Southwest Airlines will require plus-size passengers to purchase an additional seat at the time of booking if they cannot fit within the armrests of a single seat. The new policy will take effect on January 27, 2026. Previously, passengers could request a free extra seat at the airport or buy one in advance with a possible refund.
Under the updated rules, refunds are not guaranteed but may be allowed if both seats are purchased in the same fare class, the flight is not fully booked, and the request is made within 90 days of departure. Passengers who do not pre-purchase an extra seat on a full flight may be rebooked on another flight with available adjacent seating.
The change comes as Southwest moves from open seating to assigned seating. Advocacy groups and travel experts have criticized the policy, saying it could create a financial burden for larger passengers and reduce accessibility.
Tigress Osborn from the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance called the change “devastating,” while travel agent Jason Vaughn said it undermines Southwest’s customer identity.
Southwest advises passengers to check seat dimensions online and purchase extra seats in advance if necessary. Boeing 737 seats on Southwest range from 15.5 to 17.8 inches in width.
The new policy is part of a wider trend among U.S. airlines to introduce new fees and adjust long-standing practices, following Southwest’s recent move to implement checked baggage fees.
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