Review: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 Economy (AUS-MSY)

A review of Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 Economy offers a detailed, firsthand look at what it’s like flying one of America’s most recognized low-cost carriers on its flagship narrow-body aircraft. This type of review-southwest-airlines-boeing-737-800-economy explores critical elements such as seat comfort, in-flight service, boarding process, and the overall passenger experience onboard the 737-800. With Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy, no hidden baggage fees, and famously friendly crew, flying economy with them isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about understanding how value and convenience meet 35,000 feet in the air.

Strap in for a ride that’s anything but ordinary. This isn’t your average domestic hop. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first Southwest journey from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), this review breaks down every detail—from check-in to touchdown—with insider insights you won’t find on the booking page.

This review of Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 Economy (AUS-MSY) reveals more than just the logistics of a short-haul flight—it captures the nuances of the airline’s service culture, seat pitch, and what really makes Southwest stand out in a crowded skies. From Rapid Rewards perks to the roomy Sky Interior cabin, we dive deep into the features that define this route and aircraft.

Flying Southwest

For travelers connecting Austin and New Orleans, Southwest Airlines offers one of the most convenient direct options. I recently flew this popular route to experience firsthand how the Dallas-based carrier’s Boeing 737-800 performs on this roughly 500-mile journey. From booking to baggage claim, I documented every aspect of this economy class experience to help you decide if Southwest is your best choice for traveling between these vibrant southern cities.

Booking My Southwest Flight

Southwest’s direct booking platform stands out in an industry where many travelers default to third-party sites. Their clean, mobile-friendly interface made selecting my Austin to New Orleans flight remarkably straightforward.

Fare Options and Pricing

Southwest offers three distinct fare types, each with its own benefits:

Fare Type	Price Range	Benefits	Best For
Wanna Get Away	$89-149	Basic fare, non-refundable but convertible to travel funds	Budget travelers
Wanna Get Away Plus	$109-169	Same-day changes, transferable flight credits	Travelers who might need flexibility
Anytime	$199-259	Fully refundable, priority boarding eligibility	Business travelers
Business Select	$239-299	Guaranteed A1-A15 boarding, premium drink, more Rapid Rewards	Frequent flyers valuing perks

I opted for the base “Wanna Get Away” fare at $119, which I booked about three weeks before departure. A quick comparison showed American Airlines offering the same route for $142 and Delta connecting through Atlanta for $189.

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“Southwest’s transparent pricing without hidden fees remains one of their strongest competitive advantages. What you see at booking is essentially what you pay, especially with the included checked bags.” – Tim Walker, airline industry analyst

Rapid Rewards members (Southwest’s loyalty program) can earn points on every dollar spent. As a member with no status, I earned approximately 595 points on this fare, worth roughly $8-9 toward future travel.

The “No Assigned Seats” Dilemma

Unlike most major carriers, Southwest doesn’t assign specific seats. This open seating policy means your boarding position determines your seat selection options. For travelers accustomed to choosing specific seats during booking, this can initially seem disconcerting, but it forms a core part of Southwest’s operational efficiency model.

For those worried about boarding position, Southwest offers:

• EarlyBird Check-In: Automatic check-in 36 hours before departure ($25 per direction on this route)
• Business Select fares with guaranteed A1-A15 boarding
• Upgraded Boarding at the gate ($30-$50, when available)

I decided to skip these extras to evaluate the standard experience.

Pre-Flight Experience

Check-In Process

Southwest opens check-in exactly 24 hours before departure, and securing an early boarding position requires prompt action. I set an alarm for 1:37 PM (precisely 24 hours before takeoff) and managed to secure boarding position A42.

Pro tip: The Southwest mobile app sends a helpful reminder 24 hours before flight time, but having the app already open and ready is crucial for optimal boarding positions.

The mobile boarding pass worked flawlessly, and Southwest’s emails provided clear pre-departure information about:

• Luggage allowances (two free checked bags)
• Mask policies (currently optional)
• Gate information
• Boarding procedures

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Experience

Southwest operates from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). I arrived two hours before departure to allow plenty of time for security during what turned out to be a busy Friday afternoon.

