Southwest Airlines Changes Seating Policy, Impacting Plus-Size Passengers

Southwest Airlines has announced significant changes to its seating policy that will take effect on January 27, 2026. The new assigned seating system will require plus-size passengers to purchase an additional seat in advance, a move that raises concerns about financial implications for these travelers. Unlike the previous policy, which provided a guaranteed refund for the second seat or allowed the possibility of requesting a free extra seat at the airport, the new guidelines will limit these options and could deter many from purchasing an extra seat.

Under the revised policy, refunds for extra seats will only be granted if there are available seats on the flight. If a flight is fully booked, Southwest will not issue refunds on the additional seat, which adds uncertainty for passengers who may now hesitate to secure the extra space. Customers will need to pre-book their additional seats to ensure they have the necessary space on their flights, further complicating travel plans for plus-size individuals.

Southwest Airlines has stated, “To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.” This statement highlights the airline’s commitment to managing seating availability under the new guidelines.

Impact on Plus-Size Passengers

Previously, plus-size travelers could board early to find two adjacent seats, a perk that is set to be eliminated with the new policy. Jason Vaughn, who operates the travel site Fat Travel Tested, expressed concern regarding the impact of these changes on all passengers, not just those requiring extra space. He noted that the absence of a guaranteed refund for an extra seat may lead many plus-size travelers to risk flying with only a single seat, potentially resulting in uncomfortable experiences.

Currently, passengers who purchase an extra seat can request a refund, but the new policy introduces additional requirements. Refunds will only be processed if both seats are booked within the same fare class, such as Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic. Furthermore, requests must be submitted within 90 days of travel, adding further layers of complexity to the refund process.

Broader Changes at Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has undergone a series of changes over the past year, which have not gone unnoticed. The removal of its long-standing free checked bag policy has drawn criticism, as fees now apply for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Additionally, the airline’s open seating policy will transition to assigned seating in early 2026, introducing new seat categories such as Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom.

The airline has also revamped its boarding procedure, replacing the familiar A/B/C boarding groups with a numbered system that assigns passengers a group between 1 and 8. These shifts indicate a significant transformation in Southwest’s operational strategies and customer experience, but they have also raised concerns among various passenger demographics.

As Southwest Airlines prepares to implement these changes, the airline faces scrutiny over how its new policies will affect its existing customer base, particularly those who identify as plus-size travelers. With financial implications looming, it remains to be seen how passengers will adapt to the new seating arrangements and what additional adjustments may follow in response to customer feedback.