Beginning Jan. 27, passengers who encroach upon neighboring seats must purchase an additional seat in advance, with that second seat potentially nonrefundable unless conditions are met. The policy requires both seats to be bought within the same fare class and may refund only if the flight departs with at least one open seat. Previously, travelers could obtain an extra seat in advance with possible refunds or request one at the airport at no charge. Recent carrier changes include ending open seating, adding checked baggage fees, and route adjustments. Advocacy groups describe the policy as devastating for plus-size passengers due to added costs and distress.
Beginning Jan. 27 of next year, the airline will require passengers who "encroach upon the neighboring seat" to proactively purchase an additional ticket, which might not be refunded. Previously, passengers could either pay the cost of an extra seat ahead of time (and later receive a refund) or show up at the airport and request an extra seat at no charge, which made Southwest a carrier of choice for many plus-size passengers.
According to the latest change, a second seat will be nonrefundable unless the flight departs with at least one open seat and both seats are purchased within the same fare class. Under the new policy, passengers will also be required to purchase the second seat in advance. Tigress Osborn, the executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, an advocacy group, called the changes "devastating" for plus-size passengers, since they raise costs and create a distressing experience.
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