Southwest Airlines has a new policy for customers who need multiple seats
Editor’s note: The above video is from 2022.
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced last week it is changing its refund policy for “customers of size” who require more than one seat.
Previously, Southwest’s policy for its “customers of size” required them to purchase two seats when booking a flight, and then apply for a refund after they travel. This new policy, effective Jan. 27, 2026, has stricter requirements.
According to Southwest Airlines, there will be three requirements plus-sized passengers must meet in order to qualify for a refund for a seat on a flight:
- The refund request must be made within 90 days of the customer’s last travel day
- The flight must depart with at least one open seat or with other travelers who have space-available tickets. In other words, it cannot be a full flight.
- Both seats must be purchased in the same class.
Other changes coming to Southwest
This new policy is just the latest in a series of changes for Southwest.
In addition to its new “customers of size” policy, the airline is also implementing assigned seating starting Jan. 27 — a change from its long-standing open seating model. Customers can already buy tickets with assigned seating online.
Earlier this year, Southwest also took away its free checked bag amenity.