Southwest Airlines has updated its policy for travelers who may require more seat space.
As the airline moves to implement a wave of changes, such as the switch from open seating to assigned seats, which goes into effect for travel on or after Jan. 27, 2026, the Dallas-based carrier is updating its "Customer of Size" policy for passengers "who require more than one seat."
Southwest Airlines updated an article on its website about seating, stating that its longstanding policy will no longer guarantee customers a day-of complimentary additional seat.
"Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available," the airline states, adding that it will refund the extra seat purchase "upon request once travel is complete."
"The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating request and helps us ensure we can accommodate you on the flight," Southwest states. "Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating."
Those who purchase an extra seat on or before Jan. 26, 2026 -- while the airline's open seating policy is still in place -- are directed to see a Southwest customer service agent at their gate on the day of travel to obtain a "Seat Reserved document," which can then be placed on the adjoining seat.
The airline notes that customers "may not purchase more than one seat for the sole purpose of keeping the seat next to the Customer empty."
Southwest customers traveling on or after Jan. 27, 2026 -- when assigned seating takes effect -- will be required to "proactively" purchase an additional adjacent seat if they "encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)," the airline states. Under the new policy, those who do not purchase an additional seat or seats prior to arriving at the airport "will be required to purchase an additional seat and pay any applicable seat fee at the airport."
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The airline says it will refund extra seat purchases once travel is complete, so long as the request is made within 90 days of travel. Additionally, flights "must depart with at least one open seat," according to the airline, and "both seats should be purchased in the same fare class."
The carrier's decadeslong "Customer of Size" policy previously allowed those who preferred not to purchase an additional seat in advance of time to buy a single seat and discuss their seating needs with a gate agent ahead of departure. If it was determined that a second or third seat was needed, the airline would accommodate them with a complimentary additional seat the day of travel.
According to the airline's updated policy, additional seats purchased by customers "traveling on an itinerary that includes a partner carrier" are non-refundable.
A representative for Southwest Airlines told ABC News on Tuesday, "We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, Employees, and Customers for assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking."
