Southwest Airlines is deploying new technology in its Boeing 737 fleet. The goal? To make takeoffs and landings safer.
Southwest Airlines will soon undergo a radical overhaul of its boarding process.
The Texas-based airline, which has used open seating for more than 50 years, will move to assigned seating starting Jan. 27 and introduce an entirely new boarding system, according to its website.
The redesign, known internally as “Project USA,” has been in testing for months in Houston and Cancun, Mexico.
Under the new “WILMA” boarding method, passengers seated at the windows will board first, followed by those in the middle seats, then those in the aisle, starting at the rear of the plane, the Wall Street Journal reported.
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A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 takes off from Las Vegas International Airport in Las Vegas on February 8, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Blake/Reuters)
Southwest is also removing its current numbered gate posts with nine boarding groups. Gates will only have two lines, one for group boarding and one for the next group boarding, according to the Wall Street Journal.
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Travelers, including frequent flyers and credit card holders with boarding benefits, as well as those who purchase extra legroom will automatically be assigned to early boarding groups. The airline is also introducing a last-minute “priority boarding” option with fares that vary by flight.
Travelers use a Southwest Airlines self-check-in kiosk at Logan International Airport in Boston, July 19, 2019. (Scott Eisen/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“Our premium fares and most loyal customers will have access to better seat types and board earlier in the process,” Southwest’s website says.
Passengers in basic economy will typically board last, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Southwest is also launching redesigned boarding passes that will not only display seat numbers, but also whether it’s a window, middle or aisle seat, The Wall Street Journal reported.
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Southwest Airlines recently unveiled its first Boeing 737 Max 8 with a refreshed interior. (Southwest Airlines / FOXBusiness)
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Earlier this week, Southwest unveiled its first Boeing 737 Max 8 with a refreshed interior with an extra legroom section, new premium seats and refreshed lighting, highlighting the company’s broader push to modernize its fleet and offer new benefits to customers.
Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
Michael Dorgan of FOX Business contributed to this report.
