Southwest Airlines took a significant step in its fleet modernization strategy with the delivery of the first aircraft featuring its refreshed cabin design. This update marks a new chapter in the airline’s onboard experience, offering greater comfort, connectivity, and premium options for its passengers.
A New Standard of Onboard Comfort
The Boeing 737-8, registration N8972S, entered service on October 16, becoming the first in a series of aircraft to include the new cabin features. Every aircraft Southwest receives from now on will feature this enhanced design, which is part of the fleet modernization plan and the commitment to providing a more elevated experience for its customers.
A Renewed and Modern Design
The cabin debuts a fully updated style, with RECARO R2 seats, redesigned lighting, new carpeting, and aesthetic details that reflect the airline’s corporate colors. The palette of blue tones reinforces the brand identity and creates a welcoming, modern ambiance.
This redesign is based on comprehensive research into passenger and employee perceptions regarding color, comfort, and expectations. The goal: a warmer, more contemporary, and distinctive onboard environment.
RECARO: Premium Comfort in Every Seat
In 2024, Southwest selected RECARO, a global supplier of premium seats, to equip its new aircraft. These seats will be installed on all future deliveries and will also be incorporated into some existing Boeing 737-800 aircraft this year.
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The RECARO seats stand out for their ergonomics and sense of spaciousness, offering greater support and a more comfortable experience. Each adjustable headrest features Southwest’s iconic heart logo, while the seatback includes a sunburst design that adds a distinctive visual touch.
Extra Legroom Experience: More Space and Exclusive Benefits
The new design introduces Extra Legroom (ELR) sections, located at the front of the cabin and next to the emergency exits, offering more space to stretch out and visually distinguished by a sky-blue design.
Beginning January 27, 2026, when Southwest transitions to assigned and premium seating, passengers in this category will enjoy additional advantages:
- Boarding Groups 1 or 2, for early access to the overhead bins.
- Complimentary premium beverages.
- Exclusive snacks, including Wonderful® Pistachios No Shells, in their Roasted & Salted and Honey Roasted varieties.
These new options pay homage to the company’s history, reminiscent of the traditional peanuts served onboard in years past.
More Space, More Power, More Comfort
The new 737-8 aircraft feature larger overhead bins and USB-A and USB-C power ports at every seat, allowing passengers to charge devices like phones, tablets, or laptops during the flight.
The seatbacks include a personal electronic device holder and a tray table with a dual cupholder, designed for practicality for both left- and right-handed users.
Ongoing Enhancements Through 2027
Southwest will continue implementing improvements over the coming years. Planned new features include:
- Modernization of more than half of the Boeing 737-700 fleet, which will receive power ports starting in the second half of 2026, with an estimated completion by mid-2027.
- Complimentary WiFi for Rapid Rewards members, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile, available from October 24, 2025.
- Refreshed uniforms, aligned with the brand’s new image.
With this redesign, Southwest Airlines reaffirms its commitment to providing modern, functional service focused on passenger comfort, marking the beginning of a new era for its onboard experience.
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