Southwest Airlines has announced a major change to its “Customer of Size” policy, requiring plus-size passengers to purchase additional seats in advance of travel from January next year.
The change, due to take effect on 27 January 2026, coincides with the airline’s planned introduction of assigned seating. Until now, Southwest had allowed larger passengers to book two seats for the price of one, a policy long praised as one of the most inclusive in the US airline industry.
Under the new rules, passengers who need extra space must proactively buy the additional seat when booking.
A refund may only be offered if the flight departs with at least one unoccupied seat or passengers travelling on standby tickets, and if the request is made within 90 days of the flight.
Southwest said the update was part of wider preparations for the rollout of assigned seating. “We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, employees and customers,” the airline told US media. “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking.”
The airline’s website provides details of seat widths on its Boeing 737 aircraft, ranging from 15.5 inches to 17.8 inches, to help passengers determine whether an additional seat may be required.
The move has sparked debate among travellers and campaigners. Jeff Jenkins, founder of the plus-size travel blog Chubby Diaries, told USA Today the change would heighten anxiety for many: “I just hope that consumers are aware of this change and I wonder if plus-size people will skip out on flying with them at all… it’s just more anxiety to an already high anxiety experience.”
Advocates argue the shift could make air travel financially inaccessible for some, while long-time customers say it undermines Southwest’s reputation for passenger-friendly policies.
Passengers travelling with Southwest partner airlines will also be required to buy a non-refundable extra seat directly from the partner carrier.
The policy overhaul represents a sharp departure from the airline’s previous approach, raising questions over how the move may affect customer loyalty.
