Southwest on Thursday launched its first jet that includes an up to date cabin inside and new seats.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as N8972S, has a brand new lighting system, up to date carpets, bigger overhead bins, and seats made by premium plane seat maker Recaro. The seats include USB-A and USB-C ports, in addition to seatback machine holders, which permit passengers to look at content material on their telephones or tablets.
Every new airplane that Southwest receives from Boeing will include these options, the airline stated.
Southwest has promoted the rollout of its new inside for over a 12 months. It marks one other departure from its conventional no-frills strategy, which the service’s management has largely shed in hopes of attracting higher-spending vacationers and competing extra immediately with United, Delta, and American.
The up to date interiors embody Southwest’s first-ever additional legroom seats, denoted by a sky blue sunray design seen from the back and front. The airline at the moment makes use of an open seating mannequin, however beginning Jan. 27, 2026, assigned seating will come into impact, and the additional legroom seats will change into a premium choice.
Prospects who improve to additional legroom seats can even get to board earlier, and can have entry to complimentary drink and snack choices.
New Search for Older Plane
Southwest additionally stated it can retrofit a few of its 737-800s with Recaro seats later this 12 months. It didn’t specify what number of will get the brand new seats.
The service additionally plans to put in seatback energy on its current 737-700s. That improve is anticipated to begin within the second half of 2026.
