Why Travel Experts (Including Me) Keep Avoiding Row 30 on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines recently announced some major changes to their seating and baggage policies, much to the dismay of travelers across the United States.

©Southwest Airlines

Still, it remains one of the most popular domestic airlines due to the number of destinations they fly to — especially when it comes to flying to Disney World. If you’re booking a trip anytime soon, you need to know why travel experts keep avoiding Row 30 on Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines remains a popular airline for many travelers, and despite recent changes, that probably won’t change anytime soon. If you’re flying with Southwest soon, you might want to try and avoid Row 30! As you might have guessed, this is the very last row on two of the three different types of aircraft Southwest flies — the Boeing 737 Max 8 and the Boeing 737-800. On the Boeing 737-700, you’ll want to avoid Row 24.

©Southwest Airlines

On the smaller of the three planes, the 700, Row 24 is directly in front of the galley, which is where the flight attendants prepare drinks and snacks and whatnot. It’s also near the bathroom at the back of the plane, which means you may have people hanging out all up in your grill when you’re just trying to chill. There’s plenty of traffic between the galley and the bathroom, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re flying Southwest.

©Southwest Airlines

With the Max 8 and the 800 aircraft, the problem is similar, but instead of being directly in front of the galley when you’re seated in Row 30, you’re directly in front of the bathrooms this time. Don’t worry, though, the galley isn’t too far behind that — located behind the bathrooms at the back of these planes.

So, when it comes to choosing your seat on Southwest — you might want to avoid these rows!

Southwest Airplane at MCO

Southwest Airlines previously revealed some important information about their business plans along with an update on their assigned seating policy — which they’re going to “evolve.”

In addition to the new seating policy, Southwest will continue to focus on operational efficiency. In a statement, the company said, “The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest’s unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area. The carrier’s most loyal Customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board.”

Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport

But, you won’t have to worry about dealing with this new system — whether you’re excited about it or not — until it begins to roll out in 2026. Southwest has said that passengers can book reserved seating beginning in late 2025, with those seats being available for flights in early 2026.

©Southwest Airlines

In addition to the seating changes, Southwest Airlines has decided to adjust its well-loved checked bag policy for flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025.

When the change takes effect, ONLY Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select® fares will receive TWO free checked bags. A-List Members and other select Customers will receive ONE free checked bag. Also, Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.

Southwest Airlines

However, all other customers will be charged to check their first and second checked bags. Southwest’s generous baggage policy is a huge positive for many travelers, so we are curious to see how this will affect the airline. In a press release, Southwest stated that they are aiming to “deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers” and “create new opportunities to reach consumers who value fare above everything else.”

Southwest Airlines

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more travel hacks and updates you need to know about. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel and theme park news!