Introduction
At a Glance
- Southwest Airlines now requires extra seat purchases in advance for “customers of size.”
- Passengers who arrive without a reserved seat must buy one on the day or be rebooked.
- Refunds are limited to trips that meet strict conditions, including a 90-day window.
Why it matters: The policy changes how plus-size travelers plan flights and may increase costs for many passengers.
New Policy Details
The airline’s policy targets passengers who “encroach upon neighboring seats.” It replaces the former option of paying for an extra seat and later receiving a refund or requesting one free at the airport. The new rule restricts refunds for many of these travelers.
How It Works
Passengers are urged to buy the required number of seats before travel. The airline’s website advises that securing extra space early guarantees availability. This approach aligns with the company’s new assigned-seating system, which began on January 27.
Arrival Without Reservation
Arriving without an extra seat reservation forces passengers to purchase one at the gate and pay applicable fees. If no adjacent seats are free or the flight is full, the airline will rebook the traveler on a later flight with available seating.
Refund Eligibility
Refunds are still offered to plus-size customers who meet specific criteria. The traveler must file the request within a 90-day period, and both seats must be in the same fare class. Additionally, the flight must have departed with at least one open seat.
If Flight Fully Booked
If the flight is fully booked, the airline will rebook the passenger on a subsequent trip. No refund will be issued in that scenario, and the traveler must accept the new itinerary or pay for the additional seat on the next flight.
Assigned Seating Protocol
The airline’s new assigned-seating protocol, which replaced the long-standing open-seating policy, also launched on January 27. The change eliminates the freedom to choose any seat and introduces a fixed seat assignment for each passenger. This shift aims to streamline boarding and improve space utilization.
Airline Spokesperson Quote
A spokesperson for the airline said, “We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, employees, and customers for assigned seating which launched today. To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking.”
Tigress Osborn Quote
Tigress Osborn, executive director for the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, told the New York Times that the new policy is “devastating.” She added, “Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying, and now that beacon has gone out.”
Osborn’s View on Industry
Osborn noted that Southwest’s policy still ranks above other major airlines like Delta, United, and American, which do not offer refund options for booking an extra seat. She emphasized that accommodating body size is an important business practice that other airlines should emulate.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers who previously relied on the free extra seat option may now face higher costs. The new policy requires them to pay for an additional seat in advance or at the gate, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to a trip. The change has sparked debate over fairness.
Comparison with Other Airlines
Other carriers such as Delta, United, and American have long maintained strict seat-allocation policies without refund options. Southwest’s previous policy was unique in offering refunds for extra seats, which many travelers praised. The new rule brings Southwest closer to industry norms.
Summary of Changes
In summary, the airline’s new policy tightens rules for extra seat purchases, limits refunds, and aligns with the assigned-seating rollout. Passengers must plan ahead, and those who do not comply may be rebooked or face higher fees. The policy reflects a shift toward standardization.
Key Takeaways
- Passengers must purchase extra seats in advance to avoid fees.
- Refunds are limited to trips filed within 90-days and meet fare-class conditions.
- The new rule aligns Southwest with other airlines’ seat-allocation practices.
- The policy may increase costs for plus-size travelers.
- Passengers should review their itinerary before booking.
Final Thoughts
The airline’s policy change underscores the industry’s shift toward standardized seating and higher accountability for passengers.
Additional Context
The airline’s new policy aligns with its goal of improving cabin space utilization. By requiring seat purchases in advance, Southwest can better allocate seats and reduce last-minute adjustments. The move is part of the company’s broader operational overhaul.
Customers who previously enjoyed the flexibility of requesting an extra seat at the airport now face stricter rules. The change reflects a shift toward standardization across the industry, which has long operated on fixed seat assignments. It also reduces the airline’s administrative burden.
The policy’s implementation coincides with the launch of assigned seating, a first for Southwest. The airline has historically allowed passengers to choose any seat, a practice that distinguished it from competitors. The new system is intended to streamline boarding and enhance safety.
