Southwest Airlines Tightens “Customer of Size” Policy: Plus-Size Flyers Must Now Pre-Buy Additional Seat

In a strategic turn that further distances itself from its accessible, no-frills roots, Southwest Airlines will require plus-size passengers to purchase—and navigate restrictive refund terms for—adjacent seats, starting January 27, 2026, as it abandons open seating and embraces assigned seating.

Southwest Airlines, long cherished for its inclusive “customer-of-size” policy, is rewriting that playbook—this time at the expense of plus-sized flyers. Starting January 27, 2026, when the airline rolls out assigned seating, passengers unable to fit within the armrests of a standard seat will be required to purchase a second seat in advance. While refunds remain possible, they are no longer assured and come tied to stringent conditions: both seats must be in the same fare class, the flight must not be sold out, and the refund request must be submitted within 90 days of travel. Previously, such passengers could either buy an extra seat and receive an automatic reimbursement, or request one free of charge at the gate.

Southwest frames the change as a matter of ensuring “space,” but the underlying motivation is clearer: investor pressure and financial optimization are reshaping the airline’s once-customer-friendly model. Alongside this, the cancellation of free checked bags, the introduction of baggage charges, and fees for extra legroom and late-night flights signal a broader shift away from its value-brand identity.

Unsurprisingly, the community of plus-size travelers has responded with alarm and dismay. The possibility of paying double fares without reimbursement deters loyalty—or even travel itself. This recalibration of policy raises serious questions about accessibility, equity, and brand drift within the budget airline sector.