How American, Delta, and United Airlines Configure Their Boeing 737 Aircrafts

The Boeing 737 serves as a crucial part of the fleets for the Big Three U.S. airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Each carrier configures their Boeing 737 aircraft to balance seating capacity, passenger comfort, and service classes. Although the configurations vary across different 737 models, each airline takes a distinct approach to ensure both efficiency and an enhanced passenger experience.

In this article, we’ll explore how American, Delta, and United configure their Boeing 737s and what travelers can expect onboard these aircraft.

Boeing 737 Configurations: American Airlines

American Airlines operates a large fleet of Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, optimizing them for both capacity and comfort. These planes are ideal for a variety of domestic and medium-haul international routes.

1. Boeing 737-800

American Airlines configures its 737-800s with a two-class cabin:

• First Class: This cabin offers 16 recliner seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration. First Class passengers enjoy added legroom, priority boarding, and elevated in-flight services.
• Main Cabin Extra: Featuring 30 seats with extra legroom (around 34 inches of seat pitch), this section provides more space for those seeking additional comfort.
• Main Cabin: There are 114 standard seats in a 3-3 layout, each offering about 30 inches of seat pitch.

2. Boeing 737 MAX 8

The newer 737 MAX 8 model includes a more modern interior with larger overhead bins and LED lighting:

• First Class: Similar to the 737-800, this cabin has 16 seats.
• Main Cabin Extra: 30 seats offer enhanced legroom.
• Main Cabin: The main cabin features 126 seats with slimline seating, designed to provide more space without drastically reducing comfort.

In-flight entertainment: American Airlines has opted for personal device streaming via Wi-Fi on these aircraft, forgoing seat-back screens.

Boeing 737 Configurations: Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines operates 737-800 and 737-900ER models, known for their focus on passenger comfort. Delta is one of the few airlines that still offers seat-back entertainment on its 737s.

1. Boeing 737-800

Delta’s 737-800 includes a three-class cabin:

• First Class: Passengers in First Class enjoy 16 recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration, with more personal space and premium in-flight meal options.
• Delta Comfort+: 18 seats with extra legroom, offering a pitch of about 34 inches, are located in this section. Comfort+ passengers also receive priority boarding and better recline.
• Main Cabin: The 126 seats in Main Cabin offer standard legroom, around 30 to 31 inches of seat pitch.

2. Boeing 737-900ER

Delta’s 737-900ER, which is the largest of Delta’s 737 variants, includes:

• First Class: 20 seats in the same 2-2 layout.
• Delta Comfort+: 21 seats with more legroom.
• Main Cabin: 139 seats, providing the standard 3-3 configuration.

In-flight entertainment: Delta maintains seat-back screens in all cabins, along with Wi-Fi for high-speed streaming.

Boeing 737 Configurations: United Airlines

United Airlines operates the 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, and 737 MAX 9, making it a key player in their domestic fleet. Each aircraft is tailored for comfort, especially for frequent business travelers.

1. Boeing 737-800

United’s 737-800 is configured with a three-class layout:

• First Class (United First): Featuring 16 seats, this class offers 38 inches of pitch for extra comfort.
• Economy Plus: With 48 seats, this section offers between 34 to 36 inches of legroom, catering to passengers who want a little extra space.
• Economy: The Economy cabin has 96 seats in a 3-3 configuration, each with around 30 inches of seat pitch.

2. Boeing 737 MAX 9

The 737 MAX 9 brings modern upgrades to United’s fleet:

• First Class (United First): 20 seats, maintaining the 2-2 configuration.
• Economy Plus: The 48 seats here offer more legroom for those seeking comfort without upgrading to First Class.
• Economy: 111 seats in the 3-3 configuration, featuring slimline seats for optimized space.

In-flight entertainment: United Airlines continues to offer seat-back screens on most of its 737s, along with personal device streaming and Wi-Fi access.

Key Differences Across the Big Three

Although all three airlines operate Boeing 737 aircraft, their configurations highlight unique focuses:

1. Seat Layout and Comfort

• American Airlines prioritizes capacity in its Main Cabin, maximizing seating without sacrificing too much comfort.
• Delta places a strong emphasis on passenger comfort, especially with its Delta Comfort+ class and extensive in-flight entertainment.
• United Airlines offers a premium experience, especially with its larger Economy Plus section, catering to business travelers.

2. In-Flight Entertainment

• American Airlines offers personal device entertainment but no seat-back screens on its 737s.
• Delta retains seat-back screens in all classes, giving passengers plenty of entertainment options.
• United also maintains seat-back screens across much of its fleet, appealing to passengers who prefer more traditional in-flight entertainment systems.

3. Classes of Service

• American and Delta primarily offer two-class cabins with extra legroom options.
• United distinguishes itself with a three-class service, catering to passengers looking for a more premium Economy experience.

Conclusion

The Boeing 737 plays an essential role in the fleets of American, Delta, and United Airlines. While each airline configures its 737s to meet different goals—whether that’s maximizing seating, prioritizing comfort, or offering premium services—passengers can expect a range of options tailored to their travel needs. Whether you’re flying First Class, Main Cabin Extra, or Economy Plus, the Big Three have tailored their 737 configurations to ensure passengers get the best combination of efficiency and comfort.