PLUS-SIZED passengers will have to pay for two seats when flying with a one of the world’s largest low-cost airlines, from January.
A new rule will come into play in next month requiring customers who cannot fit within the armrests of their seat to buy an extra ticket in advance.
Southwest Airlines flies across the US to 100 destinations in 42 states.
And from January 27, 2026, travellers will need to be aware of its seat changes.
It will require larger passengers who ‘encroach upon the neighbouring seat’ to buy an additional ticket for their journey.
Currently, Southwest Airlines offers plus-size passengers the chance to pay for an extra seat up front and then request a refund on the ticket later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport.
But that policy is now changing, with passengers who need two seats required to pay for both of them when booking, with less chance of a refund.
The only situation when the second seat might be approved for a refund is if the flight departs with at least one seat still available, and if both seats have been purchased in the same fare class.
If a passenger in need of an extra seat does not buy one before the flight, they will be required to do so at the airport.
If their flight is already full when they are at the airport, the airline will book them onto a new flight.
Southwest Airlines: “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.”
“Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available.
“The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats; you may review information about the width of Passenger seats.”
These aren’t the only changes coming on January 27 as on this date, the airline will begin its policy of assigning seats.
Previously, the open seating meant passengers could pick any available seat after boarding.
It worked on a first-come, first-served basis to speed up turnarounds, lower costs, and simplify travel with one cabin class.
Southwest Airlines also recently revealed its new cabin interior with seats that have been made extra comfy.
The airline showed images of its new design in October stating it has listened to travellers and improved facilities like adding USB chargers and entertainment holders.
Now, it has revealed the new design onboard its Boeing 737 MAX 8 – the airline even took passenger feedback into account when creating the new cabin.
‘Southwest’s move to charge for two seats makes perfect sense’
By LISA MINOT, Head of Travel
IT may have been the only airline to make allowances for plus-size passengers but American airline Southwest’s move to charge for two seats makes perfect sense to me.
Allowing larger travellers to book an extra seat for free may have been popular with those who struggled to fit in an airline seat, but it was hardly fair on the rest of us.
Taller passengers who want to enjoy a comfortable flight have always been forced to splash out on extra-legroom seats.
Why should those who – for whatever reason – are unable to fit in a single seat be afforded the privilege of extra space without paying?
It has covered “employee perceptions of color, comfort, and aspirations for the overall onboard experience, and it’s meant to create a cabin environment that feels modern, welcoming, and uniquely Southwest.”
The airline added that its seats “are intuitively designed for ultimate comfort, while maximizing seat width and overall support”.
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