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Southwest Airlines has rolled out new cockpit safety barriers on its newest Boeing 737 jets, just in time for the busy Labor Day travel weekend. The airline is among the first US carriers to implement these retractable barriers, which provide an additional layer of security when pilots need to leave the cockpit during flight.
While a 2023 Federal Aviation Administration rule initially mandated these secondary barriers for all new aircraft this summer, airlines successfully negotiated a one-year delay. Aviation unions have advocated for these barriers since the 9/11 attacks, citing the need to protect the flight deck when pilots need to exit, for instance, to use the restroom.
The barriers, resembling gates more than solid doors, will be standard on all new Southwest aircraft. Although there’s currently no approved method to retrofit existing planes, the airline says it’s working with Boeing and the FAA to explore potential solutions.
Until then, current security protocols, like using beverage carts to block the aisle, will remain in place. Southwest emphasized its commitment to safety, stating the addition of the barriers was “the right decision” and part of its “proactive approach” to enhancing security measures.