Southwest Airlines has launched a new safety measure by introducing a fold-away secondary barrier designed to block passenger access to the front galley adjacent to the flight deck.
The big picture: The barrier is to be deployed by flight attendants whenever a pilot exits the cockpit, such as for restroom breaks or other reasons.
- This new protocol enhances cockpit security by preventing unauthorized individuals from entering the cockpit area during these times.
- The airline completed its first flight with this barrier installed last week.
- The secondary barrier is part of ongoing safety improvements inspired by the heightened security measures implemented after the September 11 attacks.
Zoom out: Southwest is among the first U.S. airlines to adopt this secondary barrier, replacing the previous method where flight attendants would stand facing the cabin and use a beverage cart to deter passenger approach.
- The FAA mandated similar barriers on all new commercial airplanes, originally requiring installation starting in August 2025, but extended the deadline to 2026.
- Southwest expects to equip over 25 aircraft with these barriers by the end of 2025.
