Popular Airline's New Policy Will Affect Plus-Size Travelers

Southwest Airlines will soon begin a new policy that will charge plus-size passengers extra if they can't fit within the armrests of their seat, ABC News reports.

Passengers who can't fit within the armrests of their seat will have to pay for an extra one in advance as part of a new rule going into effect on January 27, 2026, the same day Southwest Airlines will begin assigning seats. Plus-size passengers can currently pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting their money back at a later date or request a free extra seat at the airport.

A refund will still be possible, but not guaranteed, under the policy change. Southwest Airlines released a statement on Monday (August 25) claiming it was still updating some of its policies ahead of the assigned seating change next year.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the statement reads.

Southwest Airlines has undergone several changes recently, which includes slashing its 'bags fly free' offering in May and the proposed change to its general admission seating, both of which differentiated from its competition. Southwest said it would still refund a second ticket under its new extra seating policy if there's at least one open seat prior to a flight departing and if both of the passenger's tickets were purchased in the same booking class, though the passenger would need to request a refund within 90 days of the flight.