Southwest Airlines unveils new Boeing 737 MAX 8 with premium seats

Southwest Airlines is shaking up its famously simple no-frills model with a new aircraft design that promises a more “elevated” flying experience, with similar upgrades planned for its existing fleet.

The Dallas-based carrier unveiled its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 with a refreshed interior this week — complete with an extra-legroom section, new high-end seats and refreshed lighting — underscoring the company’s broader push to modernize its fleet and offer new perks to customers.

The new aircraft, which enters service Thursday, also features larger overhead bins, USB-A and USB-C power at every seat, device holders and redesigned tray tables with dual drink cutouts.

A split view shows Southwest Airlines’ updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 cabin with new RECARO seating and modern blue lighting, paired with the airline’s signature blue, red and yellow aircraft exterior — part of a major push to elevate its onboard experienc (Southwest Airlines; Kevin Carter / Getty Images)

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“This new aircraft provides a tangible way for our customers to experience our elevated product,” the company said in a press release.

The rollout follows a wave of recent Southwest announcements, including a move from open seating to assigned seats, a new premium section, and the airline’s first-ever redeye services — overnight flights that depart late in the evening and land early the next morning.

The airline currently has a “pick any seat” policy, allowing customers to purchase tickets in different boarding groups and choose their seats upon boarding. Assigned seating will take effect in late January.

Over the last year, the airline also began charging for checked bags, ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy.

The new RECARO R2 seatbacks on Southwest’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 include built-in device holders, USB-A/C charging ports, and dual drink holders to improve passenger comfort and convenience. (Southwest Airlines / FOXBusiness)

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The moves mark major strategic shifts for Southwest, which for decades has resisted dividing the cabin, offering premium services or charging for luggage. Airline industry analysts see it as a bid to compete with other major airlines like Delta and United. 

Southwest is moving into that same competitive space for the first time.

“Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the company,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in July.

The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft is equipped with premium RECARO R2 seats. The German company is best known for making high-end automotive and aircraft seats; it originally built racing-car seats before expanding into aviation.

Southwest’s new RECARO R2 Extra Legroom seats feature a sky blue sunray design and up to five additional inches of legroom, part of the airline’s premium seating rollout beginning in 2026. (FOXBusiness)

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The new-look cabin features updated carpeting and a palette of blue tones, with a design based on extensive research into the onboard experience. Southwest says the refreshed interior is intended to feel modern, welcoming and distinctly Southwest.

Southwest will modernize more than half of its Boeing 737-700s by adding in-seat power — work that is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and be completed by mid-2027.

Free in–flight Wi-Fi via T-Mobile will be offered to all Rapid Rewards Members later this month, and the company also plans to refresh employee uniforms.