Southwest will require travelers who cannot fit within seat armrests to purchase an extra seat at booking beginning Jan. 27, coinciding with the start of assigned seating. Previously, plus-size passengers could buy an extra seat in advance with a possible refund or request a free extra seat at the airport. Refunds under the new policy remain possible only if at least one open seat exists at departure, both tickets were purchased in the same booking class, and a refund request is made within 90 days. Passengers who do not pre-purchase must buy a seat at the airport or be rebooked if the flight is full. The carrier has introduced other revenue measures amid financial pressure.
The new rule goes into effect Jan. 27, the same day Southwest starts assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money back later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the carrier's new policy, a refund is still possible but no longer guaranteed.
Southwest says it will still refund a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if there is at least one open seat on the flight when it departs, and if both of the passenger's tickets were purchased in the same booking class. The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight.
To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking, the statement said. If a passenger who needs an extra seat doesn't purchase one ahead of time, they will be required to buy one at the airport, according to the new policy. If the flight is full, the passenger will be rebooked onto a new flight.
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