The Dallas based carrier announced that beginning January 27, 2026, the same day it moves from its quirky open seating system to assigned seats, its “Customer of Size” policy will change. For years, plus size passengers could wait until the day of travel, talk to a gate agent, and often receive a free extra seat if they could not fit between the armrests. That era is now over.
Southwest’s updated policy is blunt. If you encroach upon the neighboring seat or seats you need to proactively purchase the number of seats you require at the time of booking. The airline says this ensures the space is actually available and guarantees that all passengers have safe and comfortable seating. Translation: if you need two seats buy two seats. If you do not you may be told at the airport to pay up or rebooked on a different flight if there are no extra seats left.
Refunds are still possible but they are no longer guaranteed. Customers can request a refund for the extra seat after travel is complete but only if the flight departs with at least one empty seat and only if both tickets were purchased in the same fare class. And you will need to file that request within 90 days.
This shift comes on the heels of several high profile cases of obese passengers demanding special treatment. One plus size influencer launched a petition demanding that airlines provide free extra seats and redesign cabins for larger passengers, arguing that coach seating was not inclusive enough and that charging twice for the same trip was discrimination. Another passenger petitioned for airlines to create larger bathrooms and even priority boarding for plus size travelers, insisting that flying should be restructured entirely for comfort regardless of size.
Southwest is clear this is about fairness for everyone. “The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating request and helps us ensure we can accommodate you on the flight,” the airline states. More importantly it ensures your seatmate is not spending three hours smashed against the window because you decided one seat should count as two.
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Critics are already complaining online, comparing the change to other corporate betrayals. But let’s be honest: no one should expect to pay for one ticket while taking up two. If you need more space buy it. That is not discrimination. That is common sense.
Southwest’s days of handing out free real estate in the sky are ending. And for the majority of passengers who have silently endured being squished into half a seat this is one change that might actually make flying a little more comfortable.
So buckle up America. The airline that once prided itself on being fun and friendly is finally doing something fair and realistic. If you are plus size and need more room bring your wallet. The armrest is no longer optional.
