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Southwest Puts FAA-Required Secondary Cockpit Barrier Into Service on New 737 Max 8

The retractable gate protects the flight deck when the door opens in flight under a 2023 rule that most airlines will not fully adopt until July 2026.

Southwest Airlines’ newest jets are now flying with a barrier that can protect the cockpit when pilots need to open the door during flight.
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Southwest Airlines’ newest jets are now flying with a barrier that can protect the cockpit when pilots need to open the door during flight.
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Overview

  • Southwest flew its first equipped 737 Max 8 over the Labor Day weekend and says every new aircraft it receives will include the barrier.
  • The airline anticipates taking delivery of about 25 more Boeing jets this year that will arrive with the secondary barrier installed.
  • The FAA rule requires manufacturers to include the device on newly built U.S. commercial passenger aircraft, and it must be deployed, closed and locked whenever the cockpit door opens in flight.
  • Boeing and Airbus have begun delivering airplanes with the barriers installed, according to the companies.
  • The regulation does not require retrofitting existing fleets and there is currently no certified retrofit method, so crews on older planes continue using procedures like blocking the aisle with a beverage cart.