"Pay More If You're Plus-Size: US Airline Mandates Advance Purchase of Extra Seats, Ends Free Requests"

Mandatory Advance Purchase of Extra Seats for Plus-Size Passengers
Refund Policy Becomes Stricter

Southwest Airlines, the leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in the United States, has mandated that plus-size passengers must purchase additional seats in advance starting next year. Plus-size passengers will no longer be able to request extra seats for free at the airport.

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According to the Associated Press on August 25 (local time), Southwest Airlines will require passengers who do not fit within the seat armrests to purchase additional seats in advance, effective from January 27 next year. This policy change coincides with the introduction of assigned seating, which will also take effect on the same day.

Previously, plus-size passengers could either purchase an extra seat in advance and receive a refund, or request an additional seat for free at the airport. However, going forward, refunds will no longer be guaranteed. In a statement, Southwest Airlines said, "We have updated some policies in anticipation of introducing assigned seating," and added, "We are informing customers who have previously used the extra seat policy to purchase additional seats at the time of booking."

Under the new regulations, refunds for additional seats will only be available if the flight is not fully booked at departure, both tickets are purchased under the same fare class, and a refund request is made within 90 days after the flight, among other conditions. If an extra seat is not purchased in advance, passengers must buy one at the airport, and if the flight is fully booked, they will be rebooked on another flight.

Jason Vaughn, a travel agent based in Orlando, criticized the change, stating, "The current policy allowed not only plus-size passengers but all passengers to fly more comfortably. This policy change will worsen the experience for everyone." Referring to the recent controversy over the logo change by the restaurant chain Cracker Barrel, he added, "Southwest no longer knows who its customers are or what its identity is."

Southwest Airlines has decided to require plus-size customers to purchase additional seats. Photo by Oh Seongsu

Southwest Airlines has recently come under pressure from activist investors due to poor financial performance. In response, since last year, the airline has implemented various revenue-boosting measures, such as charging for seats with extra legroom and introducing late-night flights.