Southwest Tightens Refund Rules for Plus-Size Travelers — What Changes in 2026

Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will overhaul its long- standing “ passenger of Size ” seating policy, introducing stricter conditions for plus- size passengers  demanding  redundant room onboard. The update aligns with the airline’s shift to assigned seating and signals a major policy shift.

What’s Changing?

Advance Purchase needed Passengers who do not fit between armrests must proactively buy a redundant seat at the time of booking, or risk being denied boarding or rebooked. 

Refund Conditions Now Stricter Refunds for the alternate seat are only eligible if all of the following are true:

1. The flight departed with at least one open seat. 
2. Both seats were bought in the same class and fare ( e.g., Choice, Choice Preferred, or Basic). 
3. The refund request is made within 90 days of the trip.

How It Works at the Gate

Passengers arriving without a redundant seat may approach the gate agent, but:

1. They will be charged day- of- trip fare, potentially much higher, If they still need a redundant seat. 
2. They will be rebooked to an after flight, If no conterminous seats are available.

Why the Change?

Southwest asserts that the  streamlined policy is necessary to align with its  recently  enforced assigned seating system, ameliorate  functional  effectiveness, and  ensure predictable seat assignment planning. 

Industry Context

Southwest stood out among U.S. carriers by offering strong plus- size  lodgment 

1. Passengers could request redundant seats at the gate free of charge when space allowed. 
2. Refunds were fluently granted post-travel if seats were bought in advance. 

These inclusive practices distinguished Southwest from competitors like Delta and American,  whose have-based seating remains rigid in similar scenarios.

Passenger Backlash — A Beacon Dimmed?

Advocacy groups and loyal guests have condemned the changes 

” Southwest was the only  lamp of stopgap for  numerous fat people who  otherwise would n’t have been flying, ” said Tigress Osborn of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. 

Travel agent Kaycee Bivens, founder of Plus Size Passport, advised the new policy could add $300 –$400 in costs, potentially pricing more plus- size travelers out of air travel. 

What Travelers Must Know

1. Book early- Pre-purchase a redundant seat to avoid last-minute issues. 
2. Meet all refund criteria to qualify for payment post-flight.
3. Plan ahead Assigned seating means the comfort and security of redundant space depends entirely on  previous arrangements. 
4. Know your rights If gate staff refuse accommodation or force rebooking,  contend on the possibility of payment under the outlined conditions.

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