Virgin Australia 737-700

The 737-700 is Virgin Australia's shorter-range domestic workhorse, carrying 144 passengers: 8 in Business (2-2 layout) and 136 in Economy (3-3 layout). It flies the lower-demand domestic routes where the 737-800's capacity isn't needed. The -700 is a shorter fuselage than the -800, which means a more compact cabin and fewer rows. Economy pitch is 31 inches -- the same as the 737-800 -- and the cabin product is identical. The smaller aircraft boards and deplanes faster, which is a genuine advantage on short sectors.

Business rows 1-2 in the 2-2 layout get served first and deplane fastest. In economy, exit row seats 12A and 12F (window exits) offer the best combination of extra legroom and a window view. Rows 5-11 behind business benefit from proximity to the forward galley and lavatories. The shorter cabin means even rear-row passengers don't wait as long for deplaning as on the 737-800.