The TSA PreCheck line took approximately 7 minutes, while the standard security line stretched to about 25-30 minutes during my observation. Austin’s CLEAR service was also available near the checkpoint entrance.

Gate Area Facilities

Southwest’s gates occupy the east end of the terminal (Gates 9-12). Nearby amenities include:

• Salt Lick BBQ (Texas barbecue)
• Earl Campbell’s Sports Bar
• Jo’s Coffee
• Several convenience stores

Power outlets were somewhat limited at the gate area, though the terminal has undergone recent renovations adding more charging stations throughout the concourse.

The Southwest Boarding Experience

Southwest’s unique boarding process divides passengers into three groups (A, B, and C) with positions 1-60 within each group. Boarding positions are determined by:

1. Business Select passengers (A1-A15)
2. A-List & A-List Preferred members (priority boarding)
3. EarlyBird Check-In customers
4. Regular check-in (by timestamp)

My A42 position meant I boarded in the first half of passengers, though after approximately 40-45 others.

Boarding Day Reality

Boarding began about 35 minutes before departure with pre-boarding for passengers needing assistance. Each subsequent group lined up in numerical order along the marked poles in the gate area.

Southwest’s boarding process timing:

• Pre-boarding: 35 minutes before departure
• A1-A30: 30 minutes before departure
• A31-A60: 25 minutes before departure
• B1-B30: 20 minutes before departure
• B31-B60: 15 minutes before departure
• C1-C30: 10 minutes before departure

The process moved efficiently, with gate agents scanning boarding passes and directing passengers to the appropriate door. While different from assigned seating systems, the orderly sequence felt less chaotic than I expected.

The Boeing 737-800 Economy Seat

With my A42 boarding position, I targeted an exit row seat but found them already taken. I settled for a window seat in row 12, approximately midway through the aircraft.

Seat Specifications and Comfort

The Boeing 737-800 features Southwest’s standard 3-3 seating configuration with the following specifications:

• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (standard rows)
• Seat width: 17 inches
• Recline: Approximately 2 inches
• Materials: Leather-like covering in Southwest’s blue color scheme

The seat comfort proved adequate for the 2.5-hour flight, with sufficient padding and reasonable recline. The headrest lacked adjustable wings, which could be an issue for passengers seeking neck support during longer flights.

The tray table measured approximately 16 inches by 9.5 inches—large enough to accommodate my 13-inch laptop with some space to spare. The table deployed smoothly without excessive wobbling.

Best Seats on Southwest’s 737-800

Based on my experience and cabin layout observations:

• Exit rows (Rows 9-10): Offer additional legroom but lack full recline
• Bulkhead (Row 1): Extra legroom but reduced under-seat storage
• Rows 2-8: Standard comfort with normal recline
• Rows 15+: Increasing engine noise toward the rear

Avoid: Last row (no recline), seats near lavatories (traffic/odors), and middle seats (when possible)

The aircraft featured Boeing’s Sky Interior with curved architecture and blue LED lighting that created a more spacious feeling cabin.

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Departure Experience

Flight Details

• Flight: Southwest Airlines WN 1437
• Route: Austin (AUS) to New Orleans (MSY)
• Scheduled Departure: 1:37 PM CT
• Actual Departure: 2:12 PM CT (35-minute delay)
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (Registration N8323C)

Delay and Communication

Our flight experienced a 35-minute flight delay due to late arrival of the incoming aircraft. The gate agents provided three updates:

1. Initial 15-minute delay announcement
2. Updated 25-minute delay with explanation
3. Final boarding call with revised departure time

Southwest communicated these updates via:

• Announcements at the gate
• Updates in the mobile app
• Email notifications

Compared to delay communications I’ve experienced on other carriers, Southwest provided more frequent and transparent updates.

In-Flight Experience

Cabin Crew Service

Southwest’s cabin crew maintained their reputation for friendly, casual service. The four flight attendants worked efficiently while keeping the atmosphere light:

• Safety demonstration included light humor
• Frequent cabin checks during cruise
• Quick response to call buttons (under 30 seconds in my test)
• Proactive offer to refill drinks without prompting

Entertainment and Connectivity

Southwest offers in-flight entertainment exclusively through personal devices via their inflight portal. The system includes:

• Free live TV (15+ channels)
• On-demand movies (25+ selections)
• Games and flight tracking

Wi-Fi is available for $8 per day, allowing continuous connection across multiple Southwest flights. I tested the connection with standard browsing and found speeds of approximately 5-7 Mbps—sufficient for email and basic web browsing but occasionally struggling with video streaming.

