Southwest Reveals Upgraded Cabin With New Seats

Southwest has announced a groundbreaking set of developments, including the launch of a new interior design expected to increase passengers’ comfort.

The New Cabin

Southwest says it partnered with Tangerine, a design company specialising in transportation, to create this updated cabin for aircraft deliveries that begin in 2025.

The major U.S. carrier says that the plan is for these newly designed cabins to bring life to Southwest’s warm energy with deep blue tones, blue accents and much more. Southwest also says the process is based on extensive research focused on several key elements of the onboard experience.

The seat, a RECARO, features a multi-adjustable headrest cushion; this enhances head and neck support, ultimately designed for maximum comfort while maximising seat width.

Thanks to this upgrade, each seat will now also see a personal electronic device holder with free inflight entertainment on offer to customers. This is part of the continued move to people bringing their own devices onboard Southwest aircraft.

Away from deliveries in early 2025 equipped with these redesigned cabin interiors, the plan is also to have existing 737-8 MAX aircraft and -800s to include onboard power ports and larger overhead bins.

We’re delighted to be part of Southwest’s historic journey and next phase in their modernization plan. We’ve listened to Southwest’s Customers and Employees and responded by creating a distinctive new cabin interior that meets and exceeds their desires. By working closely with Southwest and all suppliers involved, we were able to ensure the design intent was executed in the cabin to the highest possible quality. The stunning result is a testament to what can be achieved through a collaborative spirit from all those involved.

Matt Round, Chief Creative Officer at Tangerine

More Improvements

Southwest says it’s continuing its commitment towards being a major airline within the United States and a preferred option for flying across the region.

To continue with this title and ambition, the airline wants to continue finding ways to implement enhancements and initiatives outlined in a five-year investment plan that was revealed in May 2022.

As part of these adjustments, the airline says it completed upgrades of WiFi equipment fleetwide at the end of 2023. These upgrades were completed to offer better inflight internet and browsing capabilities with faster data.

Meanwhile, new 737-8 MAX aircraft that will be delivered towards Southwest are now fitted with USB-A and USB-C power ports, additionally larger overhead bins are present to maximise space for carry on baggage.

Southwest says these features will slowly but surely be be added to its fleet of Boeing 737-800 and existing 737-8 MAX jets. These adjustments will be fitted to existing aircraft over the coming years.

New Uniforms Coming

Additionally, as part of a cabin overhaul, the airline has announced that its employees are expected to wear newly designed uniforms in the future.

Apparel Vendor Design Collective by Cintas is working with 75 Southwest Employees and key stylists to develop a new look for the company that reflects the bright cabin interiors.

Described as a new modern feel, the expectation is to roll out the new design to more than 53,000 employees at Southwest as part of this new era and feel.