Southwest Airlines is introducing a controversial new policy that will affect travellers from January 27, 2026. From this date onwards, passengers who “cannot fit within the width of their seat’s armrests” will be required to purchase an additional ticket in advance. Currently, travellers onboard a Southwest Airlines flight can either pay for a second seat upfront, with a possible refund later, or request a free extra seat at the airport if one is available.
Under the new rules, refunds will still be possible, but only if the flight isn’t full and the request is made within 90 days of travel. Those who don’t buy an extra seat online before the flight will be asked to buy one at the airport, and if the flight is fully booked, they will be rebooked onto another flight where adjacent seats are available.
The airline stated that “customers who encroach upon the neighbouring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available.”
Southwest Airlines said that “the armrest is considered the definitive boundary between seats.”
The airline also said in a statement released earlier this year: “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.”
Alongside the new plus-size seating rule, the airline will begin assigned seating on all flights from January 27 as well, meaning you’ll have to pay extra to choose your seat or select seats with extra legroom.
Last year, the airline said it would also introduce red-eye routes. In May 2025, it ended its free checked bag policy.
Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737-700 aircraft feature seat widths ranging from 15.5 inches to 17 inches, with an average seat pitch of 31 inches.
On Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, seats range from 15.5 inches at their narrowest to 17.8 inches at their widest, with an average seat pitch of 32 inches.
Some travel experts have raised concerns about the updated policy. Jason Vaughn, founder of Fat Tested Travel, told the Associated Press that the change could make flying more uncomfortable not just for plus-size passengers, but for everyone on board.
With the new policy removing that guaranteed refund, he warned that many passengers might risk travelling with just a single seat. This could lead to discomfort not only for larger passengers but also for those seated next to them, Mr Vaughn added.
Southwest Airlines is a US airline that flies to about 100 destinations across the United States, as well as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
