I'm an aviation enthusiast with a deep interest in the mechanics and specifications of various aircraft. When it comes to the Boeing 737, it's one of the most widely recognized and utilized commercial airplanes in the world. The Boeing 737 is a family of aircraft with several variants, and the number of seats can vary significantly depending on the specific model and the configuration chosen by the airline.

The Boeing 737 family includes models such as the 737-100, 737-200, 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, and the latest 737 MAX series. Each of these models has different seating capacities. For instance, the original 737-100 and 737-200 typically had seating for around 100 to 130 passengers. The 737-300, which was a significant upgrade, could accommodate around 128 to 149 passengers. The 737-700, which is a part of the Next Generation series, can seat between 126 and 149 passengers depending on the airline's configuration.

The reference to Southwest Airlines and the Boeing 737-700 is particularly interesting. Southwest has been known to maximize the efficiency of its fleet by configuring its aircraft to carry as many passengers as possible within the regulatory limits. The addition of a row of seats, as mentioned, would increase the capacity from 137 to 143 seats, which is a strategic move to enhance the airline's revenue without the need to invest in additional aircraft.

It's important to note that the number of seats is not just about the physical space available on the aircraft but also about the comfort level that the airline wants to provide to its passengers. Airlines have different strategies when it comes to seat pitch (the distance between one point on a seat and the same point on the seat in front of it) and seat width. Some may choose to have fewer seats with more legroom to attract passengers who value comfort, while others may opt for a denser configuration to maximize the number of passengers per flight.

Moreover, the configuration can also be influenced by the type of routes the aircraft will fly. Short-haul routes might allow for a higher density of seats, while long-haul routes might require a different balance between passenger comfort and capacity.

In conclusion, the number of seats in a Boeing 737 is not a fixed number. It can range from around 100 in the older models to over 200 in the latest MAX variants, with the specific number depending on the model and the airline's chosen configuration. The decision to add or remove seats is a strategic one, influenced by a variety of factors including market demand, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency.

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As part of the new interior, Southwest will add a row of seats, raising the maximum passenger load on its Boeing 737-700s from 137 seats to 143 seats. That gives the carrier a 4.4 percent increase in capacity without adding an airplane.Jan 17, 2012read more >>