The aircraft lacked power outlets or USB ports—an increasingly noticeable omission as competitors add this feature to their fleets. Battery management remains essential for longer Southwest journeys.

Food and Beverage Service

Southwest maintains a relatively simple in-flight service compared to full-service carriers:

• Complimentary options: Water, soft drinks, coffee, tea
• Snacks: One package of pretzels or cookies per passenger
• Alcoholic beverages: $7-9 (beer, wine, spirits)

The beverage service began approximately 25 minutes after takeoff and took roughly 30 minutes to complete. Flight attendants provided full cans upon request rather than just cups.

For a 2.5-hour flight departing at lunchtime, the limited food options meant I was glad I had brought my own snacks. While sufficient for shorter flights, Southwest’s catering falls behind competitors operating similar routes.

The Flight Experience

Our Boeing 737-800 followed a standard routing from Austin to New Orleans, climbing to a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet. The captain provided two updates during the flight:

1. Initial welcome with flight time and weather information
2. Descent announcement with New Orleans weather conditions

The flight experienced light turbulence over East Texas, lasting approximately 15 minutes, with the seatbelt sign illuminated accordingly. The flight attendants handled this professionally, temporarily suspending service before resuming once conditions smoothed.

Thanks to favorable tailwinds, we made up some of our departure delay, with an actual flight time of 1 hour and 23 minutes (compared to the scheduled 1 hour and 35 minutes).

Arrival at New Orleans

We touched down at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) at 3:35 PM local time, about 18 minutes behind schedule.

MSY Terminal Experience

New Orleans’ relatively new terminal (opened in 2019) provided an impressive arrival experience:

• Modern facilities with high ceilings and ample natural light
• Clean, spacious bathrooms near the gate areas
• Short walking distance to baggage claim (approximately 5 minutes)

Southwest operates from Concourse B at MSY, placing it in a central location within the terminal with good access to ground transportation.

Baggage Claim Efficiency

My checked bag arrived on the carousel approximately 19 minutes after arrival at the gate—slightly faster than the industry average. Southwest’s baggage handlers at MSY deserve credit for their efficiency.

The baggage claim area features digital displays showing which carousel serves each flight, and Southwest staff were present to assist passengers with any luggage issues.

Value Assessment

Fare Comparison and Inclusions

For this route, Southwest’s all-in pricing model demonstrates significant value when compared to competitors:

Airline	Base Fare	Checked Bag Fees	Total Cost
Southwest	$119	$0 (2 bags included)	$119
American	$142	$30 first bag, $40 second	$172-212
Delta	$189	$30 first bag, $40 second	$219-259

Southwest’s inclusion of two checked bags saved me $70 compared to checking two bags on competitors. For travelers with luggage, this represents a substantial value difference not immediately apparent in base fare comparisons.

Points Value

I booked this flight with cash rather than Rapid Rewards points, but the redemption would have required approximately 9,800 points. At current valuations (about 1.4 cents per point), using points would have represented reasonable value.

Southwest points never expire and have no blackout dates, making them particularly flexible for occasional travelers who might take longer to accumulate enough for redemptions.

See Also: American Airlines is Quietly Removing the CRJ-200 From Its Fleet

Who Should Choose Southwest for this Route?

Southwest’s AUS-MSY service is particularly well-suited for:

• Travelers with checked luggage (significant savings)
• Flexible travelers comfortable with open seating
• Families taking advantage of family boarding
• Points collectors who value Southwest’s straightforward rewards program
• Last-minute bookers (Southwest’s fares tend to increase less dramatically close to departure)

Those who might prefer another carrier include:

• Travelers seeking seat assignments
• Premium cabin passengers (Southwest offers no first class)
• Passengers requiring in-flight power
• Hungry travelers wanting substantial food options

Final Scoring

Based on this specific AUS-MSY experience, here’s how Southwest’s Boeing 737-800 Economy service rates across key categories:

