Southwest Airlines Offers Larger Passengers Extra Seats For Free

Southwest Airlines' Customer of Size Policy

Southwest Airlines' long-standing Customer of Size policy has dominated headlines this week after a famous plus-size traveler on TikTok filmed her experience of using it to get an extra seat and a seatbelt extension. The airline has one of the most straightforward and more accommodating policies regarding plus-sized passengers, especially compared to other airlines in North America and elsewhere.

Southwest Airlines' plus-size policy has been around for nearly 30 years, and is "designed to meet the seating needs of Customers who require more than one seat and protect the comfort and safety of everyone onboard." The policy indicates that plus-size passengers are entitled to an extra seat, provided they meet the conditions laid out by Southwest. The carrier defines customers of size as those who "encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s)" with the armrests as the perimeter.

How to Take Advantage of the Policy

The airline offers two ways to take advantage of the policy. You can choose to purchase a second seat online by following the instructions set out by Southwest Airlines on its website. The airline will refund you for the second seat after the flight, which must be requested via email or phone. The other option is to approach a Customer Service Agent directly at the airport to discuss "your seating needs," meaning the possibility of a second or third seat.

Reactions to the Policy

There have been two significant responses to this policy. Some argue that the policy is glorifying obesity and lack of self-control. Matthew Klint from Live and Lets Fly said: "I’ll keep it simple: shame on Southwest for rewarding obesity. Passengers who take up less space are not given a refund and those who require more space due to their own poor choices should pay for it."

Others have praised the policy, deeming it "humane," such as Ben Schlappig from One Mile At A Time. Plus-sized passengers have also commended the policy.

Airline Policy on Customers of Size

Airlines are typically not very good at indicating their policies for plus-sized customers, sometimes because they do not have one. Southwest Airlines is one of the very few airlines in North America to offer an extra seat free of charge to people of size. Airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines ask passengers to purchase an additional seat if needed.

On the other hand, Canadian airlines are on par with Southwest Airlines in providing the possibility of an extra seat free of charge. In Canada, a Supreme Court ruling in November 2008 gave customers who are medically defined as obese the right to two seats for the price of one. To obtain a second seat free of charge is more complicated than with Southwest Airlines. Firstly, customers need to get an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, or a nurse practitioner to fill out a form, including waist measurements and details about their weight, before sending it back to the respective airline for review.