The Dallas-based airline announced a new vision for their cabins, with the first debuts coming in 2025.
New Designs Based on “Extensive Research” from Customer and Employee Perspectives
To design the new cabins, Southwest teamed up with transportation design firm Tangerine to create the new cabin space. The airline says the refresh is “based on extensive research covering Customer and Employee perceptions of color, comfort, and their aspirations for the overall onboard experience.”
As the new cabins are installed, flyers can look forward to a new color scheme featuring “warm energy with deep blue tones and sky blue accents.” Each seat will also be imprinted with a “sunray pattern” for extra visual appeal.
The new seating will be provided by aircraft seating company RECARO. Each seat features a “multi-adjustable headrest cushion for enhanced head and neck support, an intuitively designed seat for ultimate comfort while maximizing seat width and overall support.” The trays will also have spaces for electronic devices, allowing travelers to access Southwest’s in-flight entertainment with ease.
To keep those items charged in the cabin, aircraft will also come installed with additional power ports. All new Boeing 737 MAX-8 deliveries will come with both USB-A and USB-C power ports at each seat, while those currently in the fleet will have them installed over the next “several years.” New deliveries will also receive larger overhead bins to accommodate everyone’s carry-on luggage.
Finally, flyers will have more options at the airport kiosk coming soon. Upgrades on the ground include self-service on same-day standby requests, digital back tracking, and online baggage check-in.
“Southwest flies above our competition with industry-leading flexibility and our legendary Hospitality,” Tony Roach, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Southwest, said in a press release. “Our redesigned cabin interior significantly enhances our inflight Customer experience and will complement the amazing service that our Crews provide.”
Capping off the new design is a new uniform for Southwest’s 53,000 customer-facing employees. Fashion stylist Bonnie Markel will provide input for employees working around airports, ranging from inflight operations teams to cargo and technical operations.
Is Southwest’s refresh an upgrade from your perspective? Share your thoughts on the FlyerTalk Forums.
Source: frugal travel guy