Southwest Airlines Introduces New Conditions for Plus-Size Passenger Refunds, Mandating Extra Seat Purchase for Flights with Assigned Seating Starting January 27, 2026.

Southwest Airlines has introduced new rules for plus-size passengers, requiring them to purchase an extra seat prior to travel to ensure availability. Starting January 27, passengers will need to book the additional seat before boarding, with refunds available under certain circumstances. The airline says seat widths on Boeing 737 models range from 15.5 to 17.8 inches, with the armrest serving as the definitive seat boundary.

Southwest Airlines has introduced new rules for plus-size passengers, requiring them to purchase an extra seat prior to travel to ensure availability. Starting January 27, passengers will need to book the additional seat before boarding, with refunds available under certain circumstances. The airline says seat widths on Boeing 737 models range from 15.5 to 17.8 inches, with the armrest serving as the definitive seat boundary [1].

The new policy, which will take effect on January 27, 2026, replaces the airline's long-standing goodwill policy that allowed overweight passengers to receive a full refund for an extra seat. Under the new rules, passengers who cannot fit comfortably within one seat will be required to purchase an additional seat in advance. Refunds will be granted only if the flight departs with at least one open seat or with passengers traveling on space-available passes, both tickets are purchased in the same fare class, and the refund request is made within 90 days of travel [2].

Critics argue that the new policy adds complexity to the booking process and may deter plus-size passengers from flying Southwest. Advocates warn that the changes could make air travel prohibitively expensive for many. However, Southwest maintains that the policy update creates a clearer process for refunds and ensures that all passengers have access to safe and comfortable seating [3].

References:
[1] LoyaltyLobby, "Southwest Airlines Cracking Down on Plus-Size Passenger Seat Refund Policy," August 24, 2025. [https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/08/24/southwest-airlines-cracking-down-on-plus-size-passenger-seat-refund-policy/](https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/08/24/southwest-airlines-cracking-down-on-plus-size-passenger-seat-refund-policy/)
[2] Times Now News, "Southwest Airlines Announces Major Seat Policy Change for Plus-Size Flyers," August 24, 2025. [https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/southwest-airlines-announces-major-seat-policy-change-for-plus-size-flyers-article-152513176](https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/southwest-airlines-announces-major-seat-policy-change-for-plus-size-flyers-article-152513176)
[3] Newsweek, "Southwest Airlines Changing Rules for Plus-Size Passengers," August 24, 2025. [https://www.newsweek.com/southwest-airlines-changing-rules-plus-size-passengers-2118644](https://www.newsweek.com/southwest-airlines-changing-rules-plus-size-passengers-2118644)