to my AIRBNB would require a significant diversion from the path to my AIRBNB. Checking in bags and printing tags was very easy with the kiosk:

According to the Southwest Airlines website, the two free checked bags cannot be more than fifty pounds and 62 inches in size (length + width + height). Additional checked bags go for $125 per bag. Oversize bags could come at $125 per bag, but only up to a total of 80 inches, while an overweight bag goes for $100 between 51 and 70 pounds, and $125 between 71 and 100 pounds. Bags are weighed and tags at check in. As I noted in my last Southwest Airlines trip review, one can track the bags via the Southwest Airlines smartphone app. Of course, with a little luck my way, I had the joy of seeing my bags loaded in the hold a few times this trip.

Hanging out at SEA

I wanted to come early since the SEA Spot Saver I’ve applauded in past trip reviews was not working for any Southwest Airlines flights to LAS until the day of the flight. This was before SEA’s recent technology meltdown. Additionally, the SEA Spot Saver system has had multiple problems recently, so I decided I wanted to arrive to SEA two hours early as recommended several times in the past – including last November.

As you can see above, I was able to take some planespotting photos while I had devices plugged in at a table. I was also able to order a McDonald’s milkshake via my smartphone. But eventually I got to board the 737-700.

About the 737-700, N7725A

But before reviewing the Boeing 737-700, one should review basic facts on the aircraft. According to ch-aviation, below are some basic statistics:

• Registration Number: N7725A
• Age: 18.40 Years
• Engines: Two CFM56-7B22 Turbofans
• First Flight: April 13, 2006
• Delivery Date: April 20, 2006
• Confirmed Retirement Date: January 24, 2026
• Economy Seats: 143
• Pitch: 31”
• Current Market Value: $10,610,000 USD

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

One should also note that N7725A was N287AT in the care of AirTran Airways between April 20, 2006 and December 27, 2014.

Flying on the 737-700

I was finally aboard and had a pre-flight briefing with some humor by FA McKenna. Sure wish more flight attendants would use humor to get passengers to pay attention. Also I like professionals who show that they truly care. With that, the take-off was easy and seemed to be stepped. We didn’t really hit turbulence until very high up at 2:56~ PM. The views of Tacoma on climb-out were much appreciated also.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

I almost didn’t like the 737-700 seat, Why? The headrest would not go taller nor become a pillow to nap on. I also did not have seatback power. At least I fully charged the Chromebook battery at SEA. Conversely, I sat on a thick cushion and had some legroom plus good storage space. I felt like I was flying in the 1990s or early 2000s, basically.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

I did appreciate the clouds breaking up enough to let me glance at Mt. Hood. Not the best pictures but at least I had a view.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

Plus Southwest Airlines set a high standard with their flight tracker. I could call up for free the flight tracking and see the 737-700 on a map. I could also get data on our speed and altitude, plus ETA to Las Vegas. Below are some screenshots.

Overall, the flight was pleasant. But the experience was a bit dated, apps notwithstanding.

Changing flights at LAS

This was the first time I would be in this LAS terminal, and I was nervous thinking about the possibility of a long walk between gates. But I needn’t be. Instead my gate was right next door and I was early for my 737 MAX 8 flight. Had I not wanted to fly on the 737 MAX 8, I could have barely flown to Reno on an earlier flight but I’m sure flight attendant McKenna would not have been able to reunite me with one of my bags left behind.

I was also able to watch my two bags be placed on my LAS-RNO flight as per the last above photo. Yes, Southwest Airlines provides bag tracking and I saw the rampers scanning each bag. But there’s nothing like the peace of mind of seeing your bag on your flight to your AIRBNB reservation.

About the 737 MAX 8, N1807U

Before reviewing the

Boeing 737 MAX 8

, let’s take a look at N1807U with the latest data from ch-aviation:

• Registration Number: N1807U
• Age: 4.82 years
• Engines: Two LEAP-1B28G05 Turbofans
• First Flight: November 9, 2019
• Delivery Date: November 18, 2022
• Confirmed Retirement Date: March 9, 2046
• Economy Seats: 175
• Pitch: 32”
• Current Market Value: $43,880,000

One should note that due to two 737 MAX 8 crashes overseas, this was one of the 737 MAX 8s stored until a fix was found for the 737 MAX family’s teething problems. But today, this Boeing 737 MAX 8 is one of 233 active 737 MAX 8s in the Southwest Airlines fleet, with another 192 on order according to ch-aviation.

Flying on the 737 MAX 8

I was very happy with my

737 max 8

experience. I had a bigger bin, mood lighting that came with the Boeing Sky Interior, and a better window. I did have to sit further back on the 737 MAX 8 with the aforementioned boarding position. But I was in no hurry and in a gracious mood. Additionally, I like that the 737 MAX 8 comes with a notable 20% reduction in

Emissions

, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 196,000 trees.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

One can read the Simple Flying analysis of all the new features. Many of the features documented help highlight the more comfortable experience.

I liked my seat as comfortable and cushy, with decent legroom. However I did not have seatback power this flight – but I did not use my Chromebook to type up notes until we landed and was waiting to deboard. At least I had decent sunset photo ops flying into Reno for the 1:25 flight through cleaner windows in Seat 21F.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

The flight was so smooth also. Even sitting behind a big and more fuel efficient

Leap engine

, the 737 MAX 8 was quiet. As such, the 737 MAX 8 flight was a peaceful experience.

Bottom line

Flying the 737 Next Generation product was slightly dated, but the 737 MAX 8 is a decent upgrade. One should stop avoiding the 737 MAX aircraft, especially with more comfort and safety proven with 1,540 737 MAX active family members among 80 carriers and 233 active 737 MAX 8s in the Southwest Airlines fleet flying without catastrophic incident. Southwest Airlines also is having passenger experience technology upgrades that improve the experience.