Southwest Airlines is preparing for some big changes in the next two years. A revamp that the airline is betting on will be a big hit with passengers.

Along with more red-eye flights and a shift to the assigned seats After 50 years of open seating, Southwest is redesigning the interior cabins of its 800 existing aircraft.

“This is a very significant change. It could be one of the most significant changes we’ve ever gone through,” Ryan Green, executive vice president of commercial transformation at Southwest, told CBS News’ Kris Van Cleave, who recently got a first look at the future cabins.

“Southwest passengers will notice the difference,” Van Cleave said of the redesign. Changes include larger overhead bins, new seat storage and device storage for all passengers throughout the cabin, and charging ports at all seats.

Southwest’s customer survey showed what the industry already recognizes: People will pay for a premium experience. Therefore, premium seats with 3-4 inches of additional legroom are also offered on renovated aircraft for an additional fee.

“Customers want premium of all kinds, and when you’re flying longer, that extra legroom is worth a lot,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan told CBS News. Premium seating is available in the front and back of the aircraft.

“For the passenger experience, there are these new seats with extended legroom. These will come at a price,” said Green. “And then if you want to sit further forward but don’t want to spend the money on those seats, there are your regular economy seats that are still way forward. “You can book these specifically,” he added.

Southwest says it will begin booking flights with assigned seats in the second half of 2025 for travel in the first half of 2026. At this time, the airline also anticipates availability of the redesigned cabins, subject to Federal Aviation Administration approval.

Jordan and other Southwest executives explained The airline’s restructuring plans this week at an investor meeting in Dallas. The changes come as the company, long known for its loyal customers, seeks to meet the changing needs of passengers and increase its profits.

Jordan said: “Consumer preferences have changed and the way we fly has changed.”

Kris Van Cleave contributed to this report.