DALLAS — Southwest Airlines this week teased a new look for their aircraft cabin interiors.
Flyers may notice the new look on new planes beginning next year.
“The design is based on extensive research covering customer and employee perceptions of color, comfort, and their aspirations for the overall onboard experience,” a Southwest press release reads.
The Dallas-based airline partnered with design company Tangerine on the redesign.
“Our redesigned cabin interior significantly enhances our inflight Customer experience and will complement the amazing service that our Crews provide,” said Southwest Airlines senior vice president and chief customer officer Tony Roach.
Meanwhile, Southwest is still working to update its existing fleet with changes announced in 2022.
Here’s what Southwest passengers can expect on future flights:
- New seats from Recaro. The new seats will “feature a multi-adjustable headrest cushion, an ergonomically enhanced seat bottom, a backrest with lumbar support, and a new armrest design that maximizes seat width,” according to Recaro. The seats will also include a personal electronic device holder, Southwest says. Southwest selected this seat based on feedback from testing, workshops, and comfort studies, Recaro says. Not everyone is impressed with the new seat design, though. One of the top comments on a TikTok video the airline posted teasing the new seats asks, “Are the improvements on board with us?” Other commenters suggested they’d turn to competitors like Delta.
- Personal power ports and larger overhead bins. Southwest says all new 737 Max 8 aircraft delivered to the airline are outfitted with USB-A and USB-C power ports and larger overhead bins. These features will be added to existing Max 8 and 737-800 aircraft, which is expected to be done “over the next several years,” Southwest says.
- New employee uniforms. Southwest is working with its apparel vendor Design Collective by Cintas and stylist Bonnie Markel on new uniform designs.
Southwest also completed upgrades of Wi-Fi equipment fleetwide at the end of 2023, according to the airline.