Southwest Airlines has unveiled the first of its Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft featuring a completely refreshed cabin, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s modernization strategy. The update introduces new seating, lighting, and comfort enhancements aimed at improving the overall passenger experience while aligning the fleet with contemporary cabin standards.
The redesigned interior features Recaro R2 seats, offering improved ergonomics and comfort for longer flights. Passengers will also notice larger overhead bins, which can store up to 60 percent more carry-on bags, along with new LED lighting, carpeting, and sidewalls that create a cleaner, more spacious look.
In-seat power outlets are now included at every seat, reflecting Southwest’s response to long-standing customer demand. The new cabin also incorporates rows designated for Extra Legroom (ELR), marked by distinct headrest covers and updated branding elements.
Fleet Retrofit and Modernization Plans
The airline plans to retrofit its existing Boeing 737-800 and MAX aircraft with the updated interior by the end of this year, with work already underway at several maintenance bases. According to Southwest executives, more than half of the fleet now supports the ELR configuration, while approximately 40 percent features in-seat power and 20 percent has the new, larger bins. The company is also coordinating with Boeing to increase production of interior components to accelerate the upgrade schedule.
Retrofit operations are being handled both internally and through external partners in cities such as Denver, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Kansas City. Southwest’s in-house TechOps teams currently handle overnight modifications on up to eight aircraft at a time, a pace expected to increase significantly once the program expands to include the smaller Boeing 737-700s in early 2026. These older jets will receive either Recaro or refurbished Meridian seats capable of supporting in-seat power.
The retrofit program for the 737-700 fleet is scheduled to run through mid-2027, after which Southwest intends to transition toward an all-MAX fleet by 2031, phasing out its 737 Next Generation aircraft entirely. The company also plans a uniform refresh in 2027, extending the modernization effort to its crew and ground staff.
This cabin redesign follows a broader push by Southwest to elevate the passenger experience across multiple touchpoints. Earlier this year, the airline also announced enhancements to its inflight connectivity and Rapid Rewards program, including a rollout of free Wi-Fi for all passengers starting in fall 2025. The two initiatives – modern interiors and improved onboard technology – reflect Southwest’s commitment to keeping pace with evolving traveler expectations and maintaining its competitive edge among U.S. carriers.
Executives describe the new cabin as the culmination of years of work focused on enhancing passenger experience while maintaining operational efficiency. The update signals a broader shift within the low-cost carrier segment, where design, comfort, and technology are increasingly becoming points of competition. With the first upgraded aircraft now in service, Southwest aims to bring a more polished and consistent travel experience across its growing network.