It seems that airlines can never make everyone happy. With cramped seating and constant delays, people are grumpy enough to begin with. Then, add in skyrocketing prices, and you just may incite a mob. Next, add on the fact that Southwest's controversial new policy goes into effect today, and you have a recipe for disaster. Travelers have had mixed feelings about this policy since its announcement. Here's what it means now that it is in effect.
What Is Southwest's New Policy?
Last year, Southwest Airlines announced a controversial new policy. During this announcement, they revealed that they will be raising ticket prices for plus-size passengers. This announcement came as a bit of a shock to travelers as Southwest Airlines used to be a favorite airline among plus-sized passengers. That was mainly due to the policy that passengers who needed an extra sea could purchase one, then be refunded for the extra seat later.
However, that is no longer the case. The new controversial policy still allows plus-sized passengers to purchase an extra seat but that "popular refund is no longer guaranteed." This new policy went into effect today, January 27 of 2026. This new controversial policy states that "travelers who cannot fit between their seat's armrests will be required to buy a ticket in advance."
Additionally, a Southwest representative shared, "To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking." Also these passengers requiring an extra seat will only get refunded "if the flight is not fully booked and if both of the passenger's tickets are in the same fare class," the NY Post reports. Finally, the flyer would need to request that refund within 90 of their flight.
How People Are Feeling About This Controversial New Policy
@abc7chicago Southwest Airlines is changing its seating policy for plus-size passengers. Starting January 27, 2026, passengers who take up space in the neighboring seat will have to buy an extra ticket - and it might not be refunded. The current rules allow flyers to buy an extra seat ahead of time and get refunded later -- or request an extra seat at no charge at the airport.
Naturally, this policy was not taken favorably by everyone. The NY Post shared some of those in opposition to this new controversial policy. Jason Vaughn, an Orlando travel agent shared, "I think it's going to make the flying experience worse for everybody. They have no idea anymore who their customer is." Tigress Osborn, the executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, agreed with his statement. Additionally, she added, "Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn't have been flying. And now that beacon has gone out."
However, not all of those who heard the news were against this controversial new policy. As news spread across social media, some people thought the change was a good one. Here are several comments in favor of Southwest's new policy left on a TikTok video.
- "I mean if you take up two seats it's only fair you pay for both (don't come after me) ?."
- "Why is this controversial? This makes sense."
- "As a bigger girl, I fully agree. However, if someone pays for a second seat...they better get that second seat. Not force someone to squeeze next to them so they can make even more money."
- "Yall going to hate me but this should 100% be a thing? because why are you taking up 1 1/2 seats making your seat neighbor uncomfortable when they payed for their ticket."
