Taking off: Southwest Airlines’ new cabin design launches on Boeing 737 MAX 8
October 15, 2025
Southwest Airlines will launch a new passenger experience with the delivery of its first aeroplane featuring its new cabin design. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 (tail number N8972S) will begin commercial service on October 16. It introduces new seats and a new colour palette as well as features to modernise the flying experience for Southwest’s customers.
The launch of the new cabin coincides with Southwest’s introduction of new premium seating options and its abandonment of the previous open seating policy in favour of assigned seating.
A fresh look and feel inside Southwest’s aircraft
The new interior aesthetic is both modern and unmistakably “Southwest.” The design utilises a palette of blue hues, which aligns with the airline’s branding while creating a calming and cohesive environment.
The airline has refreshed the carpeting, updated the lighting, and added design accents, including its signature heart logo on the bulkheads. The Southwest heart also appears in an abstract pattern on the new carpet.
The new design, developed by London-based design firm, Tangerine, emerged from extensive customer and employee feedback on colour, comfort, and onboard atmosphere.
RECARO seats introduce comfort enhancements
Southwest selected RECARO R2 seats for its new cabins, which are now standard in every new aircraft delivery. These seats strike a balance between aesthetics, ergonomics, and functionality.
Key features of the RECARO R2 seats include:
- Multi-adjustable headrest cushions, each embossed with a Southwest Heart icon
- A sunray pattern design on the seat upholstery
- Dimensions and ergonomics optimised for comfort and support
- In-seat power (both USB-A and USB-C) in every seatback
- A seatback-mounted holder for personal electronic devices
- Tray tables with dual inset beverage holders to support both right- and left-hand flyers
The airline also plans to retrofit some existing 737-800s with the new seats.
Southwest’s new premium Extra Legroom (ELR) seating and service upgrades
One of the cornerstones of the new cabin is the Extra Legroom (ELR) section, located at the front of the cabin and near exit rows. These seats offer up to five inches of additional pitch, leaving room for passengers to stretch out. They have distinct visual styling, with a sky blue sunray motif visible from both the front and back.
Beginning January 27, 2026, when Southwest rolls out assigned and premium seating, ELR passengers will receive:
- Boarding Group 1 or 2 (granting earlier access to overhead bins)
- Complimentary premium beverages
- Enhanced snack options exclusive to ELR customers
For premium snacks, Southwest is adding Wonderful Pistachios No Shells (available in Roasted & Salted and Honey Roasted flavours) to its lineup, alongside existing offerings. The new snacks harken back to the airline’s heritage of serving roasted peanuts, without the risk for passengers with allergies.
The airline is also introducing larger overhead bins throughout the aircraft to better accommodate all passengers’ carry-on luggage.
Southwest fleet updates and future enhancements
The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 is only the beginning. Southwest has revealed plans to roll out further upgrades across its fleet:
- Modernisation of 737-700s: Starting in the second half of 2026, Southwest will retrofit more than half of its -700 series fleet with in-seat power, with work expected to conclude by mid-2027.
- Free WiFi for Rapid Rewards Members: Beginning October 24, 2025, Southwest will offer complimentary in-flight WiFi (on enabled aircraft) to customers enrolled in its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, in partnership with T-Mobile.
- Refreshed Employee Uniforms: Southwest is also working on a uniform redesign for many frontline staff—including inflight, ground, and technical operations personnel—aligning with the new cabin aesthetics. The airline anticipates rolling out the new uniforms in 2027.
With the launch of the new cabin experience, Southwest is signalling the start of a significant shift from a strictly one-class low-fare carrier model to offering tiered cabin options with premium comfort and amenities. Passengers will experience a different yet familiar Southwest.
Featured image: Southwest Airlines / Ashlee D. Smith
