September 1, 2025, 3:08 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Until now, overweight passengers could claim a second seat for free when flying with the U.S. airline Southwest Airlines. That is set to change soon. TRAVELBOOK has the details.
Those who don’t fit between two armrests on the budget airline Southwest Airlines will soon have to pay extra. At least, maybe. The U.S. airline recently adjusted its policies, which are set to take effect on January 27, 2026. Here’s what’s included.
Overweight Passengers Should Book Second Seat in Advance
Until now, overweight passengers on Southwest Airlines had two options: They could either pay for an additional seat when booking their flight and later get a refund for the cost, or they could request a second seat for free directly at the airport. The latter is no longer possible, and the former is now limited.
In the guidelines for customers of size from Southwest Airlines, it states for all flights from January 27, 2026: “Customers who exceed the boundaries of the adjacent seat(s) should book the required number of seats before travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available.” The armrest is considered “the definitive boundary between seats.”
If an extra seat hasn’t been booked in advance, it can be done at the airport, but at the rates applicable on that day. If there are no free seats left or no two seats next to each other, the passenger will be rebooked on another flight.
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Refund Still Possible, but Not Guaranteed
Regarding the refund for the second seat, the airline at least partially maintains its previously applicable conditions. They will continue to refund as long as the flight is not fully booked. Additionally, both seats must be purchased in the same fare class, and the refund request must be submitted within 90 days.
Also interesting: Do Severely Overweight Passengers Have to Book Two Seats?
The tightening of the extra seat policy follows a series of changes at Southwest Airlines. Until May, passengers could check their luggage for free. Also, starting January 27, seat allocation will change. Until now, passengers could choose their seats directly on Southwest Airlines planes. By the end of January, this freedom will be replaced by prior seat assignment. Depending on the fare, seats can now be selected at booking.
Criticism of the Changes
The new rules at Southwest Airlines are not well received everywhere. Travel organizer Jason Vaughn from Orlando is quoted by numerous media outlets on this failed inclusion topic. Vaughn tests theme parks, cruise ships, and other travel experiences for his brand “Fat Travel Tested” and provides tips for overweight travelers. “Euronews” and “AP News” quote the American saying, “I believe the flight experience will be worse for everyone because of this.” In his view, this new change at Southwest Airlines is “another disappointment for loyal followers” like himself.