🚨 “Plus Size Activists” Are FURIOUS Over New Southwest Airline Rule That Now Charges For An Extra Seat, “I can’t believe we’re now being charged extra for a medical issue we can’t control.”
Previous policy: “Customers of Size” could purchase an extra seat, or sometimes receive one for free at the airport if space allowed, and later get a full refund for the cost.
New policy (effective Jan. 27, 2026):
Proactive purchase required: Customers who cannot be seated comfortably with both armrests lowered must purchase an additional adjacent seat at the time of booking.
Conditional refund: A refund for the second seat is no longer guaranteed and is subject to three conditions:
– The flight must depart with at least one empty seat.
– Both seats must be purchased in the same fare class (Basic, Choice, etc.).
– The refund request must be made within 90 days of travel.
– Airport bookings: If a passenger arrives at the airport needing a second seat without having booked one, they will be charged the higher day-of-travel fare. If adjacent seats are not available, the customer will be rebooked on the next available flight with two adjacent seats.