Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of over 800 Boeing 737 aircraft across various variants. It is the largest operator of Boeing's most popular narrowbody airplanes, comprising 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8 jets.
The airline operates point-to-point scheduled services to over 120 destinations from its 13 operating bases, one of which is Oakland International Airport (OAK) in Oakland, California. The airport served nearly 11 million passengers last year.
Southwest operates some of its most popular routes from OAK. This article explores Southwest’s top routes from OAK onboard its Boeing 737-800 fleet, based on the data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company. According to Southwest Airlines,
“As the largest port city in California, Oakland is responsible for a great deal of local infrastructure while also offering locals and tourists a variety of exciting activities along the water. In fact, what makes Oakland so special compared to other California cities is that it allows for the ultimate retreat in an urban setting. Travelers can experience a little bit of everything when they visit this city.”
“Southwest Airlines flies to Oakland International Airport, making it even easier to explore this Bay Area city. When you book with Southwest, book with confidence and rest assured that the process will be simple from selecting your flight to checkout.”
Southwest Boeing 737-800
Southwest operates a fleet of 203 Boeing 737-800s, with an average age of 9.5 years. Southwest’s 737-800s are equipped with 175 seats in a single class. According to AeroLOPA,
“The Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 accommodates 175 passengers, fitted out in Southwest's "Heart" interior, and is equipped with Boeing Sky Interiors, Boeing Space Bins, and mood lighting.”
- 175 Collins slimline seats arranged in a 3-3 configuration featuring a 4 way adjustable headrest
- Row pitch: 32" standard; 38" at row 14; 35" at row 15
- Seat width: 17"
- Seats are "pre-reclining" and slide forward in the reclined position
- Connectivity: Ku-band satellite wifi
- In-flight entertainment: Content streamed to your personal electronic device, including complimentary live TV, movies, messaging (iMessage and WhatsApp,) and real-time flight tracking information
Southwest Boeing 737-800 flights with more than 8,000 monthly seats
Oakland (OAK) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Number of one-way flights in February: 54
- Number of seats offered: 9,450
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 3.2 million
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most frequent route from Oakland Airport onboard Southwest’s 737-800 aircraft.
Out of eight daily departures, up to four are operated by the 737-800 fleet. Southwest has a monopoly on this 90-minute flight where no other major airline operates the service.
Oakland (OAK) to Las Vegas (LAS)
Number of one-way flights in February: 49
- Number of seats offered: 8,575
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 3.5 million
Another major route operated by Southwest 737-800 is to Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport (LAS), with 49 flights this month.
The airline operates up to 10 daily flights on this route, some of which are operated on its 737-800 fleet.
Spirit Airlines also operates this 90-minute route multiple times daily using its Airbus A320neo aircraft.
JSX, a unique private charter service, operates a once-daily flight on this route, utilizing its 30-seater Embraer ERJ-135 aircraft.
JSX is known for offering single seats on its private jet flights on scheduled routes.
Oakland (OAK) to Long Beach (LGB)
Number of one-way flights in February: 49
- Number of seats offered: 8,575
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 3.0 million
Oakland (OAK) to Salt Lake City (SLC)
Number of one-way flights in February: 48
- Number of seats offered: 8,400
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 4.9 million
Another major airport served by Southwest’s Boeing 737-800 fleet is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah, with 48 nonstop flights this month.
As one of the busiest airports in the United States, SLC enjoys a variety of domestic and international flights, serving several airlines.
According to the SLC Airport,
“SLC is the 23rd busiest airport in the United States and the 86th busiest in the world. More than 330 flights depart daily to 100 nonstop destinations. In 2024, SLC saw a record 28,364,610 passengers travel through the airport.”
Southwest Boeing 737-800 flights with under 6,000 monthly seats
Oakland (OAK) to Phoenix (PHX)
Number of one-way flights in February: 33
- Number of seats offered: 5,775
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 3.7 million
Southwest Airlines offers up to two daily flights from Oakland to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), with 33 flights this month onboard its 737-800 fleet. While the airline primarily operates the 737-700 fleet on this route, at least one daily frequency sees the larger 737-800 jet.
Oakland (OAK) to Palm Springs (PSP)
Number of one-way flights in February: 31
- Number of seats offered: 5,425
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 2.3 million
Palm Springs, California (PSP) sees up to daily flights from Oakland, operated by Southwest 737-800 aircraft. Palm Springs Airport is served by 13 airlines, offering nonstop flights to 30 airports.
The airport states that these routes include connections to major hubs and offer travel possibilities to hundreds of cities worldwide.
Oakland (OAK) to Portland (PDX)
Number of one-way flights in February: 30
- Number of seats offered: 5,250
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 2.9 million
Oakland (OAK) to Eugene (EUG)
Number of one-way flights in February: 28
- Number of seats offered: 4,900
- Available Seat Miles (ASMs): 2.2 million
Southwest Airlines offers a daily flight from Oakland to Portland (PDX) and Eugene (EUG) using its 737-800 aircraft. The flight to Portland departs at 21:30 hours local time and arrives at its destination at 23:15, for a duration of one hour and 45 minutes.
The flight to Eugene departs at 20:00 hours local time and arrives at its destination at 21:35, for a duration of one hour and 35 minutes.
