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Southwest Airlines will no longer have a free charge policy for plus-size passengers, which will apply on January 27/2026. Flyers who require more than one seat to sit comfortably should purchase an additional seat while booking their flight tickets. Refunds are not guaranteed if the flight has an available open seat upon departure.
Are you a flyer who requires extra space on a plane while travelling? Southwest Airlines has changed its rules towards seats for passengers like you. It is removing its Customer of Size policy that enables plus-size flyers to secure additional seating without up-front costs. Starting January 27, 2026, passengers who cannot fit comfortably within one seat will have to buy an additional seat, and refunds will be granted under strict conditions.
Southwest is changing its policy for plus-size passengers and requires them to buy a second seat upfront if they cannot fit in a single seat. The airlines will no longer provide a refund for the extra seat from 2026 unless the flight departs with an open seat and the flights were purchased in the same cabin. It marks a significant shift from the current policy which allows for a later refund.
Southwest’s New Policy Means For Plus-Size Flyers
- If you need more space while flying, you will need to purchase an extra seat when you book your ticket.
- Please note that this extra seat cannot be refunded unless there is one open seat available when the flight takes off.
- Both flight tickets must be booked in the same fare class which must be eligible for a refund.
- Passengers have 90 days after their flight to request a refund.
- These changes align with the upcoming move of Southwest Airlines to an assigned seating model which will start January 27/2026.
- The airlines outlined these conditions to ensure that all customers have access to comfortable and safe seating.
- Changing name on Southwest ticket is not allowed when you have checked in for your flight.
- The policy changes are seen as part of broader efforts to increase revenue and profit.
- The given conditions must be met to be eligible for a refund on the additional seat after January 2026:
- The flight must depart with at least one open seat.
- Both seats must be in the same cabin class.
- The refund request should be raised within 90 days of departure.
Flyers should be able to choose two adjacent seats with seat selection becoming available at the time of reservation. If it is not possible at the time of reservation, the airlines advise contacting customer care quickly.
Why the New Policy By Southwest Matters For Travellers?
- This is a significant change to a popular policy that permits plus-size flyers to reserve two seats for a single seat cost.
- Southwest Airlines is making some big changes that have left many flyers surprised.
- The airline was once known for being friendly and inclusive to help plus-size passengers.
- Later updates to their policies might make travel with them more expensive for some travelers. Longtime fans of Southwest are worried that these changes could take away what made the airline special.
- Starting on January 27, 2026, the airline will introduce assigned seats.
- This means that passengers will have specific seats assigned to them, rather than being able to choose where to sit.
- To prepare for this switch, Southwest Airlines suggest the flyers to buy that extra space when they book their flights who have used the extra-seat policy in the past.
- Keep in mind that the name must be the same if you book two seats for your journey under the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy.
- Under the new seat policy, Southwest Airlines will issue a refund for a second ticket for additional seating when the flight is not fully booked at the time it is planned to take off and if both passengers’ tickets were purchased for the same booking class.
5 Helpful Tips for Flying When You’re a Plus-Size Traveller
Flying can be a stressful experience particularly for larger passengers as it presents various unexpected challenges. Here, we will go through a few tips for plus-size flyers that help them make their journey comfortable and stress-free.
- Do Your Research
A flyer with plus-size must have complete knowledge of the Southwest Airlines policies for seating. Use the seat map which is available for over 800 aircraft models which allow you to compare the seat options and legroom.
- Arrive Early & Request Assistance
You must arrive at the gate early to request assistance from the staff which allows you to pre-board your flight to get settled without stress. Inquire with the gate agent about the seats with additional space like a seat next to free space or an exit row seat when you did not book another seat.
- Select Your Seat Wisely
Plus-size flyers must choose an aisle seat as it comes with additional space which allows you to adjust the armrest for more comfort. Consider a second seat for more room if your budget allows as this can also guarantee pre-boarding privileges.
- Carry a Seatbelt Extender
Do not hesitate to ask a flight staff for a seatbelt extender or consider buying your own consistent comfort. Southwest Airlines has restrictions on where flyers with an extender can sit such as in Exit Rows.
In Conclusion!
This is how Southwest Airlines has made a new policy for the plus-size flyers who need extra space throughout the journey to sit comfortably. If a passenger needs more space and has not bought an extra seat before their flight, they will have to buy one at the airport instead. The passenger will be moved to a different flight when the flight is full. If someone cancel their reservation and eligible for a refund, they will only get a refund for the second seat when both of the passenger’s tickets were purchased in the same booking class under the new rule for Southwest Airlines cancellation policy. This is the new change from Southwest after they announced in July that flyers traveling will travel in the assigned seats from January 27, 2026 which will conclude the open seating policy of Southwest Airlines.
If you are one of the plus-size flyers and wish to book a flight ticket with Southwest Airlines under its new seat policy, you can call Myflightpolicy at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 round the clock. Our experts will also resolve your query about the new seat refund policy if you have any.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest give free seats to fat people?
No! Southwest Airlines will not give free seats to plus-size passengers from January 27/2026. The airline is planning to remove its Customer of Size policy which previously allowed passengers who could not fit in a single seat to buy an extra seat and get a refund after the flight. Flyers will be required to buy any additional seats in advance at the time of reservation under the new policy.
What is the weight limit for passengers on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest has a weight limitation of 50 pounds for its free checked baggage along with an additional fee for baggage that is overweight. There is no specific weight limit for passengers themselves but it will be required to buy an additional seat for those who are not comfortable sitting with a single seat’s armrests. There is no certain weight limit but a passenger must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin space themselves for carry-on baggage.
Can a plus-size person fit in an airplane seat?
An additional seat is required to book with Southwest Airlines whether a plus-size person can fit in a standard seat based on their body proportion but if the armrests cannot be completely lowered. The airline has a Customer of Size policy but it requires them to buy a second seat for their comfort and safety. However, the airline may offer a refund if the seats are available at flight completion. Flyers can book an aisle seat for additional space to enhance comfort throughout the journey.
Does Southwest have big seats?
No! Southwest Airlines does not have larger or wider seats than other airlines for all travellers. Standard economy seats are available on Southwest Boeing 737s which are wide but the airline is now rolling out additional legroom seats on its Boeing 737-800 and max eight planes which offer a spacious travel experience. You can secure these seats by booking new Extra Legroom options at the time of reservation.
Does Southwest Airlines seat families together?
No! Southwest Airlines does not have Big Seats, but it offers additional legroom seats with more legroom and is competitive with other airlines for standard economy seats in terms of the width of seats. The airline is now rolling out the additional legroom seats on its Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft which can provide a smooth and comfortable travel experience for some flyers.
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