Heads Up Michigan – Southwest Changing Rules for Bigger Passengers

Southwest Airlines is creating quite the buzz lately as they just dropped a new rule that feels like a slap in the face for bigger travelers.

Get this: If you’re overweight and spill over into the seat next to you, Southwest says you’re going to have to pay for another one. The armrest is now the official divider, and if it can’t go down all the way, that means you need two seats.

While it might feel like a slap in the face and even a little embarrassing, it’s only fair to the other passengers. I mean, it’s not right to be taking up space in a seat that someone else paid for.

Southwest wants passengers to go ahead and buy that extra seat when they book, so there’s no drama at the airport. If you show up without it, you’ll be told to buy it right there. And if the plane is already full, you’re not getting on. They’ll bump you to a later flight with more open space.

Can You Get a Refund for Southwest’s Extra Seat Policy?

There is one small silver lining here. If you pay for two seats and the plane isn’t full, you can request a refund within 90 days. Not exactly a huge win, but it’s something.

All of this ties into another big change. According to MLive, Southwest is finally saying goodbye to its open seating policy. You know how you just board in groups and scramble for whatever seat you can grab? Well, that’s going away

When Will Bigger Passengers Have to Buy Extra Seats on Southwest?

The new rule kicks in on January 27, 2026. That’s the same day Southwest is ditching its open seating policy. Until then, larger travelers can still ask for a second seat at no extra charge if there’s room on the flight. However, once the new system kicks in, that free option is gone.