Southwest Airlines is rolling out major upgrades to its Boeing 737 fleet, which will start in about three weeks, and Hawaii travelers are in for a treat sooner rather than later. Starting May 2025, the airline will retrofit over 800 aircraft with premium seating, assigned boarding, and other features.
These changes promise to make long-haul flights to Hawaii more comfortable, predictable, and enjoyable—just in time for summer travel. BOH editors can’t wait to try the new Southwest Hawaii product and report to you on how well it works across the Pacific.
How Southwest’s 737 retrofits may improve Hawaii flights.
For Hawaii-bound travelers, these retrofits could mark a significant shift. Southwest is introducing premium seating for the first time, with up to five extra inches of legroom in front-of-cabin and exit row locations. This additional comfort may be most valuable for longer-haul flights to Hawaii, where passengers often endure five or more hours in the air.
Another major change is the shift to assigned seating, another first for Southwest Airlines. This new system will allow passengers to reserve seats in advance, eliminating the unpredictability of open seating. Families, couples, and travelers with specific seat preferences may appreciate the ability to choose where they sit. The option to purchase an extra seat may also now appear.
Southwest’s fleet upgrades: a boost for Hawaii travel?
The retrofits are part of a broader effort to enhance the passenger experience. By May 8, 2025, the first retrofitted aircraft will enter service, just in time for the summer travel season. With more legroom, reserved seating, and a streamlined boarding process, Hawaii travelers can look forward to a more enjoyable journey…