Southwest Airlines’ new seating policy raises concerns for plus-size travelers

Things are apparently about to change when you fly with Southwest Airlines. The airline has long been known for its customer-friendly features, such as allowing customers to select their own seats upon boarding and providing free baggage service. However, both of which were discontinued in May.

Now, they are putting in place stricter rules for plus-size passengers. Starting January 27, travelers who can't fit in a standard seat will have to pay extra for an extra seat when they book their flight.

Why is Southwest Airlines changing the way it does things?

As it gets ready for assigned seating next year, Southwest said in a statement on Monday that it is revising some of its policies.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the statement said.

Southwest confirmed the change as part of its larger plan to give each passenger a seat number. Refunds are still possible, but not as easy to get as before, which worries loyal Southwest customers.

People who needed extra space could either pay ahead of time for a second seat and get their money back later, or they could ask for one for free at the airport. Customers are now told to buy the extra seat when they make their reservation to guarantee a spot, as quoted in a report by The AP.


ALSO READ: Apple’s iPhone 17 & 17 Pro release date schedule heat up — here’s the latest scoopAccording to Southwest, if the flight isn't completely booked when it departs and both of the passenger's tickets were bought in the same booking class, the airline will still reimburse a second ticket under its new policy for additional seating. Additionally, the refund must be requested by the traveler within ninety days of the flight, according to The AP.

What happens if traveler don't buy ahead of time?

People who need an extra seat but didn't buy one before they get to the airport will now have to buy it when they get there. They could be put on another flight if the first one is already full.

People who travel and support travel have become worried about this change. Jason Vaughn, a travel agent in Orlando who runs the website "Fat Travel Tested," said that the rule used to help make sure that everyone on board was comfortable. Because of this, he thinks it will make flying worse for everyone.

What do customers think about the new policy?

People who frequently fly via Southwest think this move takes the company even further away from what made it special in the past. Vaughn said the change was like recent brand scandals, like Cracker Barrel's logo change, which made it sound like the airline is losing touch with its customers.

Investors apparently want Southwest to increase their revenue, so they recently started charging extra for extra legroom and flights that stay overnight. Many people are upset about this new seating rule because it is another change that they don't like about the airline.

Vaughn compared the change to Cracker Barrel's recent logo change, which has enraged some of the restaurant's fans, and called it yet another disappointment for Southwest acolytes like himself.

“They have no idea anymore who their customer is,” he said of the airline. “They have no identity left.”

According to him, Southwest's current policy ensures that all passengers have enough room in their seats and makes flying more comfortable for plus-size passengers.

FAQs

When does Southwest's new rule about where to sit start to apply?
The new rule goes into effect on January 27, the same day that the airline's new assigned seating system does.

Can people who are plus-size still get their money back for an extra seat?
Under the new rules, refunds are possible but not guaranteed.