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Southwest Tightens Plus-Size Policy, Requiring Second Seat and Limiting Refunds Effective Jan. 27, 2026
- Southwest Airlines will implement assigned seating and end its 'Customer of Size' policy on January 27, 2026, at its Dallas headquarters.
- The changes arise as part of a broader operational update including new baggage fees and stricter rules for plus-size travelers who must purchase additional seats upfront.
- Previously, Southwest allowed plus-size passengers to request extra seats at the gate or receive refunds more leniently, but the new policy requires seat purchase at booking with limited refunds.
- Refunds are only granted when there is at least one available seat remaining on the flight, both seats are bought under the same fare category, and the request for a refund is submitted no later than 90 days after the travel date, according to a Southwest representative.
- Advocates caution that these new policies could heighten stress and expenses for plus-size passengers. The chairperson of a prominent fat acceptance organization remarked that Southwest had served as a rare source of hope for many larger travelers, and now that hope appears to have faded.
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·New York, United States
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Total News Sources244
Leaning Left37Leaning Right12Center152Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Center
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
76% Center
L 18%
C 76%
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