My sincerest apologies to those of you who clicked on this review hoping to see how new and exciting the Southwest Airlines 737 MAX 8 experience is.
Basically, the interior of the Southwest MAX 8 is exactly the same as the interiors of most of the other aircraft in the fleet – right down to the very noticeable lack of power outlets. How are they even getting away with that in 2023?
That said, this isn’t going to be like any other Southwest Airlines review that you’ve ever read. The destination is a doozie – and one you are definitely going to want to stick around for.
WN2230
San Diego, CA (SAN) – Honolulu, HI (HNL)
Monday, February 6, 2023
Aircraft: 737 MAX 8
Registration: N1807U
Duration: 5 hours 21 minutes
Seat: 7A (Business Select)
Southwest Airlines 737 MAX 8 (N1807U) side view illustration by NorebboStock.com.Our route from SAN to HNL today as WN2230.
The video
I’ve made videos about the Southwest Airlines flight experience before. However, the decision to do it again for this flight was made easy by the fact that the destination was Honolulu. I mean, how could I not make a video about that?
My full review of Southwest Airlines 737 MAX 8 Business Select from San Diego to Honolulu
Arrival at Terminal 1 at the San Diego International Airport
If you didn’t know, Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal 1 at SAN. It’s the smallest (and suckiest) terminal at this airport (for now), so you need to time your arrival just right.
Welcome to Terminal 1 at SAN. I don’t normally like coming over to this side of the airport, but I am willing to suffer through it for the opportunity to go to Hawaii.BTW, there’s not much I wouldn’t do for a trip to Hawaii. Let’s freakin’ do this!
A friendly word of warning: arriving at T1 too early will have you bored to tears. Arriving to late will have you feeling happy as hell that you didn’t have to wait very long to board the flight. Basically, the closer you cut it, the better.
This nice pic of the Southwest Airlines entrance here at T1 might lead you to believe I was working hard to get good content for this review. The truth is that I wasn’t ready to go inside yet.The lure of Hawaii eventually got me through the doors though. Here’s the Southwest check in / baggage drop area.10 minutes later, and I’m in. Now do you understand why I was procrastinating? T1 here at SAN ain’t no picnic (and it appears that the guy in the wheelchair would be willing to back me up on this).Chanting “I’m going to Hawaii, I’m going to Hawaii” over and over again certainly helped to liven the mood.In all seriousness, an all new Terminal 1 is currently under construction, and I’m actually going to miss this old building once they tear it down. No lie!Oh, and guess what? I seems as if I have found my brother from another mother.
The boarding process for flight number 2230 to Honolulu
For the record, this was my second attempt at flying on a Southwest 737 MAX 8. The first time was just over a year ago on a flight from San Diego to Las Vegas. They swapped in a 737-800 right at the last minute, and it really ticked me off. Today was redemption day!
There she is. N1807U is the MAX 8 chosen for Honolulu duty today.I still can’t believe that flying to Honolulu on Southwest Airlines is a thing. El Paso I get, but Honolulu is really hard to wrap my head around.So how does this work exactly? Would I look like too much of an impatient spaz if I take my spot in line before they announce the start of the boarding process?
I was the third person in line to board thanks to the fact that I paid for a Business Select upgrade (and my lightning-fast online check-in the day before). Getting a good spot in line for the boarding process is one of the main reasons why I think paying more for Business Select is worth it.
I did it! I resisted the temptation to take my spot at A03 until the gate agent announced for everyone in the A group to take their spot in line. The struggle was beyond real.“Heigh ho, Heigh ho, it’s off to Honolulu I go…”< Jedi mind trick > The MAX 8 is a perfectly safe aircraft, and no, the engines are not too large for the wings < /Jedi mind trick >Dang it! I’m supposed to be excited about going to Hawaii, but I’m now I’m filled with anxiety about the flawed aerodynamic characteristics of the MAX 8. I’m such an idiot.
My first impressions of the Southwest Airlines 737 MAX 8 seats
Southwest is so good with fleet consistency and commonality that boarding the MAX 8 felt like boarding any other recently-configured aircraft in their fleet. The seats are blue, vinyl clad, and not all that comfortable if I’m being honest. Yup, it’s the same bare-bones experience you read about in my Southwest 737-700 review.
