Whenever I fly I’m always looking for a little extra space. If I can snag an exit row or bulkhead I’ll take it. If I’ve got status with an airline I’ll sometimes get a free upgrade which is great. And I always check the seat map on the airline’s app before boarding. If I see a row with an empty middle seat I try to move there. Last week on my trip from Las Vegas it actually worked and saved me some elbow room.
Space on planes is always a sensitive topic and now Southwest has made some big changes for plus-size passengers. They’re moving to assigned seating starting January 27, 2026 and the rules around needing extra seats are getting stricter.
Here’s what Southwest says:
The armrest is the line. If you spill over into the next seat you’re supposed to buy an extra one ahead of time.
Don’t wait until the airport. If you show up without buying the extra seat you’ll have to pay the day-of price. If the flight is sold out with no seats next to you, they’ll put you on a later flight.
Refunds are still possible. If the flight leaves with at least one empty seat you can ask for your money back within 90 days.
Seat assignments can get tricky. Some fares let you pick your seat when you book, some don’t. If you need two seats together it’s best to call Southwest right after booking.
You can’t buy a seat just to keep it empty. You need it because you actually need it.
This is a big change from how it used to be. Before you could buy an extra seat and get a refund later if the flight wasn’t full. Now if you don’t plan ahead you might have to pay a lot more or wait for a different flight.
I get why they are doing it. With assigned seating they need a clear rule. Saying the armrest is the boundary makes it objective but it’s still going to be awkward for some people.
I think this isn’t just a plus-size thing. Airplane seats are tiny and almost everyone feels cramped. When I know I’m going to have a seatmate I hope it’s a kid or a petite person because I don’t want to touch shoulders for hours. That’s why I check the seat map before boarding.
Southwest’s new rules are going to make things clearer but not easier. For plus-size passengers it adds a lot of pressure to plan ahead. For everyone else it’s a reminder that airplane seats are too small.
At the end of the day this isn’t about rules it’s about people. Until airlines give us more space we’re all going to keep trying to find that extra inch of breathing room.
Last summer I was flying back to the US from Europe and was sitting in the middle seat as usual (I’m a petite woman) and my husband was sitting in the aisle seat. An average size man was supposed to sit in the window seat but convinced a woman in the row behind us to trade with him so he could sit next to his wife. The woman was huge and couldn’t help but take over part of my seat. He put me in a terrible situation, and I felt taken advantage of. This was the worst flight I’ve ever taken
That is terrible
Hi, I am still not clear about the new Southwest polices. If you are oversized, must you buy a second seat? Also, can a person buy two seats for themselves but NOT use the middle seat? An example would be a couple who is willing to purchase 3 seats across and use two of them? Thanks
Hi Christina, if they’re plus sized it’s best for them to purchase another seat in advance otherwise they could be denied boarding or forced to buy an expensive ticket. “Refunds are still possible. If the flight leaves with at least one empty seat you can ask for your money back within 90 days.”
So many complain about the seat size and leg room. But expand by 10% and air fares will increase. And I think most pax will choose a 10% cheaper fare vs. worrying about seat size (that most do not even follow) which will in turn cause fewer pax and higher prices. If this were a major concern, they would fly Busn or First Class on other carriers these days. Of course with SWA new seating, they can pay extra for bigger seats next year.
Sorry I meant life hack, not life happened LOL!
I’ve discovered the most wonderful life happened that is the Frontier Upfront Plus seat! Guarantee that no one’s going to be sitting next to you, kind of like first class on short hop flights in Europe.
With the GoWild Pass I can get almost anywhere in the States for $15 from New York. And thanks to the Frontier Airlines World MasterCard, I have gold status which means I pay nothing for the best seats, and my carry-on and two checked bags are free!
Good to know! If you ever want to write a guest post about it — email me!
I’ve learned so much from you, Johnny – thank you. I am glad to honor middle seat getting the armrests. Makes perfect sense. But what’s my recourse when guy in middle leans over into my seat space and falls asleep? As a petite female, I still think I’m entitled to my entire seat, especially on a transatlantic flight. Grateful for aisle to get up frequently, so had excuse to move him a bit.
Hi Sandy
You need to wake them up if it’s making you uncomfortable or hit the flight attendant call button. You’re entitled to your space.