All articles tagged with #seating policy
Despite a 42% profit decline in the first nine months of 2025, Southwest Airlines' stock has surged nearly 24%, driven by strategic initiatives like switching to assigned seating and offering extra legroom for a fee, which analysts believe will boost future earnings. The airline's transformation efforts and market optimism have led to a significant stock rally, even amid industry challenges and demand dips.
Southwest Airlines will require plus-size passengers to purchase an additional, nonrefundable seat starting January 27, 2026, unless both seats are bought within the same fare class, marking a change from their previous flexible policy.
Southwest Airlines will require passengers who encroach on neighboring seats to buy an extra ticket starting January 27, 2026, replacing their previous flexible options, which may impact plus-size travelers and loyal customers.
Southwest Airlines is changing its seating and refund policies for plus-size passengers, requiring them to purchase an extra seat at booking and no longer offering refunds for second seats on sold-out flights, which may make travel more expensive and difficult for some customers, especially those who rely on the airline's previous inclusive policies.
Southwest Airlines is offering plus-size passengers who have difficulty sitting comfortably in their seats the option to get an extra seat for free, if one is available. Passengers needing more space are advised to book two seats, and if there are empty seats on the plane, they will receive a refund for one of their two seats. This policy has been in place for over 30 years and aims to meet the seating needs of customers while ensuring comfort and safety for everyone onboard.
Southwest Airlines is receiving mixed reactions on social media for its "passengers of size" seating policy, which allows customers who cannot comfortably fit in one seat to either be seated next to an empty seat or purchase two tickets and get a refund later. The policy, in place for 30 years but recently popularized by a TikTok influencer, is based on whether any part of a passenger's body extends past the armrest. While some praise the policy, others criticize it for pandering to overweight individuals or being unfair to tall people. Critics also express concerns about potential abuse of the policy.