At a Glance
- Southwest Airlines will implement assigned seating on Jan. 27, 2026.
- New seat classes: Standard, Preferred, Extra Legroom.
- Plus-size customers must buy an extra seat and pay fees starting Jan. 27, 2026.
- Why it matters: Passengers will need to plan seating and refunds for extra seats.
Southwest Airlines announced it will shift from open seating to an assigned-seating system on Jan. 27, 2026, adding three seat tiers and new rules for plus-size travelers.
Assigned Seating Rollout
Southwest said the change will let customers choose Standard, Preferred, or Extra Legroom seats, with boarding order linked to the selected class. The new policy also tweaks pre-boarding for active-military members and families with children.
- Standard seats: near the back of the cabin.
- Preferred seats: nearer the front.
- Extra Legroom seats: near exit rows, offering 3-5 inches of extra space.
New Plus-Size Seat Rules
Currently, plus-size passengers can use an extra seat without a pre-purchase, but the new policy requires buying an extra seat and paying any seat fee before boarding. Refunds remain possible but only if both seats are in the same fare class, the request is within 90 days of travel, and the flight departs with at least one unused seat.
| Policy | Requirement | Refund Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Optional extra seat, free if space | Refund after travel |
| New (Jan. 27, 2026) | Mandatory purchase & fee | Same fare class, within 90 days, at least one unused seat at departure |
Reactions and Implications
Southwest’s new policies aim to give passengers more control while ensuring efficient use of cabin space, but they have sparked debate among travelers and advocacy groups.
Tony Roach stated:
> “Our Customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience.”
Jeff Jenkins warned:
> “The stipulations of the refund policy, especially the requirement that the plane must depart with at least one unused seat, would be worrisome for plus-size travelers.”
National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance called the change a setback, saying Southwest had been a beacon of hope for many fat people.
A Reddit user argued:
> “It sucks for the person who has to buy two seats but that’s just not other passengers’ problem. It becomes our problem if we have to endure oversized passengers in our space for a full flight.”
Southwest spokesperson added:
> “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking.”
Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline offering refunds for eligible plus-size passengers after the flight.
Key Takeaways
- Assigned seating begins Jan. 27, 2026, with three seat tiers.
- Plus-size passengers must purchase an extra seat and pay fees.
- Refund eligibility is limited to specific conditions and same fare class.
These changes reflect Southwest’s effort to balance customer choice with operational efficiency, but they have drawn criticism from plus-size advocates.
