Should you buy an extra airline seat to avoid strangers?

A traveler recently posted a query on the Reddit forum 'r/SouthwestAirlines' regarding the feasibility of buying an additional airline seat on Southwest Airlines flights with the intent of avoiding an uninvited neighbor. The passenger's inquiry reflects a common concern among airline travelers regarding personal space during flights. They specifically mentioned the practice of some passengers 'saving' the adjacent seat to prevent anyone from sitting next to them. Responses from fellow Reddit users indicated that purchasing an extra seat for the purpose of avoiding a neighbor is not commonly permitted on most airlines, including Southwest. Users noted that if a seat were saved for an extra purchase, often one of the tickets would automatically be canceled before the flight, leading to the presence of another passenger beside the traveler. A response highlighted that the only way to secure additional space would be to book another seat upfront, which creates an opportunity for obtaining more comfort during the flight. Southwest’s policies do have stipulations for larger customers, stating that extra seats purchased for comfort could be refunded upon request. Furthermore, the airline announced plans for assigned seating beginning in the second half of 2025, anticipated to enhance customer service by allowing better seat selection ahead of flights. This suggests a shift in Southwest's operational model aimed at addressing passenger needs. Other airlines, such as American Airlines and Delta, have clearer policies that allow for the purchase of an extra seat when travelers require additional space for comfort and safety. American Airlines specifically requests that customers inform them of their needs when booking, while Delta emphasizes the importance of booking in advance to avoid potential reassignment to less favorable seating. These approaches highlight the differences in how airlines accommodate customer preferences regarding space during air travel.