Less Capacity: Why Southwest Airlines Reversed A $60 Million Decision Made 14 Years Ago
A small decision with big consequences.
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In 2012, Southwest Airlines made a very airline-industry choice to cram another row into its aircraft. The airline moved to thinner, lighter seats and gave up quite a bit of comfort as a result, with recline being trimmed and pitch being tightened slightly. This, however, allowed the airline to boost its Boeing 737-700s from having 137 seats to 143.
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About this article
- Length
- 59 words · 1 min read
- Published
- October 9, 2026
- Byline
- Simple Flying Staff
- Source
- Simple Flying