Southwest Airlines is getting a sky-high upgrade.
The Dallas-based carrier entered its newest upgraded aircraft into service on Thursday, a Boeing MAX 8 plane, featuring a fresh color scheme and customer enhancements like new seating, larger bins, and more. Southwest called the changes a “major milestone,” and said each new Boeing aircraft it received would include the new upgrades.
To start, Southwest installed larger overhead bins for carry-on luggage, which appear tall enough for bags to be placed on their side. This coincides with Southwest’s decision to end its long-standing free checked bag policy.
In addition, Southwest upgraded its seats, including adding a new multi-adjustable headrest cushion along with a personal device holder and dual USB-A and USB-C power ports. Southwest will install the new seats on all new aircraft and plan to retrofit some of its current aircraft later this year.
Passengers who purchase extra legroom seats will be treated to benefits like early boarding in group one or two and new premium snack options, including pistachios in both salted and honey roasted flavors. The carrier said the offering is a nod to its history of handing out salted and honey roasted peanuts in the past.
Starting Thursday, travelers can identify the upgraded aircraft by the tail number N8972S.
The new design comes at an inflection point for Southwest thanks to a new boarding policy, new routes, and other customer changes set to go into effect in January 2026. Starting then, Southwest will end its decades-long policy of open seating in a move towards assigned seating and boarding through group zones. The airline will also overhaul its fare classes, introducing new options of “Basic,” “Choice,” “Choice Preferred,” and “Choice Extra.”
Later this month, Southwest will start offering free unlimited Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members. The new service will go into effect on Oct. 24 thanks to a collaboration with T-Mobile, making the carrier “the largest domestic airline to implement free WiFi on every flight this year,” according to Southwest.
“We are focused on making sure our Customers have a great experience from the time they book a flight to the time they reach their destination,” Tony Roach, the executive vice president, chief customer and brand officer at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement last month, adding the enhancement was “part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience.”
The airline also recently announced an expanded Summer 2026 route map with new flights from popular destinations like Austin, Anchorage, Boston, San Diego, and more.
