First Southwest Airlines took away free checked bags, then they did away with their open seating policy. Now, the company has announced yet another new policy that has the internet talking.
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Southwest will now require passengers who don’t fit within the armrests of the seat to pay for an additional seat in advance, the airline announced Monday (Aug. 25). This is a stark change from the company’s previous policy allowing plus-sized customers to have additional seats for free, and it might be surprising just how many people online are celebrating the change.
“I support this,” @TeaTheDeveloper said on X. “Think what you want but everyone gets to benefit from this requirement.”
Another user, @JohnnyLoveless, agreed saying, “It had to be done.” He even added, “There’s nothing more uncomfortable than sitting next to a really obese person on an airplane.” But while some folks are calling this a win, others fear Southwest could be succumbing to fat phobia.
“Fat shaming??” @DonP757 wrote in disbelief. In the airline’s defense, they wouldn’t be the first company to require plus sized guests to pay for an extra seat on the plane. In fact, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines are just a few of the companies requiring guests to be able to fit between the armrests or be able to buckle their seatbelt without hassle, TIME Magazine reported in 2023.
Southwest stood as one of the few airlines willing to accommodate plus sized guests for free. Now, that policy is out the window starting Jan. 2026. This, however, could have detrimental effects on the company’s reputation, which was known to be a cheaper, more accommodating flying option.
“Southwest Airlines finnaaa lose some money,” @__NaeSF declared on X. “Getting rid of open seating, free checked bags and plus size people will have to buy two seats. Smh.” As we previously reported, the internet practically dragged Southwest when the company announced changes to their free seating and checked bags policies.
Others online are curious about how exactly the airline will enforce this new policy. @SheAintBigTay2 asked, “I wonder how they are defining plus size…cause wouldn’t that be profiling?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, one in three American adults are overweight. A statement from Southwest said, “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.”
@kainejohnson18 had a suggestion for the airline. “Instead of making plus-size passengers buy 2 seats, why not redesign planes with a few wider seats at a fair price? More inclusive.”
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