Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will require passengers who cannot fit within a single seat with armrests down to purchase an additional seat at booking and will no longer guarantee a refund for purchasing an extra seat.

Southwest Airlines Updates “Customer of Size” Policy: Plus-Size Travelers Must Secure Extra Seat In Advance

This policy was announced several weeks ago, but I held off on covering it to see how bad the backlash would be. While there has been some pushback, the public response has been much more muted than I expected. So let’s review what is changing.

Southwest’s longstanding extra-seat accommodation for plus-size travelers will change next year. Under the updated policy, any passenger who encroaches on a neighboring seat must proactively purchase a second adjacent ticket when booking, and while refunds remain possible, they are conditional. The airline says the update aligns with its transition to assigned seating, which also takes effect on January 27, 2026.

Under the current policy, plus-size passengers could either buy a second seat in advance and apply for a refund after travel, or request an adjacent seat at the airport on the day. With the new rule:

• The second seat must be booked at reservation time if the passenger expects to need it.
• Refund eligibility requires that both seats were purchased in the same fare class, the flight has at least one open seat at departure, and the refund request is submitted within 90 days.
• If the flight is full and no adjacent seat is available, the passenger may be rebooked onto another flight.

Southwest says the policy change is part of broader operational updates as it rolls out assigned seating and other upgrades. The company frames the move as “ensuring space and comfort for all customers onboard.”

My Take

At first glance, this looks like just another fee-driven policy shift, but I believe Southwest’s update is fair, reasonable, and long overdue. Let me explain why.

• Equity in seating: Every passenger deserves to occupy only their seat(s). When someone physically needs the adjacent seat, it impacts both comfort and safety for others. This policy moves the decision to the booking stage, making it more transparent and predictable.
• Advance notice helps: Southwest is giving clear guidelines and a firm implementation date, allowing travelers to plan ahead. That level of clarity is commendable.
• Refund eligibility retains goodwill: Though refunds are no longer guaranteed, they remain available under fair conditions. It’s a balanced approach between operational reality and customer fairness.

I recognize the criticism: for some plus-size travelers, this will raise costs or create anxiety around seating. But the prior system (free or discretionary extra seats at the gate) was unsustainable. It meant uncertain outcomes, late gate rebookings, and inconsistent enforcement. By moving the decision earlier in the booking process, Southwest is taking responsibility and bringing transparency to a sensitive issue.

CONCLUSION

Major policy changes almost always come with discomfort. But in this case, Southwest’s new extra-seat requirement is a reasonable step forward. It upholds fairness, encourages early planning, and brings consistency. For travelers of all sizes, predictable seating is worth something. I’m glad to see Southwest update this policy, even if it upsets Jaelynn Chaney.

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