It’s open seating on Southwest Airlines, and you can take any one you want. Choices, choices!I already know that the Southwest 737 MAX 8 exit row seats are good, but…seat 7F seems to be calling my name this morning. I’ll take it!Say what you will about Southwest Airlines (it’s even ok to use profanity if you want), but it’s hard to disagree with the fact that the seats (and overall interior) of the MAX 8 looks fantastic. This is a huge improvement over the old baby **** brown interior.Leg room is fine.What the heck. Since I’m in a good mood today, I’ll even go as far as declaring it “mighty fine.”There are even adjustable headrests!For the record, decent leg room and adjustable headrests don’t make me feel any better about the open seating thing here on Southwest. I’d be remiss if I didn’t point my middle finger in their general direction about that.“Ladies and gentlemen, the forward boarding door has now been closed. To the guy sitting in seat 7F…”“…could you look any less excited about the fact that you have an empty seat next to you for a 5 and a half hour flight out to Honolulu today?”
The departure out of San Diego
It had been a while since I had a seat on the right hand side of the aircraft for a departure out of San Diego.
However, past experiences taught me that it’s the side you want to sit on when flying out to Hawaii. You won’t have a sun beating down on you for the entire flight, and you also get a really nice view of Oahu during the descent. #themoreyouknow
It’s true: pushing back for HNL is a lot more fun than pushing back for ATL. Just sayin’.This was supposed to be an attempt to show you what it was like to taxi out to runway 27 this morning, but…once you notice my crotch, it cannot be unseen. I’m sorry.The beauty of the CFM LEAP-1B is something that cannot be unseen as well. #sexybeastNot only is it a spectacularly good looking engine, it sounds incredible at full throttle as well! Check out the full takeoff video (embedded below) to have a listen for yourself…“LEAPing over the Midway District” is an admittedly corny caption for this pic, but it is technically the truth.Ain’t nothing corny about the scenery though. Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla are looking fantastic this morning (as always).
In-flight entertainment
Believe it or not, Southwest Airlines does offer a very robust in-flight entertainment option on the MAX 8. There are no video screens in the seats of course, but the streaming service (which you can access from your personal device) is fantastic.
What airline am I flying again? The in flight entertainment menu looks fantastic!Dang it. There goes my plan to poop on the lack of in flight entertainment in this review. I officially take back every bad thing that I have ever said about Southwest Airlines.
Not only are there loads of TV shows, music, and movies to choose from, there’s even a flight tracker which you can use to make sure the pilot is doing exactly what he said he was going to do in his welcome announcement.
Compared to Delta (who has arguably the best in flight entertainment in the US), the Southwest offering holds its own. I can’t say the same when comparing Southwest to American Airlines on the other hand. In that case, the streaming service here on the MAX 8 mops the floor with whatever AA is doing these days.
Here are the screens showing the live TV menu, the flight tracker, and the drink menu (which is an enhanced menu for Hawaii flights only). I think I’m starting to get why this is such a popular airline.
It’s also worth noting that Southwest Airlines does not provide earbuds (either for free or for purchase). You’re going to have to bring your own.
The food
Southwest Airlines serves complimentary snacks on all flights over 175 miles. On flights out to Hawaii from the US mainland, they serve a slightly more robust snack box consisting of crackers, dried fruit, and snack mix. No, it’s not going to be enough to satisfy most people on these long 5.5 hour flights, so it goes without saying that it behooves you to bring your own food.
This is more than I thought we’d get. It’s like they actually care about us!Unpopular opinion: fresh apple slices would be a better snack than this.Then again, I do loves me a good bag of airline snack mix. The struggle to eat healthy while traveling is real!The menu. Free drinks are on the left, and the premium (ridiculously expensive) stuff is on the right.
Drinks such as coffee, soda, and water are complementary. Alcohol is available for purchase – unless you purchased a Business Select ticket. In that case, you’ll receive a coupon for a free premium drink.
I’ll have the……water (of course).
Southwest 737 MAX 8 seat comfort
This is the part of the review where I start repeating myself. Basically, everything that I said about the seats in my Southwest Airlines 737-800 review applies to the MAX 8. The seats are hard, they offer zero lumbar support, and the leg room (seat pitch) is so-so. At least they’re consistent.
