Overview

• Southwest operated the first revenue flight using the new barrier on Aug. 29, a Phoenix–Denver run on a newly delivered Boeing 737 MAX 8.
• The carrier will use the barriers as new aircraft arrive and expects about 25 additional Boeing deliveries this year equipped with the feature.
• The FAA rule for Part 121 aircraft takes effect for new builds in mid-2026 after a one-year extension; Airlines for America had sought a two-year delay.
• Retrofit of existing fleets is not required under the rule, and retrofit options have not yet received FAA certification.
• Boeing and Airbus have begun delivering aircraft with the stowable gate intended to slow intrusions when the cockpit door is open, with the FAA estimating about $35,000 per aircraft for purchase and installation.