Armrest Test: Southwest Changes Will Affect Plus-Size Passengers

Southwest Airlines will soon require travellers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance. The move comes as America’s fourth-largest carrier makes major changes to its former low-cost business model.

The new rule goes into effect January 27, the same day Southwest, long been known for letting its passengers pick their own seats after boarding the plane, starts assigning seats. In May, Southwest started charging for bags, another former key differentiator.

Currently, plus-size Southwest passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money back later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. Under a 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,” a statement from the airline said.

Southwest says it will still refund a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure, and if both of the passenger’s tickets were purchased in the same booking class. The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

Passengers who need an extra seat but don’t purchase one ahead of time will be required to buy one at the airport. If the flight is full, the passenger will be rebooked onto a new flight.

As reported by CNN, Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts theme park reviews and travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, said the change will likely impact travellers of all sizes, not just larger passengers. 

He said Southwest’s current policy helped create a more comfortable flying experience for plus-size travellers, while also ensuring all passengers have adequate space in their seats.

“I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” he said of the new rule.Southwest has struggled financially in recent years and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue. Other changes include charging for extra legroom and offering red-eye flights for the first time.