Southwest Airlines enforces extra seat purchase for plus-size passengers starting January 2026
- Beginning January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will mandate that customers who encroach upon neighboring seats purchase two seats in advance.
- The new rules aim to ensure operational efficiency as the airline transitions to assigned seating.
- Mixed reactions from the public indicate a significant shift in Southwest's approach toward inclusivity for plus-size passengers.
In the United States, Southwest Airlines is introducing a significant change to its policies regarding plus-size passengers, effective January 27, 2026. Starting on this date, customers who encroach on neighboring seats must purchase two seats ahead of time. This new policy comes as the airline prepares for assigned seating, signaling a shift away from its previous practices that allowed for more leniency for heavier passengers. The policy stipulates that if passengers cannot fit within the armrests, they are required to buy an adjacent seat in advance to ensure availability. Previously, these individuals had options to receive a free extra seat at the airport or pay for one in advance, which often led to refunds under more accommodating terms. Under the new guidelines, refunds for purchased extra seats will still be possible, but they will come with stricter requirements and limitations. Passengers seeking a refund must do so within 90 days of their flight and there must be at least one available seat on the flight when it departs. Despite the airline's intentions, the policy has sparked mixed reactions among the public and industry advocates. Some believe that accommodating larger passengers is essential for creating an inclusive flying experience, pointing out that Southwest had positioned itself as a leader in accessibility within the airline industry. Tigress Osborn, executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, mentioned that Southwest had represented hope for many individuals who felt marginalized in air travel. Critics of the new policy argue that it will increase anxiety among travelers and could deter plus-size passengers from choosing Southwest as their airline of preference. Furthermore, these changes are part of a broader evolution within Southwest Airlines; just recently, the company has also done away with some of its more generous policies, such as offering free checked bags. As the airline responds to pressures for profitability, experts caution that such changes can negatively impact customer loyalty and brand identity. Observers note that Southwest's historical commitments to inclusivity and affordability may be undermined as it embarks on this new chapter aimed at adapting to assigned seating, putting both the business and its customers in a challenging position moving forward.