Southwest Ends Free Extra Seats for Large Passengers
Source: nytimes.com
- Southwest Airlines will no longer offer free extra seats to large passengers starting May 28, 2025.
- Passengers needing accommodations must now buy a second seat in advance or face denial at the gate.
- The policy change aims to address complaints about space from other travelers.
Southwest Airlines is ending its longstanding policy of providing a free extra seat to passengers who cannot comfortably fit in one seat. The airline announced the change after years of passenger complaints about invading personal space. It affects travelers with larger bodies who previously requested accommodations at the gate. This shift matters because it could make flying more expensive and stressful for plus-size people at a time when air travel is already pricey.