Southwest Airlines Mandates Advance Seat Purchases for Plus-Size Passengers

Southwest Airlines has announced a significant update to its customer policies that will affect plus-size passengers starting January 27, 2026. Under the revised ‘Customer of Size’ policy, individuals who require extra seating must purchase the necessary number of seats in advance to ensure availability. This change aims to accommodate assigned seating, a system that Southwest is implementing across its fleet.

The new rule has sparked discussions among travellers, particularly regarding its implications for those who identify as plus-size. According to the airline’s website, passengers will need to proactively purchase additional seats to guarantee their comfort during the flight. Jeff Jenkins, founder of the travel blog Chubby Diaries, expressed concern over the potential anxiety this policy may create for plus-size individuals. “I just hope that consumers are aware of this change… it’s just more anxiety to an already high anxiety experience,” he remarked in an interview with USA Today.

To assist passengers in determining their seating needs, Southwest Airlines has provided detailed information on seat widths for its Boeing 737 models. The widths range from 15.5 inches to 17.8 inches, with the armrest marking the official boundary of each seat. These specifications are intended to help customers make informed decisions when booking flights.

In a statement to FOX Business, Southwest Airlines emphasized the need for this update as part of their preparations for the transition to assigned seating. They noted, “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking.”

Previously, the airline allowed plus-size passengers to book two seats at the price of one, but the new policy introduces stricter rules regarding refunds. Passengers who buy an extra seat may qualify for a refund if certain conditions are met, such as if the flight departed with available seats and if the refund request is submitted within 90 days of the flight.

This policy shift is significant as it alters the existing framework that had been praised for its inclusivity. Advocates for plus-size travellers worry that the new rules may make air travel financially burdensome for many. Long-standing customers have voiced their concerns, suggesting that this move contradicts Southwest’s reputation as a passenger-friendly airline.

As the airline industry observes the impact of these changes, the conversation around inclusivity and accessibility in air travel is intensifying. Southwest Airlines’ new policy raises important questions about how airlines can balance operational requirements with the diverse needs of their passengers. The effectiveness of this transition will be closely monitored by both the airline and its clientele as they navigate the future of flying.