El Al Israel Airlines Boeing 737-800 (737-800, Sun d'Or all-Economy, 189 seats) vs Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 (175 seats, all Economy)

El Al Israel Airlines Boeing 737-800 (737-800, Sun d'Or all-Economy, 189 seats)

189 seats: 9 good, 9 mixed, 12 to avoid

Best seats

• Row 21, seats A, B and C (Economy Class): extra Space seat in a bulkhead row: the most legroom in Economy, per El Al, though bags go overhead for takeoff and landing.
• Row 45, seats A, B, C, H, J and K (Economy Class): exit row on El Al's map and sold as an Extra Space seat: the most legroom in Economy. You must be 15 or over and able to help in an emergency.

Seats to avoid

• Row 34, seats A, B, C, H, J and K (Economy Class): marked limited recline on El Al's map, in the row just ahead of an exit row.
• Row 61, seats A, B, C, H, J and K (Economy Class): last seat in its block, with lavatories drawn right behind it: expect queues for the lavatory.

Full seat map

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 (175 seats, all Economy)

175 seats: 43 good, 3 mixed, 0 to avoid

Best seats

• Rows 2–5 and 16, seats A, B, C, D, E and F (Economy): southwest-designated Extra Legroom seat. The additional seat pitch varies by aircraft; the airline’s five-inch figure specifically applies to the 737-700.
• Row 6, seats A, B and C (Economy): southwest-designated Extra Legroom seat. The additional seat pitch varies by aircraft; the airline’s five-inch figure specifically applies to the 737-700.
• Row 14, seats A, B, C, D, E and F (Economy): exit row with extra legroom
• Row 15, seats B, C, D and E (Economy): exit row with extra legroom

Seats to avoid

Full seat map