This isn’t the most comfortable airline seat I’ve ever sat in, but it is taking me to Hawaii, so…I guess I can deal with it.And for what it’s worth, never once did I feel like the leg room in these seats wasn’t enough. And I promise I’m not just saying that because this is a flight pointed straight at Honolulu!BTW, you know **** is getting real when the ground is as blue as the sky. I’ll never not feel nervous about flying way out over the ocean like this.Was this perfect timing, or what? Just as my mind was starting to calculate the odds of MAX 8 catastrophes over open water, the cabin crew came by with Brownie Brittle to calm my nerves. Worked like a charm.On a related note, the forward lavatory here on the MAX 8 looks like a fantastic place to puke your guts out from the anxiety of flying a flawed aircraft way out over the ocean like this.
The descent and arrival into Honolulu
Not to **** on Southwest or anything, but the descent over the island of Oahu and into HNL is by far the best part of this review. It’s always nice to arrive to the islands after a long time away – even if the airline you’re arriving on ain’t all that fancy.
I don’t care what kind of aircraft it is – seeing land for the first time in 5 hours always fills me with an indescribable sense of relief. We did it!Well, we’re not quite there yet. Crashing into the ocean during final approach would really tick me off considering what it took to get to this point. Okay, now it’s official. Welcome to Honolulu!Of course, there’s always a chance we could veer off the reef runway and end up in the ocean anyway. And no, I’m not a pessimist. Why do you ask?On a more serious note, seeing Southwest here in Honolulu is weird – and I can’t imagine that Hawaiian Airlines is all too happy about it (especially considering that Southwest operates a robust network of inter island flights as well).Competition is healthy though, and if anything, it’ll push Hawaiian Airlines to innovate and improve. At least I hope it will.Well, that was fun! I don’t think I’ll ever do it again (lol), but I am glad that I did it.I still think that Hawaiian Airlines is the best airline to and from Hawaii, so you’re going to have to twist my arm (like really hard) to get me to fly Southwest out to the islands again.Who am I kidding? I’d do the trip on a leaky life raft if the price was right, so “never” is a bit of an exaggeration. “Maybe” is more accurate.
Pros and cons of flying on the Southwest Airlines 737 MAX 8
As I mentioned earlier, I’m going to write a separate article about the pros and cons of flying Southwest Airlines to Hawaii. The focus of the following pros and cons list is on the aircraft itself, since Southwest utilizes the MAX 8 on a wide variety of different routes within the continental US.
Pros
It’s a very consistent experience. Stepping onboard the Southwest MAX 8 for the first time will feel familiar to anyone who has flown this airline at least once in the past two years or so.
In-flight entertainment is shockingly good. Yes, it’s a streaming service (and you will have to use your own device), but the selection of movies, TV shows, and music is as good as what Delta, United, or American provides.
It’s not a bad looking interior. Despite all the negative things I’ve said about the seats in this review, the blue and white color scheme is very stylish actually.
Cons
There are no power outlets. Which is odd considering that you have to use your personal devices to utilize the in-flight entertainment.
There are no pre-assigned seats. Some may see this as a Pro, but I’m of the opinion that it’s a big fat Con. It adds too much stress to the boarding process!
The seats are really hard. Like, really hard. I’d suggest bringing a pillow to sit if you’ve got a bony butt – at least on flights over 2 hours in length.
I definitely would have if I didn’t need to get footage for the upcoming video! I prefer sitting just ahead of the wing (looking back into the engines) for better b-roll. Sitting over the wing would also block views of the ground.
Great review! As a Star Wars fan I really liked the “Jedi Mind Trick” caption. You basically summed up the entire 737 MAX certification process lol.
Regarding Southwest, I’ve yet to fly on them (they’ve never worked out well for schedule or price), but, Christmas Meltdown aside, they look like a great LCC, with minimal fees & what looks like pretty good legroom. I’ve heard great things about the service as well.
I also really like the MAX. It feels pretty similar to a Sky Interior-equipped 737NG, but the quieter engines make a huge difference.
That said, I think 5 hours on a 737 with such basic seats is pushing the limits for me.
Thanks Peter! Southwest is actually a really good airline despite the IT meltdown they had over the holidays. I’ve never had an issue with them, and the price is usually right in line with what other airlines charge (sometimes a little less). That said, this was the cheapest flight to HNL from SAN on this particular day. I paid just $230 for my 1 way ticket – which is cheap for this route.
Pro tip: Jedi mind tricks also work well to make the 5 hour ride more tolerable. Haha!
