Southwest Airlines Eases Overweight Passenger Rule—With a Catch

After months of criticism from travelers and advocacy groups, Southwest Airlines is reversing part of a policy that required larger passengers to pay upfront for a second seat. The airline announced that gate agents can once again provide an additional seat at no charge when two adjacent seats are available, marking a notable shift from rules introduced earlier this year.

According to CBS News, the updated policy changes a requirement that took effect in January, when Southwest began requiring passengers who needed extra space to purchase a second seat in advance. Under the revised approach, travelers who require additional room can still buy a second seat in advance, but airport staff can now assign one at the gate if space is available. If no adjacent seats remain, passengers may be moved to a later flight.

In a statement, Southwest said the adjustment is intended to create “a more consistent and seamless experience for customers who require an additional seat.” The decision was welcomed by the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), which had sharply criticized the January policy.

Executive Director Tigress Osborn said the airline “felt the pressure and responded” by restoring the option for personnel to assign an extra seat when one is available.

The debate over Southwest’s policy dates back to last year, when the airline announced that travelers who could not fit within a single seat's armrests would need to purchase additional seating in advance.

Critics argued the change created financial and logistical hurdles for larger passengers while reducing flexibility at the airport.

At the time, travel advisor Jason Vaughn warned the policy could make flying less comfortable for everyone by limiting access to extra seating options that had previously helped accommodate passengers of different sizes.