Beginning Tuesday, Southwest Airlines is set to introduce a new policy that’s stirred up quite a bit of controversy, specifically regarding ticket pricing for plus-size travelers.
The update, which was announced last year, mandates that passengers who cannot comfortably fit between the armrests of their seats must book their extra seat ahead of time.
A representative from Southwest stated, “To preserve space, we are reminding customers who previously took advantage of our additional seat policy to purchase it at the time of booking.”
This is a significant departure from the existing “customize your size” guideline, which allowed plus-size travelers to voluntarily purchase an extra seat and apply for a refund later, or request a free additional seat at the airport.
Under the new rules, refunds for the second seat will only be issued if the flight isn’t full and both tickets are booked in the same fare class. Moreover, customers must apply for these refunds within 90 days of travel.
If the flight reaches capacity, those affected will be rebooked onto another flight.
Critics were quick to voice their discontent. For a long time, Southwest had been considered a more accommodating option for plus-size individuals in an often challenging airline environment.
Orlando travel agent Jason Vaughn, who has previously shared travel tips for plus-size individuals, remarked, “This is going to make the flying experience worse for everyone.”
He drew a comparison to Cracker Barrel’s poorly received logo redesign, suggesting that the airline seems to have lost sight of its core customer base.
Tigress Osborn, who leads the National Fat Acceptance Association, expressed dismay, saying, “Southwest Airlines was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to fly,” lamenting that this change effectively extinguishes that beacon.
Interestingly, some community members are considering alternative options. One Southwest customer mentioned on Reddit that they were contemplating switching to a different airline.
However, not all responses were negative. In a December broadcast, radio host Charlamagne the God suggested that heavier passengers might want to rethink their eating habits if they wish to avoid paying for an extra seat.
He provocatively questioned, “Why don’t you let them fly the cargo?” during a discussion on the revised policies on the “Breakfast Club.”
This shift in policy aligns with a broader trend at Southwest Airlines, which appears to be retracting some of the features that set it apart from other carriers.
In May, for instance, they changed their longstanding “baggage-free flight” policy, which previously allowed two free checked bags regardless of fare.
Additionally, they nixed a beloved open-seat policy that had permitted passengers to select their seats during boarding. Starting on the same day the new seating policy is introduced, travelers will receive pre-assigned seats, which could mean a higher chance of landing in the often-unpopular middle seat.
To make this transition easier—or perhaps a little more palatable—Subway is offering a consolation prize. On Tuesday, 737 travelers will receive a $20 gift card good for a Footlong sandwich or other menu items.
Middle seat occupants flying that day can take a selfie in their seat and upload it for a chance at the giveaway, which they are calling a nice perk amid these changes.
