Southwest Airlines announced operational changes to its longstanding policies, set to take effect on January 27, 2026. The carrier will abandon its distinctive open seating approach, which has been a hallmark of its service for decades, and move to assigned seating, where customers select specific seats when purchasing tickets. Simultaneously, Southwest has unveiled more stringent guidelines for passengers whose physical dimensions exceed the boundaries of a single seat. The carrier now requires them to purchase additional seating in advance.
Under the new policy, customers “who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)” will no longer have the option to request a second seat upon arrival at the airport. Instead, they “will be required to purchase an additional seat and pay any applicable seat fee at the airport” if they haven’t proactively secured the necessary accommodation beforehand, according to the New York Post.
From Open Choice To Assigned Spots
Southwest’s legendary “pick any seat” policy has long differentiated it from competitors, creating a boarding experience that felt more democratic — and sometimes chaotic. Kron4 News reports that the new assigned seating model introduces three distinct tiers: “Standard” seats toward the back, “Preferred” seats closer to the front, and “Extra Legroom” seats near exit rows offering 3-5 additional inches of space.
This tiered approach not only determines where passengers sit but also influences boarding order and access to perks. For customers who have grown accustomed to Southwest’s distinctive boarding groups and rush for preferred seats, this represents a fundamental shift in the flying experience.
The airline has already begun allowing passengers to select assigned seats for flights departing after the January 2026 implementation date, giving travelers a preview of the new system while maintaining the current model for all flights before the cutoff.
How The Plus-Size Passenger Policy Works
The current policy for “customers of size” recommends but doesn’t require advance purchase of additional seating, with the airline providing extra seats free of charge if space permits. Post-travel refunds have been available with minimal restrictions. The updated approach tightens these conditions.
Passengers must purchase the required number of seats in advance of travel, with refunds available only under specific circumstances. To qualify for reimbursement, both seats must be in the same fare class, requests must be submitted within 90 days of travel, and the flight must have departed with at least one seat available or with non-paying passengers traveling on space-available passes.
This creates a more complex calculation for plus-size travelers who previously relied on Southwest’s reputation as what the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance called “a beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying,” per The New York Times.
