Fan-favorite Southwest Airlines is tightening its refund policy for plus-size passengers looking for extra space and issuing a new policy requiring they purchase two seats starting January 27, 2026 — the same day the airline switches to assigned seating on all of its flights.
Currently, the airline has long held a policy encouraging “customers of size” to purchase two seats when they book a ticket, and then apply for a refund for the second fare after they travel. The airline has long recommended the purchase of a second seat. While they haven’t required it on Southwest-operated flights before, now it is all changing.
In a new statement, the airline said that it will still allow customers to apply for the refund, but it will be restricting the conditions under which it will actually provide the reimbursements.
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Southwest Airlines Tightens Refund Rules For Plus-Size Passengers, New Policy Requires They Purchase Two Seats Starting 2026
Southwest Airlines says plus-size passengers must meet three conditions to be eligible for a refund upon purchasing two seats before travel:
- The flight(s) must depart with at least one open seat (or with Passengers traveling on space available passes)
- Both seats should be purchased in the same fare class (i.e., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic)
- The refund request must be made within 90 days of your date of travel
Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines says it will require any customer who cannot be safely accommodated in a single seat to purchase an additional ticket.
Per the airline, safely accommodated means the passenger must be able to fit between two lowered armrests. Furthermore, the airline recommends that passengers purchase a second seat in advance. This is to avoid having to pay a higher fare at the airport.
The airlines’ support page reads:
“Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats; you may review information about the width of Passenger seats.
In addition, Southwest® may determine, in its sole discretion, that an additional seat is necessary for safety purposes. Southwest will refund the extra seat purchased upon request once travel is complete. After travel is complete, please request your refund. An additional seat purchased by a Customer traveling on an itinerary that includes a partner carrier is non-refundable.”
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