Southwest’s Extra Seat Policy: How To Fly Comfortably (And Get Refunded!)

If you're a plus-size traveler, you've probably heard that Southwest Airlines is one of the best options out there. For years, they've let passengers of size book an extra seat and get their money back — no questions asked.

But that's all about to change. Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest is rolling out new rules that change the refund terms.

Luckily, I've read Southwest's fine print so you don't have to, and I'm here to break down exactly what's changing, what's staying the same, and how you can navigate the new rules.

What Is Southwest's Customer of Size Policy?

Southwest's Customer of Size policy is designed to help passengers who need more than one seat travel comfortably.

If you can't sit in a single seat with both armrests lowered, Southwest says you qualify for an extra seat at no extra charge (although this is changing in 2026).

There are no weight requirements or specific size measurements. Southwest uses the armrest test as the determining factor. If lowering the armrests means you're encroaching on the neighboring seat, you're eligible.

Under the policy, you’re also allowed to board the plane early, so you can get settled before the main boarding process begins.

A gate agent will give you a “Seat Reserved” document to place on your extra seat so other passengers know it's occupied.

You have two options for securing your extra seat:

1. You can purchase an extra seat when you book, then request a full refund after you travel. 
2. You can buy just one seat and talk to a gate agent on the day of travel about a complimentary extra seat. 

(Southwest recommends booking the seat in advance to be sure that one is available. Otherwise, if the flight is full, Southwest will rebook you onto another departure.)

For Southwest flights departing on or before January 26, 2026, if you pay for the extra seat upfront, you're guaranteed to get your money back afterward.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case after that date.

Changes Coming January 27, 2026

Southwest is rolling out assigned seating in 2026, which has also triggered significant updates to their Customer of Size policy.

Here's what's changing.

Key change #1: You must purchase your extra seat in advance

Starting January 27, 2026, you can no longer show up at the gate and request a free extra seat. 

You'll need to proactively book the additional seat when you make your reservation.

If you arrive at the airport without having pre-purchased an extra seat, you'll be required to buy one there — and you might face additional seat selection fees under the new assigned seating system.

Key change #2: Refunds are now conditional

Under the old policy, everyone who purchased an extra seat got an automatic refund after their flight. Easy.

Under the new policy, you'll only get a refund if all three of these conditions are met:

1. Your flight departs with at least one open seat.
2. You purchased both seats in the same fare class.
3. You request the refund within 90 days of travel.

Translation: If your flight is completely full, you’ll still keep both seats, but you won't get that refund. So you'll need to factor this into your travel budget.

RELATED: Southwest Flight Delay Compensation: What You’re Owed & How to Claim

How To Book Your Extra Seat

Booking your extra seat is straightforward, but the process depends on when you're traveling.

For travel before January 27, 2026

You have two options:

Option 1: Purchase an extra seat in advance

• Go to Southwest.com and search for your flight
• When you get to the passenger count, select one additional adult
• Fill out the passenger details for the extra seat using your own info again
• In the middle name field for the extra seat, type “XS” (if you include your middle name when you travel, put the “XS” after it, with a space, such as “Anne XS”)

Option 2: Request a seat at the gate

• Book just one seat online
• Arrive early at the airport
• Speak with a gate agent about needing an extra seat
• If approved, you'll get the extra seat at no charge — if the flight is full, you’ll be rebooked onto an alternate flight

For travel on or after January 27, 2026

You must book the extra seat when you make your reservation. Here's how:

• Follow the same steps as Option 1 above
• Make sure both seats are in the same fare class (this matters for refund eligibility!)
• Choose adjacent seats during the seat selection process
• Complete your purchase for both seats

One important restriction: You can't sit in exit rows. FAA regulations require exit row passengers to be able to assist in an emergency, and the extra seat policy doesn't apply to those rows.

How To Get Your Refund

Getting your money back is a simple process, but remember that after January 27, 2026, it’s not guaranteed.

Here's what to do:

• Complete your travel
• Go to Southwest's customer service email form at support.southwest.com
• Provide your confirmation number, passenger name, and travel dates
• Explain that you're requesting a refund for a Customer of Size extra seat
• Submit your request

You can also call Southwest customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to request your refund over the phone.

Day-of-Travel Tips

Even with the policy changes, you'll still get some benefits on the day of travel.

“Seat Reserved” card

When you let the gate agent know you've purchased an extra seat under the Customer of Size policy, they'll give you a “Seat Reserved” document — this is a small card you'll place on your extra seat.

If someone tries to sit in your reserved seat, just politely show them the document. Most passengers understand and move on — no one wants the middle seat anyway!

Preboarding privileges

You're allowed to board early, along with passengers who need extra time or assistance.

Before January 2026, this gives you first pick of seats. After January 2026, it gives you extra time to get settled without the rush of other passengers boarding around you.

How Southwest Compares To Other Airlines

The 2026 changes are a serious damper on what was a great inclusive policy. But even so, Southwest is still one of the better airlines for accommodating plus-size travelers.

Here's how the major U.S. airlines stack up:

	Extra seat required?	Cost	Preboarding?	Seat width
Southwest Airlines	Yes	Purchase required, refund available (with conditions after Jan 2026)	Yes	15.5-17.8 inches
Alaska Airlines	Yes	Purchase required, refund only if flight has empty seats	Yes	~ 17 inches
American Airlines	Yes	Full price, no refunds	Yes	~ 16-18 inches (main cabin)
Delta Air Lines	Not mandatory, but you may be reseated	Full price, no refunds	No	~ 17.9-19 inches (main cabin)
Frontier Airlines	Yes	Full price, no refunds	No	~ 18 inches
Hawaiian Airlines	Yes	Lowest available fare, no refunds	No	~ 18 inches
Spirit Airlines	Yes	Full price, no refunds	No	~ 16-17 inches (standard and premium)
United Airlines	Yes	Full price, no refunds	No	~ 16-17 inches (main cabin)

So, while Southwest’s refund policy is more restrictive after January 2026, at least there's still a refund option — something most airlines don't offer at all.

RELATED: Guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards®: How To Earn and Redeem for Best Value

FAQs

TL;DR: Southwest’s Plus-Size Policy

Squeezing into a too-tight airplane seat isn’t only uncomfortable, it’s also a safety concern. That’s why most airlines require you to purchase a second seat if you’re unable to have the armrests lowered.

Southwest will refund you the cost of an extra seat if you need one — but after January 26, 2026, you’ll only be refunded if the flight isn’t full.

You need to add your extra seat when you make your booking and submit your refund request within 90 days of travel.

But even with these changes, Southwest is still more accommodating than other U.S. airlines. Most carriers make you pay full price for an extra seat with zero chance of a refund.

You deserve to travel comfortably and with dignity. Know your rights and don't let size keep you from seeing the world!