American airline Southwest Airlines is overhauling its policy for overweight passengers, already sparking strong reactions from travelers and advocacy groups.

Until now, passengers who could not fit comfortably between the two armrests had two options: either purchase a second seat in advance and request a refund later, or request a free second seat directly at the airport.

However, starting January 27, 2026, this policy will change significantly. Passengers will be required to reserve and pay for an extra seat in advance. Refunds will no longer be guaranteed and will depend on whether there was at least one empty seat on the flight and whether the reservation was made in the same fare class. Refund requests must be submitted within 90 days. “Customers who do not have the necessary space in a seat will be required to purchase an additional seat and pay the associated fees,” the airline said in a statement.

Passenger and Travel Consultant Reactions

The policy change has already drawn criticism from the overweight traveler community. Jason Vaughn, a travel agent and founder of the site Fat Travel Tested, said that Southwest’s existing policy had contributed to a more comfortable experience while ensuring space for all passengers. “I believe this change will make the flight experience worse for everyone,” he emphasized.

With this decision, Southwest becomes the first major U.S. airline to make purchasing a second seat mandatory for passengers who cannot fit in one, introducing a new—and controversial—rule expected to generate widespread debate in the coming months.