Southwest Airlines Requires Plus-Size Passengers to Book Extra Seats

Southwest Airlines is set to introduce a significant policy change affecting plus-size passengers, effective January 27, 2026. This new requirement will mandate that customers who qualify under the airline’s ‘Customer of Size’ policy proactively purchase an additional seat during booking. The move has ignited discussions among travellers regarding its implications for air travel accessibility.

Under the revised policy, plus-size passengers must ensure they buy the necessary number of seats to guarantee the availability of an adjacent seat. This change is part of a broader shift towards assigned seating, which Southwest Airlines will implement on the same date. According to the airline’s official website, the specific seat widths on its Boeing 737 aircraft range from 15.5 inches to 17.8 inches, with the armrest marking the boundary of each seat.

Jeff Jenkins, founder of the plus-size travel blog Chubby Diaries, expressed concern over the policy change, stating, “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 because of them not knowing if the flight is sold out or not. It’s just more anxiety to an already high anxiety experience.”

Southwest Airlines has articulated its intent to enhance operations and ensure a smooth transition to assigned seating. In a statement to FOX Business, the airline noted, “We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, employees and customers for assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking.”

Existing policies allowed plus-size passengers to book two seats for the price of one, a practice that has been well-received. Additionally, passengers who purchase an extra seat may qualify for a refund if certain conditions are met, including the availability of open seats on the flight and that both purchased seats are in the same fare class. Refund requests must be submitted within 90 days of the flight date.

The implementation of this new policy marks a substantial shift for Southwest Airlines, which has been recognized for its accommodating approach towards larger passengers. Advocates for plus-size travellers express apprehension that these changes may render air travel financially prohibitive for some individuals. Long-time customers also argue that the new requirements contradict Southwest’s longstanding reputation for customer service and inclusivity.

As the airline navigates this transition, the broader implications on customer loyalty and the overall flying experience remain to be seen. This policy change has prompted extensive conversations about inclusivity and the costs associated with air travel. Observers within both the airline industry and the travelling public will be closely monitoring the impact of this shift as it unfolds.