Southwest Airlines Reveals New Plans for Cabin Design, Seats, and Uniforms

Southwest Airlines Co. is introducing a new look and feel, with plans for redesigned aircraft cabin conveniences and interiors that are distinctly Southwest®, as well as new RECARO aircraft seats. Along with these efforts, Southwest has announced a refresh of its employee uniforms, giving more than 53,000 Southwest employees a more modern look.

New Interior Design and Seats to Enhance Cabin Comfort

For new aircraft deliveries starting next year, Southwest Airlines and Tangerine, a top transportation-focused design firm, will collaborate to update the cabin interior. The design is the result of in-depth research on how employees and customers view colour, comfort, and the overall onboard experience. With its deep blue tones, sky blue accents, and a nod to the Southwest Heart woven throughout the carpet, the design captures the warm energy of the Southwest.

Southwest chose the world-renowned manufacturer of luxury airplane seats, RECARO, as part of this update to offer cosy seating that goes well with the serene blue colour scheme intended for the renovated cabin. This decision was made based on customer research and product testing. Along with a sunray pattern on the seats, the iconic Southwest Heart emblem will be stitched throughout the interior. It will be debossed on the headrests of the seats. swa

The new RECARO seats feature an intuitively designed seat for maximum comfort while optimising seat width and overall support, as well as a multi-adjustable headrest cushion for improved head and neck support. To further enhance the experience, every seat will come equipped with a personal electronic device holder, enabling customers to conveniently enjoy free in-flight entertainment on their devices.

Newly-Designed Employee Uniforms Will Also Take to the Sky

Additionally, a Uniform Inspiration Team with 75 southwest Employees is working alongside current apparel vendor, Design Collective by Cintas, and uniform brand consultant and fashion stylist, Bonnie Markel, to develop the new look for Southwest Employees who work in and around airports, including Inflight Operations, Ground Operations, Cargo, and Technical Operations.