*Southwest Airlines is discontinuing its “Customer of Size” policy starting January 27, 2026, which previously allowed plus-size passengers to secure extra seats at no additional cost.
According to Newsweek, the Dallas-based airline now requires passengers unable to fit within one seat’s armrests to purchase an additional seat at booking, with refunds only available if the flight is not sold out and specific conditions are met. This change ends a policy celebrated for its inclusivity, drawing criticism from advocates who argue it may make air travel unaffordable for some.
Southwest’s updated policy aligns with industry standards, as seen in practices by Alaska, American, and United Airlines, which also require extra seat purchases for passengers needing more space. The airline stated, “Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats; you may review information about the width of passenger seats.”
Additionally, Southwest noted, “In addition, Southwest may determine, in its sole discretion, that an additional seat is necessary for safety purposes. Southwest will refund the extra seat purchased upon request once travel is complete.”
The policy shift coincides with Southwest’s transition to assigned seating, abandoning its open-seating model, and the introduction of checked bag fees—$35 for the first bag and $45 for the second—ending its “Bags Fly Free” tradition.
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Southwest’s statement to Newsweek clarified, “We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, employees, and customers for assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra-seat policy they should purchase it at booking.”
As the implementation date approaches, passenger advocates suggest Southwest risks losing customers to competitors like Alaska Airlines, which offers more flexible refund options for extra seats.
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