Get All Access for $5/mo

'My Back Already Hurts': Critics Think Southwest Airlines' Newly Redesigned Seats Are Too 'Thin' Southwest Airlines debuted its new RECARO seating for passengers last week.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Southwest Airlines
A preview of Southwest's new RECARO seating.

Southwest Airlines is feeling discomfort after facing social media backlash over its newly redesigned seats.

Last week, the airline unveiled in a press release its newly redesigned RECARO seats that include a "multi-adjustable headrest cushion for enhanced head and neck support" and aim to provide "ultimate comfort while maximizing seat width and overall support."

However, customers are skeptical of the comfortability factor and are calling the seats "thin" and potentially "rock hard."

Related: Southwest CEO: Holiday Disaster Won't Happen Again

The new seats also give passengers a place to store personal electronic devices for in-flight entertainment, which will be needed as photos released by Southwest show there are no video screens on the back of the new seats.

Southwest's new RECARO seats will include a place for passengers to put their personal electronic devices (Southwest Airlines)

"Our redesigned cabin interior significantly enhances our inflight Customer experience and will complement the amazing service that our Crews provide," said Tony Roach, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Southwest Airlines, in a company release.

But customers aren't so sure.

In a video that's been viewed over 5.3 million times, a TikToker named Nuha showed a preview of the new cabin.

@devotedly.yours Southwest Airlines debuts their new interior and I'm not sure anybody is excited for their smaller and thinner seats #southwest #delta ♬ Spongebob Closing Theme Song Music - Ocean Floor Orchestra

"Never in my life did I think I'd see a video from an airline showing us their upgraded interior and it would make me want to book a flight with a completely different airline," she tells viewers. "You made smaller and thinner seats. I'm sure Southwest spent a lot of money on these upgrades but … this has completely backfired."

Naturally, other customers and potential passengers weighed in, even comparing the new seats to "sitting on a park bench" while in the air.

"My back already hurts," one person wrote alongside a crying emoji.

"The seats make it look like it would be more comfortable to walk to my destination," another joked.

Related: Southwest Develops Software Fix to Prevent Travel Meltdowns

Southwest finished 2023 with a net income of $498 million, though it reported a Q4 2023 net loss of $219 million.

As of Thursday afternoon, the airline was down just over 13% year over year.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.