Southwest’s New Policy for Plus-Size Travelers:

What You Need to Know ✈️

Southwest Airlines is making a big change — and it’s one you’ll want to know about if you fly with them often. Starting January 27, 2026, the airline will introduce assigned seating (farewell, open boarding!) and simultaneously update its long-standing “Customer of Size” policy.

So, what’s changing?

Until now, plus-size travelers who didn’t fit comfortably within one seat could request an extra seat at the gate and often got it for free (or refunded later).

From 2026 on, things get stricter:

• You’ll need to buy a second seat at the time of booking if you need the extra space.

• Refunds are possible, but only if the flight wasn’t full and you request it within 90 days.

• If you don’t pre-book and the flight is sold out, you might be rebooked on a later flight.

Why the change?

Southwest says this update aligns with their move to assigned seating, which starts on the same date. It’s also part of streamlining how they handle refunds and boarding.

What travelers are saying

Some view the change as less flexible and more costly, while others think it offers better clarity about what to expect. Either way, it’s a move away from the airline’s well-known “friendly” approach.

✈️ Bottom line: If you’re planning to fly Southwest after January 2026 and know you’ll need extra space, book both seats in advance — and don’t forget to check the refund rules in case your flight isn’t full.