Southwest Airways is gearing up for some main modifications over the subsequent two years, an overhaul the provider is betting will win massive with passengers.

Together with extra red-eye flights and a shift to assigned seating after 50 years of open seating, Southwest is redesigning the inside cabins of its 800 current plane.

“This can be a very vital change. It might be one of the vital modifications we have ever gone via,” Ryan Inexperienced, Southwest’s government vice chairman industrial transformation, advised CBS Information’ Kris Van Cleave, who not too long ago received a sneak peek on the future cabins. 

Southwest passengers will discover the distinction, mentioned Van Cleave of the redesign. Adjustments embrace new seat trays and machine trays for all passengers all through the cabin, in addition to charging ports in all the seats.

For an extra price, premium seating with 3-4 inches of extra legroom can even be supplied on refurbished planes. 

“Prospects need premium of every kind, and for those who’re flying longer, that further legroom is value loads,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan advised CBS Information. 

Southwest says it would start reserving flights with assigned seats within the second half of 2025 for journey within the first half of 2026. That is additionally when the airline expects the newly designed cabins to be out there, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Jordan and different Southwest executives outlined the airline’s transforming plans this week at an investor assembly in Dallas. The modifications come as the corporate, lengthy identified for its loyal clients, appears to be like to fulfill passengers’ evolving wants and enhance its backside line.

Stated Jordan, “Client preferences have modified and, the way in which we fly has modified.”

contributed to this report.