Summary
Southwest Airlines will change its policy for plus-size passengers starting January 27, 2026. Passengers needing extra seats will only get refunds for additional seats if certain conditions are met. The airline will also switch from open seating to assigned seating and has already started charging for checked baggage.
Key Facts
- Southwest Airlines will require plus-size passengers to buy extra seats if they cannot fit in one seat.
- Refunds for extra seats will be available only if the flight is not full, both seats are the same fare, and a refund is requested within 90 days.
- This change will start on January 27, 2026.
- Southwest will also begin assigned seating on the same date.
- The airline ended its "Bags Fly Free" policy and now charges baggage fees.
- Other airlines like American, United, Spirit, and Frontier already have similar seating policies.
- The new policy could impact Southwest's reputation with plus-size travelers.
