From USA Today: Plus-size passengers on Southwest Airlines may soon find it harder to get reimbursed for their extra space.
The airline long had a policy encouraging “customers of size” to purchase two seats when they book a ticket, and then apply for a refund for the second fare after they travel.
Southwest will still allow customers to apply for the refund, but is restricting the conditions under which it will actually provide the reimbursements.
In a statement, the airline said the following three conditions must be met for plus-size passengers to be eligible for a refund:
- The flight(s) must depart with at least one open seat (or with Passengers traveling on space available passes).
- Both seats should be purchased in the same fare class (i.e., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).
- The refund request must be made within 90 days of your date of travel.
In their press release, Southwest said the new rules will take effect on January 27, 2026.
“Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats; you may review information about the width of Passenger seats,” the airline wrote.
“Customers may not purchase more than one seat for the sole purpose of keeping the seat next to the Customer empty,” the announcement also states.
READ MORE from USA Today.
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