Southwest Airlines has had a lot of changes lately, from updating its free bag policies to planning to remove open seating, but we finally have some positive news for the airline.
If you fly with Southwest, you’ll want to read this new update.
Southwest Airlines will retrofit its aircraft to accommodate extra-legroom seats!
This change will affect every plane between April 30th and the end of the year as they prepare for assigned seating, which is scheduled to start in early 2026.
They have maintenance bases in Denver, Phoenix, Houston, and Atlanta, where they will change the seating for the aircraft planned to enter service on May 1st.
What’s neat about this change is that they just need to change the current planes. They don’t have to redesign the cabins or buy new aircraft; they can simply rearrange the rows to how they want.
This is the start of a phased approach to change their entire fleet. They’re starting with the -800 and MAX 8 aircraft before moving on to the 737-700 aircraft.
Late this summer, the extra-legroom seats will have a visual indicator on them, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re flying with Southwest.
Right now, they’re planning on having three tiers of seating: an Extra Legroom seat, a Preferred seat, which will be located near the front of the cabin or in exit rows, and a Standard seat for the seats in the back of the cabin.
We’ve been staying up to date on all the news for Southwest, so keep following Disney Food Blog to know everything that could affect your travel plans.
Luggage Perks for Southwest if You’re Staying at a Disney World Value Resort
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think about this change? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Are the extra legroom seats being made possible at the expense of the legroom available to the regular economy ticket holders? I think, yes. Otherwise, SW has to remove a row of seats or two, and I don’t think they are going to do that, as it conflicts with their goal of increasing revenue per flight. Personally, I thought the existing Max 8 configuration was nice, as-is. The Max 8 has ample overhead storage, comfortable seats, even for cross-country flights, and nice legroom. But what do I know? I am only a (formerly) loyal SW passenger for over 40 years.