Southwest Airlines announced another major change to their long-standing policies. This time plus-size passengers will be affected.
“Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available,” the airline revealed on their website. “The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats.”
Currently plus-sized passengers are able to request a refund for the additional seats after travel was completed. However, beginning January 27, 2026, Southwest will require certain conditions are met before issuing a refund.
“The flight(s) must depart with at least one open seat (or with Passengers traveling on space available passes). Both seats should be purchased in the same fare class (i.e., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic). The refund request must be made within 90 days of your date of travel.”
The airline previously announced they would be ending their open-seating policy, opting instead for assigned seats, which also going into effect beginning January 27.
“For your comfort, we’re introducing seat options that allow you to choose the experience you prefer,” Southwest previously revealed. “This includes options to select where you want to sit and upgrade to an Extra Legroom seat, giving you more choices when you travel with us. Learn more about all the new options ahead including our new cabin design, new fare bundles, plus Tier and Cardmember perks to match.”
Other major changes the airline has instated in recent months include ending their two free checked bag policy, rebranding their fare types and setting their flight credits to expire six months after issue, cutting their previous 12 month policy in half.
