Southwest Reversed Its Controversial Plus-Size Seat Policy After 4 Months of Backlash

Southwest Airlines reversed its controversial plus-size seat policy, no longer requiring plus-size passengers to buy an extra seat. 

In January, the airline updated its seat policy, stating that passengers “who encroach upon neighboring seats” would need to buy an additional seat before travel. Under this policy, customers can request a refund if seats are available on the flight. 

However, after the announcement, Southwest received backlash from critics claiming that the policy fat-shames plus-size passengers.

Southwest’s Plus-Size Seat Policy Reversed

On May 26, a TikTok user said in a video that a Southwest agent told her “the best news ever.” The traveler claimed that Southwest was “rescinding at least part of their new customer of size policy.” 

According to a Southwest spokesperson, “Southwest is working to create a more consistent and seamless experience for customers who require an additional seat. On flights where adjacent seats are available, our agents at the airport are empowered to provide an additional seat at no extra cost to customers who require one.”

The spokesperson added, “If another seat is not available, we will work to accommodate the customer on a later flight.” 

According to their website, passengers can receive a refund for extra seats purchased for up to 90 days after their trip. To qualify for a refund, the request must meet certain criteria. These include having at least one available seat on the flight and ensuring that the purchased seats belong to the same fare class. 

Plus-size Passengers Singled Out?

Under the previous policy, plus-size passengers felt that they were being singled out by Southwest. Influencer Samyra Miller called the approach “fat tax” in her TikTok video. She said that she was removed from her flight in December before the policy even took effect. Miller argued that Southwest didn’t have clear criteria for who should buy an extra seat, calling the approach fat-phobic.