Southwest Airlines
, the world’s largest low-cost carrier, is preparing for an overhaul of its cabins. Over the next two years, the airline is hedging its bets on a big win with its customers. In addition to announcing
red-eye flights
, the airline will also move from open seating to assigned seating after 50 years of being a free-for-all.
Southwest, the Dallas-based carrier that operates more Boeing 737 variants than any other airline on the globe, is looking to redesign the interior cabins on its more than 800 aircraft in operation. Passengers will see a significant change: The seats will have new device trays and charging ports to ensure their devices are recharged by the time they land.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Ryan Green, Southwest Airlines’ executive vice president of commercial transformation, told CBS News that this will be the most significant change passengers will notice in the airline’s history.
More legroom in seats up front
As part of the cabin refresh, premium seating will be enhanced with an additional three to four inches of legroom on the refurbished aircraft. Given the airline’s extensive US network, the airline’s premium customers expect a little more, and the extra legroom is expected to be popular.
Simple Flying reported on the airline’s cabin refresh earlier this year, noting that the new interior will feature touches that are “distinctly Southwest.” Along with the updated cabin look, the airline will revise its crew uniforms for more than 50,000 employees. The refreshed cabin interiors, which will begin to roll out next year, stem from research on the public’s definition of an enhanced onboard experience.
The decision to move to assigned seating has upset many of Southwest’s most loyal customers. However, the airline has persevered with the move and expects to start booking flights with assigned seats by mid-2025 for reservations in 2026. By then, the redesigned cabins will be available, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA).
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Bob Jordan, Southwest’s Chief Executive Officer, outlined the aircraft remodel at an investor meeting this week at the airline’s headquarters in Dallas. Southwest is known for its unique offering, and with many long, loyal customers, the airline needs to continue to evolve and, in return, boost its bottom line. Jordan reiterated that customers are looking to travel more often and further afield, and while customer preferences have changed, so have the airline’s operations.
N8927Q – the first of many
According to Matt__Travels, an aviation insider on Twitter, posted what he believes to be the first Southwest aircraft to feature the new cabin layout. N8927Q, a brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8, only rolled out of the Boeing factory this August, with it being delivered to the trans-American low-cost carrier on August 7. According to data posted on Flightradar24, the aircraft entered service shortly after its delivery. However, it seems to have paused operation on September 18 since its last flight to Dallas and has not resumed since.