DALLAS- Southwest Airlines (WN) introduces its first retrofitted Boeing 737 with extra legroom seats on May 8, 2025, at Dallas Love Field (DAL), marking a shift from its open-seating model.
Following growing pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, Southwest Airlines (WN) is making sweeping operational changes. This includes ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy and overhauling its fleet to include multiple fare classes with premium seating options.
Southwest Airlines Debuts Retrofitted 737
Southwest Airlines (WN) is introducing a new aircraft configuration designed to meet evolving passenger expectations.
The first Boeing 737 aircraft featuring extra-legroom seats will enter service this Thursday, departing from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
This marks the beginning of a broader fleet-wide retrofit plan scheduled throughout 2025.
Historically known for its single-cabin, free-baggage, and open-seating model, Southwest is shifting toward a multi-tier fare structure.
The new extra-legroom seats offer an additional five inches of pitch, aligning Southwest with competitors that have long provided premium economy options.
These seats will be reserved primarily for higher fare classes, such as Choice Extra and Choice Preferred.
In addition to seating upgrades, Southwest is modernizing its cabins with in-seat power outlets and larger overhead bins.
These enhancements aim to improve customer satisfaction and operational competitiveness.
Southwest’s New Fare Classes
The new fare structure, starting with Basic fares launching May 28, will significantly impact how passengers experience boarding and seating. Basic fare holders will board last, be seated at the rear, and must pay for checked baggage.
More premium tickets – Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra- will offer a variety of benefits.
These include early boarding, standard or extra legroom seat selection, and in some cases, two free checked bags. Notably:
- Choice Extra: Includes extra-legroom seating, early boarding, and baggage perks.
- Choice Preferred: Offers front-cabin standard legroom seating and flexibility, though baggage may incur fees.
- Choice: Equivalent to the older “Wanna Get Away Plus,” with limited flexibility and no access to premium seats.
This new tiered system will be implemented gradually, with full availability expected by Q3 2026.
Aircraft Types
The first wave of retrofits will target Southwest’s Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 models. The older Boeing 737-700 aircraft will undergo similar upgrades in subsequent phases.
These changes reflect a strategic fleet modernization plan aimed at balancing cost efficiency with passenger comfort.
The retrofitted aircraft will feature:
- Extra legroom seating (5 inches additional pitch)
- In-seat USB and power outlets
- Enlarged overhead compartments
This configuration will allow more structured boarding procedures, departing from Southwest’s traditional first-come-first-served method.
Competitive Pressure and Investor Influence
These changes come amid intense pressure from Elliott Management, which has pushed for operational reforms to boost profitability.
By aligning its offerings with legacy and ultra-low-cost carriers, Southwest is positioning itself for long-term viability in a highly competitive market.
Abandoning long-standing practices like “Bags Fly Free” and open seating signifies the carrier’s identity shift.
However, it also opens the door for attracting a broader range of travelers, especially business and frequent flyers seeking comfort and flexibility.
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