Plus-Size Passengers Face Extra Costs Under Southwest Airlines Policy

Southwest Airlines has announced significant changes to its seating policy that will financially impact plus-size passengers. Starting on January 27, 2026, the airline will transition from its current open seating arrangement to an assigned seating system, requiring plus-size customers to purchase an additional seat without guaranteed refunds.

Under the new policy, plus-size passengers will need to book an extra seat in advance. Previously, the airline allowed these customers to request a refund for the second seat or to obtain a free additional seat at the airport. The new changes mean that while refunds can still be requested, they will not be guaranteed, particularly on fully booked flights. This uncertainty may deter many from purchasing an extra seat, as they cannot be sure of recovering their costs.

Southwest Airlines clarified in a statement that “to ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.” With the removal of the ability to request a free extra seat at the airport, passengers will need to plan ahead to secure their comfort.

Impact on Plus-Size Passengers

Currently, passengers purchasing an additional seat can request a refund if they meet specific criteria. However, as noted by the airline, refunds will only be available if there is at least one open seat on the flight. If the flight is fully booked, passengers will not receive a refund for the extra seat. Additionally, both seats must be booked in the same fare class—either Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic—and refund requests need to be submitted within 90 days of travel.

Jason Vaughn, who operates the travel site Fat Travel Tested, expressed concerns about the new policy’s broader implications. He stated that these changes are likely to negatively affect all passengers, not just those who are plus-size. Vaughn remarked that Southwest seems to be losing touch with its customer base, emphasizing that the previous refund guarantee made purchasing an extra seat more appealing.

Broader Changes at Southwest Airlines

The transition to assigned seating is just one of several major changes Southwest Airlines has implemented in the past year. The airline has also introduced fees for checked baggage across various fare types, a departure from its previous policy of offering free checked bags. Furthermore, the carrier is introducing new seat types—Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom—providing passengers with more options for their travel experience.

In addition to these changes, the boarding process is being revamped. Southwest will replace its traditional A/B/C boarding groups with a new numbered system that assigns passengers to groups from 1 to 8. This move is intended to streamline the boarding process and improve overall efficiency.

As Southwest Airlines prepares for these upcoming changes, the company aims to enhance its service while navigating the complexities of customer needs and expectations. The implications of these policies will likely continue to spark discussions among travelers as they adapt to the evolving landscape of air travel.