Trending Now - Southwest Airlines Overhauls Seating Policy Amid Criticism
WHO:
Fast Company - Southwest Airlines, plus-sized passengers, company spokesperson
CBS News US - Southwest Airlines
Inc - Southwest Airlines
WHAT:
Fast Company - Southwest Airlines has officially put an end to the directive that required plus-sized passengers to purchase an additional seat at the time of booking or be forced to buy one when they board.
The Washington Post - The amended rule allows passengers who require additional space for safety reasons, such as larger customers or people with a disability, to receive a free neighboring seat at the boarding gate.
Fast Company - Southwest stated that it continues to encourage customers who need an additional seat to book it in advance to help alleviate any last-minute inconvenience at the airport.
Fast Company - Southwest Airlines has rolled back a requirement for plus-sized passengers to purchase an adjacent seat in advance.
Fast Company - The previous policy required plus-sized passengers who could not fit between the armrests to pay for an extra seat in advance or at boarding.
Fast Company - If no extra seat was available, the passenger would be denied boarding and required to buy an additional seat on the next available flight.
Fast Company - Under the new terms, plus-sized passengers are no longer required to purchase an adjacent seat in advance but are still recommended to do so.
Fast Company - Southwest agents can now provide an adjacent seat at no cost if available, and if not, the passenger will be accommodated on a later flight.
Fast Company - Plus-sized passengers who purchase an adjacent seat in advance can request a refund within 90 days if there was at least one empty seat available on the flight.
Fast Company - Southwest stated it is working to create a more consistent experience for customers requiring an additional seat.
WHERE:
Fast Company - Southwest Airlines operates flights across the United States.
WHY:
Fast Company - The changes were made in response to backlash against the previous policy, which was labeled a “fat tax” by opponents.
Fast Company - The airline has implemented cost-cutting measures that have drawn criticism from loyal fliers.
HOW:
Fast Company - The airline confirmed the changes via email from a company spokesperson, who noted that the subject is something they have spent a great deal of time reviewing.
Fast Company - The airline confirmed the policy changes via email from a company spokesperson.
(UPDATED May 30, 2026 01:35 UTC)
Southwest Airlines has officially ended its policy requiring plus-sized passengers to purchase an additional seat at the time of booking or face the same requirement when boarding. The new rule allows those who need extra space for safety reasons, including larger customers and individuals with disabilities, to receive a free neighboring seat at the boarding gate. The airline encourages customers who require an additional seat to still book it in advance to avoid any last-minute issues at the airport, as confirmed by a company spokesperson.
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(UPDATED May 29, 2026 18:05 UTC)
Southwest Airlines has announced a significant policy change for plus-sized passengers, rolling back the requirement for them to purchase an adjacent seat in advance. Under the new terms, while it's still recommended to buy an extra seat, passengers can now be provided an adjacent seat at no cost if available, and if not, they will be accommodated on a later flight. This decision comes after backlash against the previous policy, which many labeled a “fat tax,” and reflects the airline's efforts to create a more consistent experience for all customers.