Major airline changing its policy offering plus-size passengers free seats

Southwest Airlines is kicking off early 2026 with changes to a policy that could impact plus-size passengers and their wallets.

According to the carrier’s site, a “customer of size” is anyone “unable to lower both armrests and/or encroach upon any portion of a seat” next to them.

The current policy allows larger passengers to either pay for an extra seat up front with the option of receiving a possible refund on the ticket later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. 

The U.S. low-cost airline says a new policy will require flyers who cannot fit within their seats’ armrests to buy an extra seat ticket in advance.

The airline says that if you arrive at the airport and haven’t reserved the space needed, customers will be required to purchase an additional seat and pay any applicable seat fee at the airport (at the applicable fare available on the day of travel).

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If the flight is sold out or adjacent seats are not available on a flight, the airline will rebook customers on an alternate flight to their destination on which adjacent seats are available.

“To avoid the need for purchasing a seat at the last minute or rebooking, we encourage you to purchase your second seat when you make your initial reservation,” the airline added.

Extra seat refunds for those who need them will also be tweaked, with the airline offering money back provided the following conditions apply:

• The flight(s) must depart with at least one open seat (or with passengers travelling on space available passes).
• Both seats should be purchased in the same fare class (i.e., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).
• The refund request must be made within 90 days of your date of travel.

The new rule will go into effect on Jan. 27, 2026, along with a change from open seating to reserved seating.

The airline stated that, depending on the fare you purchase, you may be able to select your seats at the time of booking. If you are unable to select your seats at the time of booking, please contact them as soon as possible after booking so that they can assist you.

“We will not assign a seat for any other members of your party if the fare you purchased does not include seat assignments. If adjacent seats are not available on your flight or in the fare class purchased at the time you contact us, we will attempt to rebook you on an alternate flight to your destination on which adjacent seats are available,” Southwest’s website outlined.

Southwest Airlines isn’t the only American carrier that has a policy for plus-size passengers.

Alaska Airlines has a similar policy, allowing “customers of size” to purchase an extra seat and get a refund after their trip.

With files from Isabelle Docto