Southwest Changes Requirements For Plus-Size Travelers

Southwest Airlines is tightening its belt yet again with the help of yet another major policy shift.

Months after the airline announced that it would end its free checked bags policy, the company now says it will force larger passengers to purchase a second seat in advance or at the airport if they cannot fit within a single seat, Southwest announced Monday morning.

The new rule will take effect Jan. 27, ousting its long-standing policy that allowed plus-size passengers to request a free extra seat. Larger passengers were also allowed to purchase an additional seat and receive a refund.

In 2026, passengers will have to pay for that seat, but they may still be able to apply for reimbursement. Passengers will only be reimbursed if both seats were purchased in the same fare class, the flight takes off with at least one unused seat and the refund request is submitted within 90s days.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” a statement from the airline reads.

The announcement was swiftly met with backlash.

Jason Vaugn, a travel agent who posts travel tips for plus-size people on his social media and website, Fat Travel Tested, said the change would affect travelers of all sizes. He said this change is just another letdown for those who once only booked Southwest.

“I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” he told the Associated Press of the new rule. “They have no idea anymore who their customer is,” he said of the airline. “They have no identity left.”

The rule shift is just the latest in a series of cost-cutting measures the airline has rolled out as it faces pressure from investors to boost revenue, according to media reports.

Other recent changes have included fares that charge more for extra legroom and red-eye flights.

READ MORE: Southwest Airlines Kills Free Bag Policy, Spurring Outrage

When the airline ended its 54-year-old free bag policy, it evoked anger from loyalists, with many vowing to switch to other airlines.

“I think clearly there are some customers who chose them because of that, and now those customers are up for grabs,” said Delta Airlines President Glen Hauenstein, speaking at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference.

The airline serves about a dozen airports in California.