Southwest Airlines announced a significant policy change that will require plus-sized passengers to purchase an additional seat in advance.
Currently, Southwest allows passengers who overflow into a second seat to either purchase an extra seat and later request a refund, or to request a free additional seat at the airport if the flight is not packed. Under the new rule, travelers who do not fit within the armrests of a standard seat — described in Southwest’s “Customer of Size” policy — must buy a second seat ahead of time, according to CBS News.
If they don’t buy an extra ticket in advance, and the flight is full, then they’ll be kicked off the plane and rebooked.
The second seat will not be refundable unless the flight departs with unsold seats and both tickets were purchased in the same fare class. Customers will also need to submit a refund request within 90 days of travel.
Southwest stated the change is designed to provide more predictability for both passengers and flight crews. However, critics say the move will increase the financial burden on overweight and plus-size travelers, who may already face challenges when flying.
Industry analysts note that airlines have faced rising operational costs, and seating policies have increasingly come under scrutiny.
