The Brief

Southwest Airlines is implementing a new seat policy for plus-size travelers beginning on Jan. 27, 2026.

Under the new policy, passengers who can’t fit into a single seat will be required to buy an extra seat.

In July, Southwest announced that travelers would fly in assigned seats starting next year.

Southwest Airlines has a new policy starting next year that will require passengers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seats to pay for an extra one ahead of their flight.

In a statement by Southwest provided to the Associated Press, the company said it is updating some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year.

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"To ensure space, we are communicating to cu

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