Southwest Airlines is ditching its free extra seat policy for plus-size travelers who need more room, forcing them to buy a second ticket upfront when they book flights. The carrier used to let passengers either reserve another seat and get refunded or snag one at the gate if spots were open, but that whole system is getting axed alongside their famous open seating setup and free checked bag promise.
The airline says refunds for extra seats will only happen if the plane is not sold out, both tickets match the same class, and someone requests it within three months. Bags will cost travelers $35 for the first one and $45 for the second, which puts Southwest right in line with how other major airlines operate.
Travel advocates like Jeff Jenkins from Chubby Diaries are worried the changes will push away customers who depended on the old flexibility, while Southwest claims the updated rules create consistency with their new assigned seating model.
The airline says refunds for extra seats will only happen if the plane is not sold out, both tickets match the same class, and someone requests it within three months. Bags will cost travelers $35 for the first one and $45 for the second, which puts Southwest right in line with how other major airlines operate.
Travel advocates like Jeff Jenkins from Chubby Diaries are worried the changes will push away customers who depended on the old flexibility, while Southwest claims the updated rules create consistency with their new assigned seating model.
