Southwest Updates Extra Seat Policy for Customers of Size Ahead of Assigned Seating Rollout

Updated: July 29, 2025, 2:15pm CDT

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Southwest Updates Customer of Size Policy With Assigned Seats Coming
Final Thoughts

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As Southwest Airlines continues rolling out its upcoming shift to assigned seating, another key policy is getting an update.

As part of this transformation, the airline is also updating its long-standing Customer of Size policy for passengers who may need more than 1 seat to travel comfortably and safely, as first reported by ATXJetsetter.

Here’s what travelers need to know about Southwest’s new extra seat policy.

Southwest Updates Customer of Size Policy With Assigned Seats Coming

With assigned seating on the way in 2026, Southwest Airlines is also revising its Customer of Size policy — a long-standing program designed to accommodate travelers who may need more than 1 seat.

The updated policy adds clearer guidelines for when and how extra seats should be purchased and new conditions for refunds after travel. Under the current policy, passengers who encroach into the seat next to them (with the armrest serving as the seat boundary) must purchase an extra seat ahead of time.

For flights through January 26, 2026, customers can still request a refund for that second seat after travel, as long as the flight wasn’t full.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 empty seats in cabin — Through January 26, 2026, extra seat refunds are possible if the flight isn’t full. Starting January 27, refunds will be more restricted. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

However, for flights on or after January 27, 2026, Southwest will only refund additional seats if:

The flight departs with at least 1 open seat (or with passengers traveling on space-available passes).
Both seats are purchased in the same fare class (Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).
The refund request is submitted within 90 days of the travel date.

With the move to group boarding and assigned seating, customers of size will no longer be allowed to preboard. If a traveler arrives at the airport without reserving the space they need and it’s determined an additional seat is required, they’ll need to purchase it on the spot at the day-of-travel fare.

Additionally, if there aren’t 2 adjacent seats available or the flight is sold out, Southwest will rebook the passenger for a later flight with the necessary space. That’s why the carrier strongly encourages eligible travelers to book any extra seating in advance so there are no surprises on their travel day.

Bottom Line:

Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest’s new assigned seating policy brings stricter refund rules for extra seats and ends preboarding privileges for customers of size, making it more important to purchase additional seats in advance.

Final Thoughts

Southwest’s shift to assigned seating brings major changes — including how it handles additional seating for passengers who need more space. While the carrier continues to offer flexibility and refunds under the right conditions, planning ahead will become more important than ever.

Booking an extra seat in advance not only helps ensure comfort and accessibility but also reduces the chance of rebooking delays, especially on fuller flights. As always, speak with a gate agent early if you have questions about seating needs.