Southwest Airlines is changing its policy regarding overweight passengers, a move that has already triggered heated reactions.

Until now, travelers who could not fit between the armrests of one seat had two options: either purchase a second ticket in advance and later request a refund, or request an additional seat at the airport free of charge.

Starting January 27, 2026, however, the policy will shift dramatically: passengers will be required to book and pay for an extra seat upfront. Refunds will no longer be guaranteed; they will depend on whether at least one seat remained unsold on the flight, provided the booking was in the same fare category. In addition, refund requests must be submitted within 90 days. “Customers who do not have sufficient space in their seat will be required to purchase an additional one and pay the applicable fees,” the airline stated.

The change has already drawn criticism from the plus-size traveler community. Jason Vaughn, travel agent and founder of the website Fat Travel Tested, noted that Southwest’s previous policy had helped ensure a more comfortable experience for overweight passengers while also respecting the space of others.

“I think this change will make the flying experience worse for everyone,” he emphasized.

With this decision, Southwest becomes the first major U.S. airline to mandate the purchase of a second seat for passengers who cannot fit into one. The controversial new rule is expected to spark intense debate in the coming months.