Southwest on Thursday launched its first jet featuring an updated cabin interior and new seats.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as N8972S, has a new lighting system, updated carpets, larger overhead bins, and seats made by premium aircraft seat maker Recaro. The seats come with USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as seatback device holders, which allow passengers to watch content on their phones or tablets.
Each new airplane that Southwest receives from Boeing will come with these features, the airline said.
Southwest has promoted the rollout of its new interior for over a year. It marks another departure from its traditional no-frills approach, which the carrier’s leadership has largely shed in hopes of attracting higher-spending travelers and competing more directly with United, Delta, and American.
The updated interiors include Southwest’s first-ever extra legroom seats, denoted by a sky blue sunray design visible from the front and back. The airline currently uses an open seating model, but starting Jan. 27, 2026, assigned seating will come into effect, and the extra legroom seats will become a premium option.
Customers who upgrade to extra legroom seats will also get to board earlier, and will have access to complimentary drink and snack options.
New Look for Older Aircraft
Southwest also said it will retrofit some of its 737-800s with Recaro seats later this year. It did not specify how many will get the new seats.
The carrier also plans to install seatback power on its existing 737-700s. That upgrade is expected to start in the second half of 2026.
