Which Is Better? Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 Versus The 737 MAX 8 (2024)

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 it is more efficient and passenger-friendly, as shown below.

Why I have 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, the situation to me is a matter of statistics. As of December 2023, there are at least 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 had 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, aviation employees are 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 written previous trip reviews on the 737 MAX about Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines' versions.

Overall, I hope it’s clear that I believe in the 737 MAX. With that, I review my latest Southwest experience.

Southwest technology at check-in and boarding position

Although Southwest pledges to shift to assigned seating at some time next year; until the shift, boarding position will still matter for Southwest customers to get the best seats. So, I took notes of my current boarding experience.

For instance, Southwest 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 a 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 the B group. I mistakenly did not review the guide and was glaring at being in the B group for the Las Vegas-Reno (LAS-RNO) leg.

I must admit to having flown with Southwest a few times - including once in 2022 in a 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 the 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 improved boarding position.

As such, I welcome the news of assigned seating coming to Southwest, especially as someone who prizes most flights and creates aerial photography from commercial flights. Recently, the carrier's 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 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.

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 is that flight attendant McKenna called her colleagues 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 to be autographed at Tailhook. The other being 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 Southwest's website, the two free checked bags cannot be over 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 are placed at check-in. As I noted in my last trip review, one can track the bags via the 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 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 my devices were 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

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

It should also be noted that N7725A was registered as N287AT and was 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. I 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, about 10 minutes after take-off at 21,000 feet, GPS started to fly over the Cascades with two trained pilots. The views 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 with some legroom and good storage space. Basically, I felt like I was flying in the 1990s or early 2000s.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

I did appreciate the clouds breaking up enough to let me glance at Mt. Hood. The picture is not the best, but I had a view at least.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

Plus, Southwest sets a high standard with its flight tracker. I could call up the free flight tracking to see the 737-700 on a map to help with sightseeing. I could also get real-time data on our speed and altitude, plus the ETA to Las Vegas. Below are some screenshots from my Chromebook.

Overall, the flight was pleasant, made more so by the above flight tracker. 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 aircraft, I could have barely flown to Reno on an earlier flight. I'm also sure flight attendant McKenna would not have been able to reunite me with one of my bags left behind.

Not just did I get to gamble a symbolic $1 in the slot machines but I was also able to watch my two bags be placed on my LAS-RNO flight as per the last above photo. Yes, Southwest 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

Below is a decent photo of N1807U:

One should note that due to two 737 MAX 8 crashes overseas, this was one of the MAX 8s stored until a fix was found for theMAX family’s teething problems. But today, this particular aircraft is one of 233 active MAX 8s in the Southwest's 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 aircraft 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 were waiting to deplane. At least I had decent sunset photo ops flying into Reno for the one and a half hour flight through cleaner windows in seat 21F.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

The flight was also smooth. Even sitting behind a big and more fuel-efficient CFM International Leap turbofan, the 737 MAX 8 was quiet.

Bottom line

Flying the 737 Next Generation product was slightly dated, but the MAX is a decent upgrade for America's favorite ultra low cost carrier and a pioneer in the low cost carrier model. The airline is also having passenger experience technology upgrades that improve the passenger experience - and the same employees supporting the passengers as always.