By Jordan Parker, The Dallas Morning News
Southwest Airlines is changing its longstanding policy for plus-sized passengers beginning next year.
Starting Jan. 27, 2026, the same day Southwest will begin offering assigned seating on flights, customers who “encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)” should purchase the number of seats they need prior to traveling if they want to secure the seat next to them, the airline said on its website.
However, the airline, which is headquartered at Dallas Love Field, may not offer those customers a refund, as it has done in the past. Southwest said that in order for plus-sized customers to receive a refund, three conditions must be met: the flight must depart with at least one open seat or with passengers flying with space available passes, both seats should be purchased in the same fare class and the refund request must be made within 90 days of the travel date.
Previously, passengers who needed it could book an extra seat on a Southwest flight and receive a refund after they traveled or could arrive at the airport, request an extra seat the gate and if there was space, be offered one with no extra cost. Southwest also will no longer offer preboarding to plus-size passengers, instead requiring them to board in their assigned group.
It is the latest sweeping change that has eliminated multiple popular longstanding policies as the carrier looks to generate revenue. Other changes include charging for checked baggage, introducing new fare types and offering assigned seating and premium seating, similar to other major carriers.
When the new policy takes effect, Southwest passengers who show up at the airport and need an extra seat will be required to purchase one at the rate for that day. If one isn’t available, they will be rebooked on another flight.
Plus-sized passengers who purchase fares that do not allow them to select assigned seating should contact Southwest “as soon as possible” after booking so the airline can assist them. Southwest said it will not assign seats to other members of a passenger’s party if the fare does not include that.
In a statement regarding the change, Chris Perry, a spokesperson for Southwest, said “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.”
©2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
