Southwest Airlines Revamps Open Seating and Updates Plus-Size Passenger Guidelines

Southwest Airlines is making significant changes by officially ending two hallmark policies that have distinguished the airline from its competitors for years.

Beginning Tuesday, the airline will implement controversial new policies that will affect ticket prices for plus-size passengers and will also discontinue its long-standing open-seating arrangement. This shift was first announced in July 2025, as part of a strategy to enhance revenue and adapt to passengers’ increasing demand for premium seating options.

According to Southwest executive Tony Roach, “Our Customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience.” He emphasized that assigned seating would provide new opportunities for travelers, including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats, while eliminating the uncertainty of where they would sit in the cabin.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DITCHES DECADES-OLD OPEN SEATING AFTER YEARS OF HOLDING OUT

Southwest’s new RECARO R2 Extra Legroom seats feature a sky blue sunray design and up to five additional inches of legroom, part of the airline’s premium seating rollout beginning in 2026. (Southwest Airlines / FOXBusiness)

With the new policies, seat options will now include Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom. Additionally, the airline is transitioning from the traditional A/B/C boarding groups to a new system that categorizes passengers into Groups 1 through 8.

SOUTHWEST ROLLS OUT NEW CONDITIONS FOR PLUS-SIZE PASSENGER REFUNDS

A Southwest Airlines plane takes off from Hollywood Burbank Airport as another Southwest plane taxis on July 25, 2024, in Burbank, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)

For “customers of size,” those who cannot fit between the armrests will now be required to purchase two tickets in advance. The airline’s website states, “Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available.”

SOUTHWEST ADDS ‘POWERFUL’ COCKPIT ALERT SYSTEM TO DETECT RUNWAY DANGER

Travelers use a Southwest Airlines Co. self check-in kiosk at Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., on Friday, July 19, 2019. (Scott Eisen/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

This policy change represents a significant shift from previous practices that many plus-size travelers relied on for flexible accommodations. Previously, passengers could purchase an additional seat proactively and receive a refund later, or request a free extra seat at the airport if space permitted.

Now, passengers must secure the additional seat during booking to guarantee availability and can only qualify for a refund if their selected fare class is not full. Additionally, they must request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

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If a passenger does not pre-reserve an extra seat and is later determined to need one, the airline will only provide a complimentary additional seat if space is available. If the flight is fully booked, the passenger will be rebooked on another flight with available seating. Furthermore, if this determination occurs after boarding, the passenger may be required to deplane for rebooking.

Southwest Airlines is making significant changes by officially ending two hallmark policies that have distinguished the airline from its competitors for years.

Beginning Tuesday, the airline will implement controversial new policies that will affect ticket prices for plus-size passengers and will also discontinue its long-standing open-seating arrangement. This shift was first announced in July 2025, as part of a strategy to enhance revenue and adapt to passengers’ increasing demand for premium seating options.

According to Southwest executive Tony Roach, “Our Customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience.” He emphasized that assigned seating would provide new opportunities for travelers, including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats, while eliminating the uncertainty of where they would sit in the cabin.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DITCHES DECADES-OLD OPEN SEATING AFTER YEARS OF HOLDING OUT

Southwest’s new RECARO R2 Extra Legroom seats feature a sky blue sunray design and up to five additional inches of legroom, part of the airline’s premium seating rollout beginning in 2026. (Southwest Airlines / FOXBusiness)

With the new policies, seat options will now include Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom. Additionally, the airline is transitioning from the traditional A/B/C boarding groups to a new system that categorizes passengers into Groups 1 through 8.

SOUTHWEST ROLLS OUT NEW CONDITIONS FOR PLUS-SIZE PASSENGER REFUNDS

A Southwest Airlines plane takes off from Hollywood Burbank Airport as another Southwest plane taxis on July 25, 2024, in Burbank, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)

For “customers of size,” those who cannot fit between the armrests will now be required to purchase two tickets in advance. The airline’s website states, “Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available.”

SOUTHWEST ADDS ‘POWERFUL’ COCKPIT ALERT SYSTEM TO DETECT RUNWAY DANGER

Travelers use a Southwest Airlines Co. self check-in kiosk at Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., on Friday, July 19, 2019. (Scott Eisen/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

This policy change represents a significant shift from previous practices that many plus-size travelers relied on for flexible accommodations. Previously, passengers could purchase an additional seat proactively and receive a refund later, or request a free extra seat at the airport if space permitted.

Now, passengers must secure the additional seat during booking to guarantee availability and can only qualify for a refund if their selected fare class is not full. Additionally, they must request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

If a passenger does not pre-reserve an extra seat and is later determined to need one, the airline will only provide a complimentary additional seat if space is available. If the flight is fully booked, the passenger will be rebooked on another flight with available seating. Furthermore, if this determination occurs after boarding, the passenger may be required to deplane for rebooking.