Recently, Southwest Airlines rolled out a new policy that gives a free extra seat(s) to passengers who need extra room, News 6 partner WJXT-TV reports.
According to the policy, “Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) may proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat(s) is available.”
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Southwest Airlines stated the policy, “ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating,” but others have claimed that the policy “rewards obesity.”
We want to know: what are your thoughts on this new policy? Could you or someone you know benefit from this policy? Do you think this takes away from your flight experience? Let us know below.
FAQs from Southwest Airlines:
Purchasing a second seat in advance allows us to account for the inventory need and greatly helps reduce the likelihood of an oversale situation. Also, you may not want to be approached at the airport or have a conversation with an Agent about your seating needs—you may prefer to know you have the needed number of seats, and booking two gives you these options. We refund all extra seat purchases for a Customer of size, even if the flight oversells.
What is your policy for Customers of size?
Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) may proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat(s) is available. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats; the width of the narrowest and widest passenger seats (in inches) is available on our Flying Southwest page. The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating need and allows us to adequately plan for the number of occupied seats onboard. It also helps us ensure we can accommodate all Customers on the flight for which they purchased a ticket and avoid asking Customers to relinquish their seats for an unplanned accommodation. Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating. You may contact us for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel. If you prefer not to purchase an additional seat in advance, you have the option of purchasing just one seat and then discussing your seating needs with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate. If it’s determined that a second (or third) seat is needed, you’ll be accommodated with a complimentary additional seat.
Why is there a policy for Customers of size?
We’ve had a long-standing policy for more than 30 years designed to meet the seating needs of Customers who require more than one seat and protect the comfort and safety of everyone onboard.
How do I know if I need a second seat?
The armrest is the definitive gauge for a Customer of size. It serves as the boundary between seats. If you’re unable to lower both armrests and/or encroach upon any portion of a seat next to you, you need a second seat.
If I need a seatbelt extension, do I need to have a second seat?
Not necessarily. Our policy does not focus on weight, and the seatbelt extension is not the determining factor. You may use only one Southwest®-provided seatbelt extension during your flight.
Why purchase a second seat if I can get a complimentary second seat at the airport?
Purchasing a second seat in advance allows us to account for the inventory need and greatly helps reduce the likelihood of an oversale situation. Also, you may not want to be approached at the airport or have a conversation with an Agent about your seating needs—you may prefer to know you have the needed number of seats, and booking two gives you these options. We refund all extra seat purchases for a Customer of size, even if the flight oversells.
How should I check in if I’m a Customer of size who purchased an extra seat?
Check-in varies depending on your itinerary:
- Domestic U.S. Travel: You can check in online or at a self-service check-in kiosk to reserve your boarding positions, but you must see a Customer Service Agent to receive the required documents and be eligible for a refund after the flight.
- International Travel: Use online check-in ahead of time to secure a boarding position and visit the Ticket Counter or kiosk upon arrival at the airport to have your passport verified, receive boarding documents, and check luggage (if applicable).
- Entry into the United States: Anyone traveling into the U.S. from another country must provide contact tracing information Learn more about travel requirements here.
- Domestic U.S. and International Travel: See a Customer Service Agent at the gate to obtain a Reserved Seat Document and Refund Advice Slip for the additional seat(s) purchased.
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