What New Conditions are Southwest Airlines Introducing for Passengers, You Need To Know

Southwest Airlines has introduced new conditions for plus-size passengers under its assigned seating policy, effective January 2026. The airline’s policy requires passengers of size to proactively purchase an additional seat to ensure that both seats are available during travel. This marks a significant change in the airline’s approach to accommodating plus-size passengers, especially in the wake of its new seating system.

Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will implement assigned seating on its flights, requiring plus-size passengers to purchase the necessary number of seats prior to travel to guarantee additional, adjacent seating. Southwest has emphasized the importance of proactive seat selection at booking for those who require extra space, with refund eligibility for passengers who meet specific criteria.

If a plus-size passenger buys an extra seat and finds that one or more seats on the flight remain empty, they may qualify for a refund. To receive the refund, the conditions state that both seats purchased must be in the same fare class, and the request must be made within 90 days of the flight. Additionally, refunds will only be approved if the flight departs with at least one seat unoccupied or with space-available passengers.

The decision to implement these new rules stems from Southwest Airlines’ introduction of assigned seating, which will take effect on January 27, 2026. As part of the transition to assigned seating, the airline is updating many policies to ensure a smoother experience for both employees and customers. For passengers requiring more space, Southwest Airlines has outlined its expectations that they purchase an extra seat when booking, which reflects the airline’s effort to maintain fairness and accommodate all passengers effectively.

In previous years, Southwest Airlines encouraged plus-size passengers to purchase a second seat, but with fewer restrictions on refunds. The airline now aims to standardize the process and provide clearer guidance for customers of size who need extra seating.

The primary change affecting plus-size passengers is the proactive purchase of additional seats before traveling. To help passengers assess whether they need extra space, Southwest Airlines provides details on the seat dimensions for its Boeing 737 aircraft, listing the seat widths from 15.5 inches at the narrowest to 17.8 inches at the widest. The airline has clarified that the definitive seat boundary is the armrest, which will serve as the standard measurement for determining whether an additional seat is needed.

This policy change could cause some concern among passengers, particularly when it comes to managing the uncertainty of whether flights will be sold out or whether additional seats will be available. The refund policy is designed to offer reassurance, but the need to actively monitor seat availability may still create stress for some customers.

Southwest Airlines’ new seating policy, which includes the plus-size passenger conditions, will take effect starting January 27, 2026. This marks the beginning of assigned seating across the airline’s fleet, which will impact all passengers, including those needing extra space. Passengers will be required to book additional seats in advance and follow the newly defined refund conditions should they not require the extra seat during their flight.

These new rules will apply across Southwest Airlines’ network, which operates primarily within the United States and to several international destinations. All flights that use assigned seating, beginning in January 2026, will require the proactive purchase of an extra seat for passengers who need more space. The airline operates Boeing 737 aircraft on many of its routes, and the seat dimensions for these planes have been made publicly available on the airline’s website to assist customers in deciding if they need an additional seat.

For passengers flying on Southwest’s partner carriers, the policy will differ. Plus-size customers will be required to purchase an additional seat directly through the partner carrier. These seats will be non-refundable, as stated in Southwest Airlines’ terms.

To ensure they meet the new requirements, passengers will need to familiarize themselves with Southwest’s assigned seating system and extra seat refund policy. Passengers who require additional space should proactively purchase the necessary number of seats when booking their flight. By doing so, they can secure the additional space they need and also be eligible for refunds, provided they meet all of the conditions outlined by the airline.

In the case of cancellations or seat availability changes, Southwest Airlines has urged travelers to check with the airline’s customer service or their booking portal to process refund requests within 90 days from the date of the flight. This period ensures that travelers are aware of their eligibility and can receive the refund promptly if the conditions are met.

For travelers flying on Southwest Airlines partner carriers, the airline has set out that passengers must directly purchase an additional seat through the partner airline. These additional seats will be non-refundable, and passengers should ensure that they meet the specific policies of the partner airline to avoid any complications during travel. Southwest Airlines has made it clear that these conditions apply solely to its partner carriers, with different procedures for handling extra seat requests.

Southwest Airlines’ new conditions aim to offer clear guidelines for plus-size passengers while transitioning to assigned seating. The airline’s effort to standardize the process ensures that all travelers, regardless of size, can enjoy a fair and comfortable flying experience.