Southwest Airlines is set to implement a significant policy change that could substantially increase costs for plus-size passengers. From 27 January, the carrier will require customers whose bodies extend beyond the width of a seat's armrest to purchase an additional seat at the time of booking.
What the new policy entails
The airline's current, more flexible approach allows larger passengers two options. They can either pay for an extra seat upfront with the possibility of a refund later, or they can request a complimentary extra seat upon arrival at the airport. The new rules, reported by Fox 2 Detroit, will remove this flexibility. Passengers will now need to buy the required extra seat in advance, with refunds only considered if the flight is not fully booked.
Southwest confirmed the shift, stating it is communicating with customers who have previously used the extra seat policy to advise them to purchase it at booking. The company emphasised that the armrest is considered the definitive boundary between seats. Crucially, the airline reserves sole discretion to determine when an additional seat is necessary for safety.
Potential impact on passenger experience
Travel experts have voiced concerns that the change will degrade the flying experience for all passengers. Jason Vaughn, a travel agent who runs the site Fat Tested Travel, told the Associated Press that the removal of a guaranteed refund is a key problem. He predicts that without this safety net, many larger passengers will opt to 'try their luck' with a single seat.
"I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody," Vaughn said. This scenario could result in discomfort not only for the passenger requiring more space but also for those seated next to them if space is encroached upon during the flight.
Part of a broader profit drive
This policy revision is not an isolated move. It forms part of a series of changes Southwest is introducing to boost its profitability. Notably, the new seating rule takes effect on the same day the airline finally abandons its famous open seating policy and begins assigning all seats.
This follows other recent measures, including the end of its free checked bag service in May and the introduction of charges for seats with more legroom. The airline has also announced plans to start offering red-eye flights. Southwest has been contacted by The Independent for comment on these cumulative changes.
