Southwest to Fly 737 MAX 7 Starting March 2027
The airline plans to begin passenger service with the newly certified Boeing jet as it replaces aging 737-700 aircraft.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Air Travel
The FAA granted Boeing's 737 MAX 7 type certification on August 3, 2026, clearing the way for Southwest Airlines to introduce the aircraft into passenger service. Southwest expects its first MAX 7 deliveries to begin in December 2026 and passenger operations to start in March 2027.
Why it matters
The airline is replacing aging 737-700 aircraft with a model that carries 13 more seats and adds capacity without enlarging the fleet's footprint. For U.S. travelers, the upgrade brings updated cabin features and more seats per departure on Southwest routes.
The 737 MAX 7 will seat 150 passengers compared with 137 on the 737-700, a gain of 13 seats per aircraft. Southwest's 2024 investor presentation had listed 148 seats, so the final configuration has changed since that earlier plan.
The players
Southwest Airlines
A major U.S. low-cost carrier known for its all-Boeing 737 fleet and point-to-point network.
Federal Aviation Administration
The U.S. agency that oversees aviation safety and granted the aircraft its type certification.
Boeing
The American aerospace manufacturer that builds the 737 family of narrowbody jets.
The details
The MAX 7 will include Starlink connectivity, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, and three lavatories instead of two. The 150-seat layout stays below the 151-seat threshold that would require an additional flight attendant under U.S. rules.
Timeline
August 3, 2026: FAA grants 737 MAX 7 type certification.
December 2026: Southwest's first MAX 7 deliveries are scheduled to begin.
February 2027: Newly manufactured MAX 7 examples are expected to arrive.
March 2027: MAX 7 is expected to enter passenger service.
Roadmap
The MAX 7 certification comes after the 737 MAX's long grounding and return to service, extending Boeing's narrowbody line after years of regulatory scrutiny. It also positions Southwest to modernize its aging 737-700 fleet while the MAX family remains central to U.S. short-haul capacity.
Travelers booking Southwest flights on routes served by the MAX 7 will get 13 additional seats per departure once the aircraft enter service. Passengers should check their aircraft type when booking if cabin features such as in-seat power or Starlink connectivity matter to them.
The takeaway
Passengers flying Southwest on MAX 7 routes can expect more seats per flight and newer cabin amenities as the fleet modernizes. Checking the aircraft type during booking can help travelers who prioritize specific features.
What happens next
Southwest's first MAX 7 deliveries are scheduled for December 2026, with passenger service expected to begin in March 2027.
Further reading
Explore more in Air Travel for the latest on airline fleets and routes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Simple Flying.
