Southwest Airlines has begun flying its first aircraft equipped with a newly mandated secondary cockpit barrier designed to enhance in-flight security. This barrier is intended to protect the cockpit from potential intrusions by passengers, especially during mid-flight scenarios where the cockpit door might be opened. The airline is set to fit a total of 26 jets with these barriers by the end of the year, demonstrating a commitment to aviation safety. The introduction of this safety feature follows lessons learned from past security incidents and signifies a proactive step in protecting flight crews and passengers alike. Despite the high hopes for this innovation, some passengers remain skeptical about its effectiveness.