Southwest Airlines is set to introduce a new policy requiring passengers unable to fit between their seat's armrests to purchase an additional seat in advance, marking a significant shift for the budget carrier.
This change, effective from 27 January, coincides with the airline's move to assigned seating, a departure from its long-standing open-seating model. Under the current system, plus-size travellers have the option to pay for an extra seat upfront and apply for a refund at a later date, or request a complimentary additional seat at the airport. However, the updated policy will make refunds possible but no longer assured.
