Southwest showcases updated cabin design with RECARO R2 seats
RECARO R2 seats for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is celebrating the delivery of its first aircraft with an updated cabin. This aircraft offers passengers an elevated experience, including an updated cabin designed and new R2 seats by RECARO Aircraft Seating.
The MAX 8 aircraft (tail number N8972S) is expected to enter service on October 16. Each new aircraft Southwest® receives from Boeing will include these features.
Refreshed cabin design
Southwest is introducing an updated cabin look with RECARO R2 seats, a refreshed lighting package, updated carpet, and other unique design details. The look centers around a palette of blue tones that connect the airline’s Brand while pairing with its new seats. The design is based on research covering Customer and Employee perceptions of color, comfort and aspirations for the overall onboard experience.
RECARO seats
In 2024, Southwest Airlines selected RECARO to provide comfortable seating, based on Customer research and product testing. These new seats will be installed on all new Southwest aircraft deliveries and the airline will be retrofitting a few of its current -800s with RECARO seats later this year.
Every multi-adjustable headrest cushion features a Southwest Heart, while the seat features a sunray pattern.
The cabin features Extra Legroom (ELR) sections that provide passengers with more room to stretch out at the front of the cabin and near the Exit rows. RECARO ELR seats will stand out from the rest of the cabin, featuring a sky blue sunray design that is visible from the front and back.
From January 27, 2026, when Southwest operates with assigned seating, passengers in the Extra Legroom seats can enjoy an enhanced experience throughout their journey.
In addition to the extra legroom ELR seats provide, passengers in these seats will receive:
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Boarding Group 1 or 2, providing earlier access to overhead bin space
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Complimentary premium beverages
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Enhanced snack options
“These new onboard offerings provide more options exclusively for customers in our most premium seats,” Southwest said in its press release.
