Travelers flying on Southwest Airlines can expect to see updated cabins in the coming months, as the budget carrier unveiled a new look this week.
The airline’s first plane with the new design, a Boeing 737 Max 8, took off on its inaugural flight on Thursday. The cabins, which feature new seats, lighting and carpet, have an all-blue palette, with blue Southwest hearts adorning each headrest — a change from the blue, red and yellow hearts in previous cabins.
The new cabins also feature increased overhead storage space for carry-on bags and USB charging ports at every seat. The seats, from the German airplane seat maker Recaro, “maximize width” for comfort and have “multi-adjustable” headrest cushions, Southwest says.
The airline has been trying to remake itself in the image of industry leaders such as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, as other low-cost airlines like Frontier and Spirit Airlines struggle under increased demand for premium travel.
As part of the airline’s effort to offer more premium options, the cabins have designated extra-legroom sections in the front of each cabin and also in the exit rows. When the company introduces assigned seating in January, passengers in these sections will get priority boarding and complimentary drinks and snacks.
In May, Southwest ended its longtime policy of free checked bags, adding a new $35 fee. The company also announced last year that it was ending its open-seating policy, long a hallmark of its service, in 2026.
Southwest said in its news release that the changes were based on extensive research around “perceptions of color, comfort and aspirations for the overall onboard experience.”
In its announcement, Southwest added that other improvements were on the way, including refreshing its existing Boeing 700 fleet to add in-seat charging, free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members and new uniforms for flight crews.
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Claire Fahy reports on New York City and the surrounding area for The Times.
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