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Southwest Airlines’ New Seating Policy: What Plus‑Size Travelers Need to Know
On Thursday, Southwest Airlines announced a sweeping change to its seat‑assignment rules that will touch the flying experience of every traveler who does not fit comfortably in a standard 17‑inch seat. The airline’s new policy, which takes effect on September 1, 2025, will affect more than 12 million Southwest passengers each year—roughly 4 % of the U.S. travel market. The policy has already sparked a flurry of reactions from consumer‑advocacy groups, pilots’ unions, and, most notably, the plus‑size community that has long championed Southwest’s reputation as a “no‑bumps” airline.
What the policy actually says
According to the airline’s press release (link in the original Houston Public Media article), the new rules will require all passengers who request a seat width of 17 inches or more—or who are taller than 6‑ft‑2 in—to be assigned a “Plus‑Size Seat.” These seats, which Southwest refers to as “Extra‑Legroom” or “XL” seats, are 19 inches wide and cost an additional $25 per flight (or $50 for a round‑trip booking). Passengers who decline the additional seat or who do not meet the size criteria will be placed in a standard seat and may be asked to adjust the seat in front of them or be denied boarding if the aircraft is over‑booked or a safety issue arises.
The policy also removes the “universal seat assignment” feature that had previously allowed passengers to sit wherever they wished, as long as the seat was free. Instead, Southwest will now use a “Seat‑Match” algorithm that first scans the aircraft for the smallest available seat that still meets the passenger’s size requirements. If no such seat is available, the passenger will be placed in the nearest standard seat, which is 16 inches wide.
Southwest’s stated justification is twofold: first, the company says the new rule will improve “overall safety” by ensuring seat‑belt straps fit properly for all passengers; second, it claims the rule will “help streamline our boarding process and reduce flight‑delays caused by last‑minute seat‑adjustments.”
How the policy affects plus‑size travelers
The direct cost to most plus‑size passengers is the $25 fee for an XL seat. In practice, that fee can add up quickly for frequent flyers, as many Southwest travelers book round‑trip tickets or use the airline’s Rapid Rewards program for discounted fares. The policy also raises a potential equity issue: smaller travelers who are unable to fit in a standard seat—whether due to a medical condition or simply a larger build—may be forced to pay for the extra seat or, worse, be bumped to a standard seat that could leave them uncomfortable or unsafe.
The policy’s rollout coincides with a broader industry trend. Delta Airlines, for instance, has been offering “Plus‑Size” seats on its jets for several years, but Southwest’s new rules are the first time a major low‑fare carrier has made such an upgrade mandatory. Airlines’ seat‑width data is increasingly regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA’s “Standard Airplane Seating” guidelines (linked in the Houston article) state that all seats must meet a minimum width of 17 inches for standard seating, and 19 inches for any seats intended for larger passengers. Southwest’s new policy brings it into full compliance with the FAA’s 2025 update.
What travelers can do
The Houston Public Media article offers several practical tips for those who anticipate having to navigate the new policy:
Book Early and Monitor Seat Availability
The earlier you book, the higher your chances of securing an XL seat without the $25 surcharge. Southwest’s “Seat‑Choice” system now allows you to pre‑select your seat if you pay the extra fee.Use the “Extra Legroom” Filter
When searching for flights on Southwest’s website, the search filter can now be set to show only flights with available XL seats. This feature is available in the “Flexible Dates” and “Advanced Search” sections.Call Southwest’s Customer Service
The airline’s 1‑800‑435‑9792 line remains the most reliable way to confirm seat type and size. Customer service representatives can also offer assistance for any medical or mobility accommodations.Bring a Tape Measure
Some travelers have found that having a quick tape measure on hand helps verify the seat width at the gate, especially if they’re traveling with luggage that might compress the seat.Consider a Travel Buddy or Companion
If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, you can share an XL seat for a single fee—an option that can reduce the overall cost per person.Check the Airline’s Policy Page
Southwest’s official policy page (linked in the Houston article) lists the precise wording of the new rules and the FAQs that address common concerns, such as “What if I cannot fit in a standard seat?”Explore Alternative Carriers
For those who feel the new policy is too restrictive, the article notes that airlines such as Alaska, JetBlue, and United offer more flexible seat‑size options, albeit with different fare structures.
The reaction
Southwest’s policy has drawn criticism from a range of voices. The American Association of Travel Agents (AATA) warned that the fee could “discourage frequent flyers” and reduce the airline’s appeal among younger, budget‑conscious travelers. Meanwhile, the “Plus‑Size Travelers Association,” a nonprofit that advocates for inclusive seating, released a statement urging Southwest to consider a more flexible, opt‑in approach rather than a mandatory fee.
Southwest’s CEO, David Anderson, addressed the backlash in a brief statement: “We understand that these changes may require an adjustment period. Our priority is to ensure safety, comfort, and an efficient boarding experience for all passengers.” He added that the airline would monitor the policy’s impact and be open to future revisions.
Bottom line
Southwest’s new seating policy represents a significant shift for plus‑size travelers, adding an extra $25 fee for an XL seat and tightening the airline’s seat‑assignment algorithm. While the policy may enhance safety compliance and boarding efficiency, it also raises questions about equity, affordability, and the airline’s long‑standing reputation for passenger comfort. Travelers who rely on standard seats or who travel frequently on Southwest will need to adapt by booking early, using the new seat‑choice tools, and staying informed through the airline’s official communications.
As the policy rolls out on September 1, the industry will watch closely to see whether other low‑fare carriers follow suit—or if a broader push for inclusive, flexible seating will emerge. For now, Southwest’s next‑year change serves as a reminder that even a “no‑bumps” airline can evolve—and that the seat width on your next flight might be just a little narrower than you remember.
Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/transportation/airports/2025/08/25/529444/southwest-airlines-new-policy-will-affect-plus-size-travelers-heres-how/ ]