Summary:
Southwest Airlines revised its plus-size passenger policy, tightening refund eligibility for customers requiring extra seating. The new rules mandate that flights must have at least one open seat, both seats must be purchased in the same fare class, and refund requests must be submitted within 90 days. Critics argue the changes disproportionately impact plus-size travelers and could deter them from flying Southwest. The policy shift coincides with the airline’s broader transition to assigned seating, raising concerns about accessibility and customer satisfaction.
What This Means for You:
- Budget Impact: Plus-size travelers may need to allocate an additional $300–$400 per trip for a second seat, with refunds no longer guaranteed.
- Planning Ahead: Book early and monitor seat availability, as refunds now depend on unsold seats at departure.
- Advocacy Options: Contact Southwest customer service or support organizations like Chubby Diaries to voice concerns about accessibility.
- Future Uncertainty: Similar policies could spread across the airline industry if Southwest’s changes prove financially beneficial.
Original Post:
Southwest Airlines changed their plus-size passenger policies, limiting the situations in which larger customers can receive refunds.
The company has long offered refunds for “customers of size,” requiring that they buy two seats and seek a refund for the second fare at the end of their trip, according to a Monday report from USA Today.
But there are new rules for the more rotund flyers who want the refund, according to the Southwest website.
The flight must leave with at least one open seat, both seats must be purchased in the same fare class, and the refund must be submitted within 90 days of the travel date.
“Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available,” the website said.
“The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats; you may review information about the width of Passenger seats.”
Southwest will officially implement the policy on Jan. 27, 2026, the same day on which they plan to pivot toward assigned seating.
Jeff Jenkins, who launched an online community called Chubby Diaries, was not a fan of the change.
“It seems like a sneaky add on from a policy that had been around for 20+ years without much hitting the bottom line,” he told USA Today.
“I just hope that consumers are aware of this change, and I wonder if plus size people will skip out on flying with them at all because of them not knowing if the flight is sold out or not,” he added.
Chubby Diaries is meant to inspire “plus size travelers who are passionate” about travel, according to its Facebook page.
Jason Vaughn, a travel agent who shares theme park reviews for plus-size individuals, meanwhile, told the Associated Press that the change will probably alter the experience for all Southwest customers, and not just their “customers of size.”
“I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” he asserted.
“They have no idea anymore who their customer is,” Vaughn continued. “They have no identity left.”
Kaycee Bivens, yet another travel enthusiast who works with plus-size customers, told The New York Times that she was likewise disappointed.
“I have been exclusively flying Southwest because of their customer size policy,” she said.
“If you’re already budgeting and now you’ve got to add $300 to $400 to your budget, that may mean less travelers,” she added.
Extra Information:
U.S. DOT Airline Passenger Rights: Details federal regulations on airline accommodations for passengers with disabilities or size-related needs.
National Consumers League: Advocates for fair airline policies, including seating accommodations for plus-size travelers.
People Also Ask About:
- Can airlines charge for extra seats? Yes, but policies vary; Southwest previously refunded second seat purchases under specific conditions.
- What is Southwest’s seat width? Typically 17–17.8 inches, with armrests defining personal space boundaries.
- How do I request a refund under the new policy? Submit a request within 90 days post-travel, provided the flight had unsold seats.
- Are there airlines with better plus-size policies? JetBlue and Delta offer more flexible seating options, though rarely with refund guarantees.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Linda Blake, an aviation policy analyst, notes that Southwest’s shift reflects broader industry cost-cutting trends: “Airlines are prioritizing revenue over inclusivity, risking alienation of loyal customer segments. This policy may face legal challenges under disability discrimination frameworks if it disproportionately affects passengers with obesity-related health conditions.”
Key Terms:
- Southwest Airlines plus-size passenger policy
- Airline refunds for extra seats
- Accessible air travel for larger passengers
- 2026 Southwest assigned seating changes
- Budgeting for plus-size air travel
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