Southwest Airlines to Require Plus-Size Passengers to Purchase Two Seats Starting January 2026

Southwest Airlines, long celebrated for its customer-friendly policies, is making a significant change to its “Customer of Size” policy, effective January 27, 2026.

This update will require passengers who cannot fit comfortably within a single seat—defined as being able to lower both armrests—to purchase an additional seat in advance. The policy shift, which aligns with the airline’s move to assigned seating, has sparked both support and criticism, raising questions about accessibility, fairness, and enforcement in air travel.

Details of the New Policy

Under the revised policy, passengers who encroach upon a neighboring seat must proactively buy an extra seat at the time of booking to ensure availability. Southwest defines the seat boundary by the armrests, with seat widths on their Boeing 737 aircraft ranging from 15.5 to 17.8 inches. Previously, plus-size passengers had two options: purchase an extra seat in advance and request a refund after travel, or request a complimentary extra seat at the airport if available. The new policy eliminates the option for a free extra seat at the gate and imposes stricter refund conditions.

Refunds for the additional seat are no longer guaranteed and will only be issued if:

The flight departs with at least one open seat (or includes passengers traveling on space-available passes).

Both seats are purchased in the same fare class (e.g., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).

The refund request is submitted within 90 days of travel.

Passengers who fail to purchase an extra seat in advance and are deemed to need one at the gate will be required to buy it at the prevailing fare, which is often higher than booking in advance. If the flight is fully booked, the passenger will be rebooked on a later flight with available seats, potentially causing significant delays and inconvenience.

Enforcement Through Self-Identification and Gate Assessments

Southwest’s policy relies on a combination of self-identification and gate agent assessments. Passengers are encouraged to assess their own needs based on whether they can fit comfortably within a single seat with both armrests lowered. For those who do not pre-purchase an extra seat, gate agents or flight attendants may evaluate the passenger’s fit on a case-by-case basis. If an additional seat is deemed necessary and none are available, the passenger will be removed from the flight and rebooked.

This enforcement mechanism has raised concerns about potential humiliation and inconsistency. Critics, including Tigress Osborn, executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, argue that gate assessments could lead to uncomfortable and subjective interactions, potentially exacerbating the stigma plus-size travelers already face. “Southwest was a beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying,” Osborn told The New York Times. “And now that beacon has gone out.”

A Shift From Southwest’s Inclusive Reputation

Southwest’s previous policy was widely regarded as the most accommodating in the U.S. airline industry. For over a decade, the airline’s approach allowed plus-size passengers to travel with dignity, often at no additional cost if seats were available. This inclusivity stemmed partly from a 2010 incident involving film director Kevin Smith, who was removed from a flight after being deemed a “safety risk.” The backlash prompted Southwest to enhance its accommodations, earning praise from advocates and travelers like Jen McLellan, who noted on Instagram that the policy “helped ease what too often feels humiliating.”

However, the new policy aligns Southwest more closely with competitors like Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue, which require plus-size passengers to purchase extra seats without refund guarantees. Alaska Airlines is the only other major U.S. carrier offering refunds for extra seats if flights depart with open seats. The shift has disappointed loyal customers, with travel agent Kaycee Bivens telling The New York Times that the added cost—potentially $300 to $400 per trip—could make air travel prohibitively expensive for many.

Broader Changes at Southwest

The policy change coincides with other significant updates at Southwest, including the end of its open-seating model and the introduction of checked baggage fees ($35 for the first bag, $45 for the second). These moves mark a departure from the airline’s long-standing identity as a budget-friendly, customer-centric carrier. Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent and advocate for plus-size travelers, told CNN that the changes reflect a loss of Southwest’s unique identity: “They have no idea anymore who their customer is.”

Southwest estimates that fewer than 1% of its 140 million annual passengers request extra seats, but the policy shift has broader implications. Advocates like Osborn argue that it could deter plus-size travelers from flying altogether, while others, like Jeff Jenkins of the plus-size travel blog Chubby Diaries, express concern about the added anxiety of navigating an already stressful travel experience.

Public Reaction and Industry Context

Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X and comments on news articles, is divided. Some support the policy, arguing it’s fair to charge for the space used, with one Reddit user stating, “It sucks for the person who has to buy two seats, but that’s just not other passengers’ problem.” Others criticize it as discriminatory, with one X user questioning how enforcement will work without invasive measures like “weighing suspects at the gate.” Another traveler on Reddit expressed frustration, noting, “As a 6’3 broad-shouldered guy, this seems too much for something I have 0 control over.”

The airline industry has long grappled with accommodating diverse body sizes. Airplane seats, which have not significantly increased in size despite a growing average passenger size, remain a point of contention. A 2018 mandate from Congress tasked the Federal Aviation Administration with setting minimum seat sizes, but a 2023 appeals court ruling found current sizes uncomfortable but not unsafe, leaving no federal requirement for larger seats.

Looking Ahead

As Southwest prepares for assigned seating and other operational changes, the new “Customer of Size” policy represents a significant shift in its approach to inclusivity. While the airline maintains that the policy ensures space and clarity for all passengers, critics argue it places an undue financial and emotional burden on plus-size travelers. With enforcement relying on self-identification and gate assessments, the policy’s implementation will likely face scrutiny for consistency and sensitivity.

For plus-size passengers, the message is clear: plan ahead and budget for an extra seat, or risk higher costs and potential rebooking. As the January 27, 2026, implementation date approaches, Southwest’s loyal customers and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this policy reshapes the airline’s reputation and the travel experience for millions.