Post all SW questions concerns, etc. here...

[EACarlson]

Not in my experience. It was always the aisle that had less width than the window and middle seat (those two would have basically the same space).

In the two Max8's I was on, the Middle has significantly more space than either the window or aisle, the window has more than the aisle and the aisle isn't going to fit a regular backpack with much in it. I've got an eBags Motherlode Jr about half full and I would have had to take some things out to get it to fit in the aisle spot.
I had an opportunity to sit in some sample seats of what is going to be put in. The middle seat is actually a couple inches wider than the window or aisle. The SW rep told me that they took an inch of width from the window and aisle and gave it to the middle.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

In the two Max8's I was on, the Middle has significantly more space than either the window or aisle, the window has more than the aisle and the aisle isn't going to fit a regular backpack with much in it. I've got an eBags Motherlode Jr about half full and I would have had to take some things out to get it to fit in the aisle spot.
I had an opportunity to sit in some sample seats of what is going to be put in. The middle seat is actually a couple inches wider than the window or aisle. The SW rep told me that they took an inch of width from the window and aisle and gave it to the middle.

More incentivizing for those stuck in the middle I suppose

I looked up the dimensions of the backpack you have it's several inches bigger all around compared to the travel backpack I use.

 

[eticketplease]

More incentivizing for those stuck in the middle I suppose

I looked up the dimensions of the backpack you have it's several inches bigger all around compared to the travel backpack I use.

apparently it must be named appropriately

 

[EACarlson]

apparently it must be named appropriately

And that's the JR. The Motherlode backpack is literally a full size carryon with straps instead of wheels.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

And that's the JR. The Motherlode backpack is literally a full size carryon with straps instead of wheels.

The junior is very close to my wheeled carry on I use for international travel that obviously goes in the overhead bin, with wheels it's 20inches, the travel backpack I use is under 17 inches. The only time I have come a wee bit too close on that was when we flew Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy as the newer plane they use (which was what we wanted) the foot rests that come down take valuable under the seat space unfortunately. In that case it was more the height not the length, though I didn't stuff the backpack knowing I may need room to smush down with the foot rest equipment

 

[kristenrice]

We are flying SW within the next 10 days. I'm just curious, does anyone have any idea how many planes have been "upgraded" to the new configuration to account for the upcoming assigned seating? I think we are scheduled to fly on a 737-700 on both legs. I'm wondering how those planes will be reconfigured for the extra legroom seats.

 

[EACarlson]

It's highly doubtful that any of the -700s have been reconfigured. Those were scheduled to be the last ones done. I flew twice last week on reconfigured Max8s that did have the extra legroom seats, they were quite nice.

 

[LoveToDisney]

I’m guessing some of the 700s are being worked on now. We usually ALWAYS get put on a 700 and lately we are being scheduled to be on an 800 or Max instead.

 

[kristenrice]

It's highly doubtful that any of the -700s have been reconfigured. Those were scheduled to be the last ones done. I flew twice last week on reconfigured Max8s that did have the extra legroom seats, they were quite nice.

I’m guessing some of the 700s are being worked on now. We usually ALWAYS get put on a 700 and lately we are being scheduled to be on an 800 or Max instead.

We are flying from GRR-MCO so I don't think it is a "major" route. It is a non-stop flight, later in the day (landing at 7:45pm) so I don't know if it is terminating at MCO for the evening or if it is going on to somewhere else afterwards. I'm just ecstatic to have non-stop service back in GR on SW.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We flew on Southwest 4 days ago. The new seats have power outlets to charge your cell phone. That's a wonderful change! I came on board with my phone about 40% charged, and sometime during my 2 1/2 hour flight it became 100% charged. We were in what will be the most expensive seats-had LOTS of leg room. I asked a few Southwest people (a flight attendant, gate agent, etc.) what they thought of assigned seating, and the unanimous answer was "Can't wait!" and they all referred to the jetway "miracles", the people who used pre-boarding as a way to get on early, save seats, sit near the front, then walk off the plane. As someone who can't walk, needs to pre board, I completely agree.

 

[eticketplease]

We flew on Southwest 4 days ago. The new seats have power outlets to charge your cell phone. That's a wonderful change! I came on board with my phone about 40% charged, and sometime during my 2 1/2 hour flight it became 100% charged. We were in what will be the most expensive seats-had LOTS of leg room. I asked a few Southwest people (a flight attendant, gate agent, etc.) what they thought of assigned seating, and the unanimous answer was "Can't wait!" and they all referred to the jetway "miracles", the people who used pre-boarding as a way to get on early, save seats, sit near the front, then walk off the plane. As someone who can't walk, needs to pre board, I completely agree.

Are they actually changing seats out? I thought they were just reconfiguring the layout slightly in the cabin to allow for more leg room. I believe the max series planes already had the USB chargers.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Are they actually changing seats out? I thought they were just reconfiguring the layout slightly in the cabin to allow for more leg room. I believe the max series planes already had the USB chargers.

I assumed it was new. However, although we fly Southwest 2-3 times a year, it's possible that either we've never flown the max series or, more likely, I never noticed if we have.

 

[eticketplease]

I assumed it was new. However, although we fly Southwest 2-3 times a year, it's possible that either we've never flown the max series or, more likely, I never noticed if we have.

It would certainly be nice if they were adding the USBs to all the planes. I’m not sure if they are, but we can hope.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Are they actually changing seats out? I thought they were just reconfiguring the layout slightly in the cabin to allow for more leg room. I believe the max series planes already had the USB chargers.

Not all MAX 8 have the USB chargers. The one we flew home from Vegas in August did not.

They did announce earlier on 2024 they were getting new Recaro seats which if they are the same ones I flew on PLAY airlines they were extremely uncomfortable in our opinion (i.e. stiff and thin cushioning). I mean there were many of us trying to put like a jacket or something underneath us just for some cushioning.

Can anyone confirm if they've flown the newer configuration if the seats had a back like what is pictured below with the extra phone/tablet holder?

Recaro seats with the tablet/phone holder (which when we had it on PLAY it was not very usable, the grooves didn't hold a phone and absolutely not a tablet in a stable enough position to be hands free)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/trav...thwest-airlines-new-cabin-design/72472765007/

Or like this

 

[MinnieMSue]

I flew a plane with reconfigured seats but they were not like those pictured above. They did have chargers.