Southwest Airlines is changing its policy for those who may need an extra seat
Southwest Airlines’ new assigned seating policy goes into effect on January 27, 2026 and on that date, the carrier will also be changing its policy for travelers who don’t fit within the armrest of their seat.
Right now, plus-size passengers have the option to pay for an extra seat in advance of their flight, with the option of getting that money back later if the flight isn’t full. They can also request an extra seat at the airport.
Under the carrier’s new policy, passengers may still get a refund, but there is no longer a guarantee that they will.
Currently, Southwest Airlines considers the boundary between seats to be the armrest and encourages passengers who know they’ll need extra space to purchase an extra seat before they travel.
The carrier now refunds the cost of the extra seat after the flight, on request.
Passengers of size who don’t purchase that extra seat beforehand may also discuss their seating needs with a gate agent (or be advised of it…) and be given the extra seat on a complimentary basis if space is available on the flight.
If the flight is full, however, the airline will offer to rebook you on another flight.
Southwest’s ‘passenger of size’ policy on or after January 27, 2026
After January 26, 2026, passengers of size’ are required to purchase an additional seat before the flight.
If you don’t pre-purchase that extra seat and it’s determined at the gate that the extra room is needed, you’ll be charged for it – at the applicable fare on the day of travel – before boarding.
Complimentary extra seats will no longer be made available. And now a refund for the extra seat will only be offered if the flight departs with at least one open space, if both seats were purchased in the same fare class, and if you file that request within 90 days of travel.