• Booking process: 9/10 (simple, transparent pricing)
• Airport experience: 8/10 (efficient but busy terminal areas)
• Boarding process: 7/10 (organized but still creates some anxiety)
• Seat comfort: 6.5/10 (adequate but not exceptional)
• In-flight entertainment: 5/10 (functional but requires own device, no power)
• Crew service: 8.5/10 (friendly, attentive, efficient)
• Food & beverage: 4/10 (very basic offerings)
• Punctuality: 6/10 (35-minute delay partially recovered)
• Baggage handling: 9/10 (quick delivery, no damage)
• Value: 8.5/10 (excellent when considering inclusive features)

Overall rating: 7.2/10

Standout Positives

• Free checked bags represent significant value
• Friendly, personable cabin crew
• Transparent, all-in pricing model
• Efficient boarding despite unique system

Areas for Improvement

• No power outlets for increasingly necessary devices
• Limited food options for medium-haul flights
• Minor departure delay without proactive rebooking options
• Middle seats still as undesirable as any airline

Would I fly Southwest again on this route? Absolutely, especially when traveling with checked bags. The value proposition remains compelling despite the few shortcomings noted above.

Practical Tips for Southwest AUS-MSY Travelers

Based on this experience, here are my top recommendations for anyone planning to fly this route:

Booking Strategy

• Book 2-3 weeks in advance for optimal pricing
• Consider EarlyBird Check-In ($25) if seat selection is important
• Check both Southwest.com and the mobile app (occasionally different prices)

Airport Arrival Times

• For AUS: 2 hours before flight (1.5 hours with PreCheck)
• For MSY: 1.5 hours before return flight (1 hour with PreCheck)

Maximizing the Southwest Experience

• Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before departure to check in
• Board with your assigned group (not earlier or later)
• Consider exit rows for extra legroom if you’re A1-A30
• Download entertainment before flight or purchase Wi-Fi ($8)
• Bring your own battery pack for longer flights or connections
• Pack your own substantial snacks for this mealtime departure

Using Southwest’s Free Bag Allowance

• Remember measurements: 62 linear inches maximum per checked bag
• Weight limit: 50 pounds per checked bag
• Consider using this generous allowance for bringing home New Orleans souvenirs

FAQs

Q: How strict is Southwest about the 24-hour check-in time?

A: Extremely precise—the system opens exactly 24 hours before your flight to the minute, and positions are assigned sequentially as passengers check in.

Q: Can I save seats for family members boarding later?

A: While not officially endorsed, Southwest flight attendants typically allow reasonable seat-saving for families and couples.

Q: Is Early Bird Check-In worth it for this route?

A: For the AUS-MSY route specifically, EarlyBird often results in A30-A45 boarding positions, which usually allows access to exit rows and many window/aisle seats.

Q: How reliable is the Wi-Fi on this route?

A: The connection remained stable throughout the flight with occasional slowdowns. Sufficient for basic work but not for video conferences or large downloads.

Q: Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

A: Southwest remains one of the few carriers without significant hidden fees. The main optional costs are EarlyBird Check-In ($25), alcoholic beverages ($7-9), and Wi-Fi ($8).

Q: How does Southwest handle cancellations on this route?

A: Southwest typically operates 3-4 daily flights between Austin and New Orleans. In case of cancellations, they generally rebook passengers on the next available flight, sometimes same-day.

Conclusion

In this review-Southwest-Airlines-Boeing-737-800-Economy, the flight from Austin to New Orleans proves why Southwest continues to be a favorite among budget-conscious travelers. The friendly crew, simple boarding, and no extra baggage fees make the journey smooth and stress-free. With a solid in-flight experience, clean cabins, and decent legroom, it’s a reliable choice for short domestic trips.

Overall, this review-Southwest-Airlines-Boeing-737-800-Economy shows that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy comfort and efficiency. While there are no seat assignments or luxury features, the value and ease of travel are clear. For those flying this route, Southwest’s 737-800 economy offers a smart and satisfying way to get to your destination.

This review is based on an economy class flight taken in April 2025. Policies, aircraft configurations, and service elements may change over time. All prices mentioned are subject to change.

Have you flown Southwest between Austin and New Orleans? Share your experience in the comments below!