Southwest Airlines will soon require passengers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance, part of a series of recent changes the carrier is implementing.

The new rule goes into effect next year, on January 27.

Currently, plus-size travelers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money refunded later or request a free extra seat at the airport by discussing their seating needs with a gate agent.

Under the new policy, a refund is still possible but not guaranteed. “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the company said in a statement.

Southwest Airlines will require passengers who don’t fit within a single sea

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