Another great review Scott! We fly often to Maui as that is where our grandkids live ever since their parents “kidnapped” them to live in Lahaina. We have flown several airlines and standardized on Hawaiian. I have to say that we really like that airline. My problem is that while we both love the A330-200 from LAX, ever since the powers that be relocated HAL to the Bradley terminal I detest that experience. I like the A321n from LGB to OGG. I think it would be an interesting comparison for you to fly the HAL 321 from LGB.
Thanks Jim! Yeah, I’m a big fan of Hawaiian Airlines as well, and this Southwest Airlines experience from SAN to HNL wasn’t good enough to get me to convert. And I hear you about the new location of the HA gates at LAX! On the way back from this trip I flew HNL-LAX (on the Hawaiian A330), and I was surprised when we parked at one of the end gates at the new west concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. It was a long walk back to the main terminal.
I’ve never flown out of LGB actually. I didn’t even know Hawaiian Airlines flew in and out of there – but it sounds like a neat experience. Maybe next time…
Once you do Long Beach to Maui direct on Hawaiian, you’ll never go back. So fast and convenient! Use the valet parking right near the terminal and it’s a wonderful travel experience.
The no outlets is a huge bummer. We took them last spring to Hawaii when Alaska wasn’t running direct to Lihue. I gave up my iPad to quell the kiddo because I failed to plan for battery life. Never again southwest on a long flight, never again.
In-seat power is actually being installed now. Imua One has been retrofitted, and if I recall correctly, several other MAXes have them installed and in service. The entire MAX fleet should have in-seat power eventually.
Flown Southwest for several years now. I tried another budget airline, Allegiant. It was a nightmare. I’m disabled. They gave me a broken wheelchair, no help (“we don’t do that”) and didn’t allow me enough time to board before other passengers were pushing past me. My 8 yo daughter was in tears when they yelled at her to stay out of the way. I now travel with my own electric wheelchair. With SW I’m always one of the first on the plane,so open seating is fine. They always help with my carry on – I can’t check my medical supplies. What makes me stick with SW for domestic flights isn’t just ticket price. I took almost 3 dozen flights in 2022. Twice a bag got left behind. Not bad, and it was delivered to me within 12 hours. I gate check my chair. Once, a tire was damaged. The service I got for repair (free) was exceptional and they offered to pick up/drop off at my home. Most of my flights have taken off on time, or within 20 minutes of original scheduled departure. And 99% of staff have been very friendly. I scratch my head when I hear SW get skewered on the news. Maybe I’ve just been lucky. Kelleher would ruin in his grave over some of the changes, for sure. But other budget airlines seem even worse. I’m on a tight budget, but with my disability I need the service SW provides, especially when I travel alone. 2 free checked bags. No change fees – a huge deal for me because I need to change often. They fit my needs. I know other people have other priorities.
I do wish the seats were better. I flew TPA to LAX. My tailbone was killing me.
BTW, did you know TSA must let you bring water for medical necessity? They don’t tell anyone that, because they know people would abuse it. In my case, I do need it. $5 on bottled water after TSA check? no thanks. Wasn’t sure if you ever wrote about that.
Glad to know that you’ve been having such a good experience with Southwest Mandie! They’re not perfect (no airline is) but I too have had the most success with them. And I hate saying that because I very much dislike the open seating policy. Haha!
Nope, I didn’t know about the water thing. Very interesting – especially since it’s an indication that the TSA are indeed human (with human-like compassion) after all. Thanks for sharing!
Bill
A friendly correction: the spelling is “complimentary”, not “complementary” in the context you’ve used it in the article.
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Bill! Yet more evidence that I didn’t pay enough attention in school. 🙂
JL
Curious why you didn’t snag exit row?
Scott (SANspotter)
I definitely would have if I didn’t need to get footage for the upcoming video! I prefer sitting just ahead of the wing (looking back into the engines) for better b-roll. Sitting over the wing would also block views of the ground.
Peter
Great review! As a Star Wars fan I really liked the “Jedi Mind Trick” caption. You basically summed up the entire 737 MAX certification process lol.
Regarding Southwest, I’ve yet to fly on them (they’ve never worked out well for schedule or price), but, Christmas Meltdown aside, they look like a great LCC, with minimal fees & what looks like pretty good legroom. I’ve heard great things about the service as well.
I also really like the MAX. It feels pretty similar to a Sky Interior-equipped 737NG, but the quieter engines make a huge difference.
