Southwest Airlines new cabin to debut with new seats and a modern look

Southwest Airlines is planning for a airplane with its totally up to date cabin to enter service tomorrow.

This up to date plane options new seats, sections with additional legroom, energy at every seat, and seatback design updates. Larger overhead bins are also included, a characteristic that could help as some vacationers look to keep away from paying for checked baggage. The Dallas airline said it expects the Boeing MAX 8 plane to carry “an elevated onboard experience.”

However, that will probably be for clients to resolve when it enters service Oct. 16. When Southwest first announced plans for a cabin redesign last yr, the sneak peek got here with combined reviews as some in contrast the slim-looking seats to garden chairs and pool noodles.

Southwest has been undeterred, boasting about its new lighting package deal, up to date carpet, and other design particulars in the new cabin. The provider said it centered its look around a palette of blue tones and based it on in depth research overlaying perceptions of colour, consolation, and aspirations for the onboard expertise. Ultimately, Southwest says, it desires the refreshed cabin to really feel both modern and welcoming.

Perhaps the most controversial alternative for the new cabin concerned the seats, as renderings gave some the impression they would not present a plush really feel. Made by plane seat provider RECARO, Southwest says the seats are literally designed for consolation, while also maximizing seat width and general assist. Every multi-adjustable headrest cushion options a Southwest Heart, while the seat sports activities a sunray sample. The new seats will probably be put in on all new Southwest plane deliveries, and Southwest also plans to retrofit a few of its current planes with RECARO seats later this yr.

Regardless of how the seats really feel for flier’s backs, some vacationers will at least have the consolation of stretching out more. As Southwest prepares to start working with assigned and premium seating on Jan. 27, clients can decide to buy additional legroom seats, which come with other perks moreover additional space.

Such clients will also find a way to board with Groups 1 or 2, offering earlier access to overhead bin space. And their flight will also come with complimentary premium drinks and “enhanced snack options.”

That contains the option to select Wonderful Pistachios No Shells, accessible in both the Roasted and Salted and Honey Roasted flavors, in addition to Southwest’s current snacks. Southwest says the new snack serves as a nod to the evenly salted and honey roasted peanuts beforehand served onboard.

But no matter where fliers are seated, some perks are on the best way that will make leisure and snacking more organized. Southwest said the new seatbacks will embrace a personal digital machine holder, USB-A and USB-C ports and a tray desk with two inset beverage holders.

On top of the up to date cabin, Southwest also announced this week that it plans to modernize more than half of its Boeing 737-700s by including in-seat energy. For now, though, vacationers would possibly need to come ready with charged devices; work is predicted to start on that in the second half of 2026 and is predicted to be accomplished by mid-2027.

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This article initially printed at Southwest Airline’s new cabin to debut with new seats and a modern look.