Southwest spending over $2 billion for faster internet, outlets, overhead bins

A Southwest Airlines jet lands at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, CA on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. (Photo by Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images) DALLAS - Southwest Airlines will spend more than $2 billion to improve the flying experience for passengers, promising faster internet service, power outlets at every seat on new planes and larger overhead bins for carry-on bags.The airline also said Wednesday that later this month it expects to roll out a previously announced fourth fare category, designed to fill a gap between Southwest's cheapest fares and its mid-priced ticket, which comes with perks like more frequent-flyer points.Southwest has always offered fewer amenities than bigger rivals, right down to its lack of assigned seats and first-class cabins.

The simpler approach helps Southwest keep costs down, but Wednesday's announcement indicates that it wants to remain competitive on passenger comforts.RELATED: Southwest Airlines to resume selling alcohol on flightsThe airline said the cost of improvements was included in five-year spending targets that it disclosed in December.

The improvements will raise costs per seat by a "low single digits" percentage, the Dallas carrier said.Southwest said it is installing faster internet service on current planes under an agreement the aviation tech company Anuvu.