That said, I think 5 hours on a 737 with such basic seats is pushing the limits for me.
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Peter! Southwest is actually a really good airline despite the IT meltdown they had over the holidays. I’ve never had an issue with them, and the price is usually right in line with what other airlines charge (sometimes a little less). That said, this was the cheapest flight to HNL from SAN on this particular day. I paid just $230 for my 1 way ticket – which is cheap for this route.
Pro tip: Jedi mind tricks also work well to make the 5 hour ride more tolerable. Haha!
Jim
Another great review Scott! We fly often to Maui as that is where our grandkids live ever since their parents “kidnapped” them to live in Lahaina. We have flown several airlines and standardized on Hawaiian. I have to say that we really like that airline. My problem is that while we both love the A330-200 from LAX, ever since the powers that be relocated HAL to the Bradley terminal I detest that experience. I like the A321n from LGB to OGG. I think it would be an interesting comparison for you to fly the HAL 321 from LGB.
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Jim! Yeah, I’m a big fan of Hawaiian Airlines as well, and this Southwest Airlines experience from SAN to HNL wasn’t good enough to get me to convert. And I hear you about the new location of the HA gates at LAX! On the way back from this trip I flew HNL-LAX (on the Hawaiian A330), and I was surprised when we parked at one of the end gates at the new west concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. It was a long walk back to the main terminal.
I’ve never flown out of LGB actually. I didn’t even know Hawaiian Airlines flew in and out of there – but it sounds like a neat experience. Maybe next time…
Rob
Once you do Long Beach to Maui direct on Hawaiian, you’ll never go back. So fast and convenient! Use the valet parking right near the terminal and it’s a wonderful travel experience.
Scott (SANspotter)
It was only recently that I found out that Hawaiian Airlines serves Long Beach. That sounds like a route I need to try!
Katie
The no outlets is a huge bummer. We took them last spring to Hawaii when Alaska wasn’t running direct to Lihue. I gave up my iPad to quell the kiddo because I failed to plan for battery life. Never again southwest on a long flight, never again.
Scott (SANspotter)
Yeah, I really don’t understand the lack of power outlets either. It would have been more understandable 5 years ago (maybe), but in 2023? No way.
Jordan
In-seat power is actually being installed now. Imua One has been retrofitted, and if I recall correctly, several other MAXes have them installed and in service. The entire MAX fleet should have in-seat power eventually.
Mandie
Flown Southwest for several years now. I tried another budget airline, Allegiant. It was a nightmare. I’m disabled. They gave me a broken wheelchair, no help (“we don’t do that”) and didn’t allow me enough time to board before other passengers were pushing past me. My 8 yo daughter was in tears when they yelled at her to stay out of the way. I now travel with my own electric wheelchair. With SW I’m always one of the first on the plane,so open seating is fine. They always help with my carry on – I can’t check my medical supplies. What makes me stick with SW for domestic flights isn’t just ticket price. I took almost 3 dozen flights in 2022. Twice a bag got left behind. Not bad, and it was delivered to me within 12 hours. I gate check my chair. Once, a tire was damaged. The service I got for repair (free) was exceptional and they offered to pick up/drop off at my home. Most of my flights have taken off on time, or within 20 minutes of original scheduled departure. And 99% of staff have been very friendly. I scratch my head when I hear SW get skewered on the news. Maybe I’ve just been lucky. Kelleher would ruin in his grave over some of the changes, for sure. But other budget airlines seem even worse. I’m on a tight budget, but with my disability I need the service SW provides, especially when I travel alone. 2 free checked bags. No change fees – a huge deal for me because I need to change often. They fit my needs. I know other people have other priorities.
I do wish the seats were better. I flew TPA to LAX. My tailbone was killing me.
BTW, did you know TSA must let you bring water for medical necessity? They don’t tell anyone that, because they know people would abuse it. In my case, I do need it. $5 on bottled water after TSA check? no thanks. Wasn’t sure if you ever wrote about that.
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad to know that you’ve been having such a good experience with Southwest Mandie! They’re not perfect (no airline is) but I too have had the most success with them. And I hate saying that because I very much dislike the open seating policy. Haha!
Nope, I didn’t know about the water thing. Very interesting – especially since it’s an indication that the TSA are indeed human (with human-like compassion) after all. Thanks for sharing!