Additional Coverage:
- Southwest rolls out new conditions for plus-size passenger refunds (foxbusiness.com)
Southwest Airlines to Implement New Policy for Passengers of Size
Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will require passengers of size to purchase an extra seat upfront when flying on flights with assigned seating. This policy update comes as the airline transitions away from its open seating model.
Previously, Southwest encouraged, but did not require, larger passengers to purchase two seats and offered more lenient refund options. Now, passengers will need to proactively buy the necessary number of seats at the time of booking to guarantee space. The airline’s website details the dimensions of its Boeing 737 seats, ranging from 15.5 inches to 17.8 inches in width, with the armrest serving as the definitive boundary.
While refunds are possible, they are contingent on several factors: the flight departing with open seats or passengers traveling on space-available tickets, both purchased seats being in the same fare class, and the refund request being submitted within 90 days of the flight. For flights with partner carriers, additional seats must be purchased directly through the partner airline and are non-refundable.
This change has sparked concern among some plus-size travelers. Jeff Jenkins, founder of the plus-size travel blog Chubby Diaries, expressed worry that the policy could create additional anxiety for passengers unsure about seat availability on sold-out flights. He questioned whether some plus-size individuals might avoid flying Southwest altogether due to these uncertainties.
Southwest Airlines stated that this policy update is part of a broader effort to prepare for the shift to assigned seating, impacting operations, employees, and customers. They emphasize that the change aims to ensure adequate space for all passengers.
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- Southwest rolls out new conditions for plus-size passenger refunds (foxbusiness.com)