Southwest Sets New Refund Rules For Plus-Size Travelers Starting January | The Curvy Fashionista

Policy Shift Announced

Southwest Airlines will require plus-size passengers to buy extra seats before travel beginning January 27, when assigned seating launches. This marks a significant departure from their previous approach to accommodating travelers who need additional space. The timing coincides with the airline’s broader operational changes that will reshape how passengers experience flying with Southwest.

The new requirement represents a fundamental shift in how the airline handles plus-size passenger accommodations. Previously, Southwest operated under more flexible guidelines that allowed for post-purchase adjustments and refunds with fewer restrictions.

Advance Purchase Required

The airline says customers who need more than one seat should purchase in advance to guarantee adjacent seating. This advance purchase requirement aims to ensure that travelers have the space they need while also helping the airline better manage seat inventory. The policy eliminates the uncertainty that previously existed around seat availability for plus-size passengers.

By requiring advance purchases, Southwest hopes to streamline the boarding process and reduce potential conflicts or uncomfortable situations at the gate. The airline emphasizes that this change will provide more predictable travel experiences for all passengers.

Added Anxiety For Travelers

Jeff Jenkins of the Chubby Diaries blog warned the policy may increase stress and could push some travelers away from Southwest. Jenkins, who advocates for plus-size travelers, expressed concerns that the new restrictions create additional barriers for people who already face challenges when flying. His perspective highlights the emotional impact these policy changes can have on affected passengers.

The travel advocate’s concerns reflect broader worries within the plus-size community about accessibility and fair treatment in air travel. Many fear that stricter policies could make flying even more stressful than it already is for larger passengers.

Seat Widths Published Online

Southwest lists Boeing 737 seat widths ranging from 15.5 to 17.8 inches, with the armrest as the boundary for seat size. This transparency provides passengers with specific measurements to help them determine whether they’ll need additional seating space. The armrest serves as the official boundary that defines one seat’s space versus another.

Having these measurements publicly available allows travelers to make more informed decisions about their seating needs before booking flights. The width variations depend on the specific Boeing 737 configuration and where seats are located within the aircraft.

Preparing For Assigned Seating

In a statement, the airline said policy updates are part of preparing employees and passengers for assigned seating in 2026. Southwest’s move away from their traditional open seating model requires comprehensive policy overhauls across multiple areas of operation. These changes affect not just plus-size passengers but represent a complete transformation of Southwest’s boarding and seating philosophy.

The airline views these policy adjustments as necessary groundwork for their upcoming assigned seating system. This preparation phase allows Southwest to identify and address potential issues before the full rollout of their new seating model.

Refunds Under New Rules

Refunds for extra seats are possible only if flights depart with open seats, both tickets are same fare class, and requests are made within 90 days. These specific conditions create a much more restrictive refund environment compared to Southwest’s previous policies. The requirement that flights must have open seats means refunds aren’t guaranteed even when other conditions are met.

The 90-day window for refund requests adds another layer of complexity for travelers who must remember to follow up on their additional seat purchases. The same fare class requirement ensures that refunds only apply when both seats were purchased under identical pricing conditions.

Previous Policy Less Restrictive

Southwest previously encouraged plus-size travelers to buy two seats but allowed refunds with fewer limitations. The earlier policy provided more flexibility and was generally viewed as more accommodating to passengers who needed extra space. Under the old system, refunds were more readily available and didn’t require as many specific conditions to be met.

This shift represents a move toward more structured policies that align with industry standards but may be seen as less customer-friendly. The previous approach was often praised as one of the most accommodating policies among major airlines.

Impact On Partner Airlines

On flights with partner carriers, customers must purchase an additional non-refundable seat directly through the partner airline. This requirement adds complexity for travelers who book Southwest flights that involve partner airline segments. The non-refundable nature of these additional seats creates financial risk for passengers traveling on codeshare flights.

Partner airline policies may differ significantly from Southwest’s own rules, creating potential confusion for travelers. Passengers must navigate different carrier policies and requirements when their journey involves multiple airlines.

Broader Airline Changes

The new rules follow other changes, including ending open seating and expanding technology updates in flight operations. Southwest is undergoing its most significant operational transformation in decades, moving away from many of the policies that made it unique in the airline industry. These changes reflect broader strategic shifts aimed at competing more directly with other major carriers.

The technology updates and operational changes support Southwest’s evolution toward a more traditional airline model. These modifications represent a fundamental reimagining of how Southwest operates and serves its customers.

Customer Uncertainty Ahead

Critics argue the added restrictions could discourage some plus-size passengers and complicate Southwest’s once customer-friendly image. The airline built its reputation on policies that were generally more accommodating than competitors, but these new restrictions suggest a shift toward industry-standard practices. Some worry that Southwest is losing the distinctive customer service approach that set it apart from other carriers.

The uncertainty around how these policies will be implemented and enforced creates anxiety among frequent Southwest travelers. Many passengers are questioning whether Southwest will maintain its reputation for customer-friendly policies as it continues to evolve its business model.