Southwest Airlines' new policy will affect plus-size travelers. Here's how [View all]
Source: AP
By RIO YAMAT
Updated 7:01 PM CDT, August 25, 2025
Southwest Airlines will soon require travelers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance, part of a string of recent changes the carrier is making.
The new rule goes into effect Jan. 27, the same day Southwest starts assigning seats.
Currently, plus-size passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money back later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the carrier’s new policy, a refund is still possible but no longer guaranteed.
In a statement Monday, Southwest said it is updating some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/southwest-plus-size-seating-rule-change-addbdb8264ce4d4b6598772540c5719f
I'm a plus size traveler!
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