Southwest Airlines, widely regarded as one of the safest low-cost carriers in the world, will soon require passengers who cannot fit comfortably within a single seat’s armrests to purchase an additional seat in advance.

The policy, reported by ABC News, is part of a series of changes set to take effect on January 27, 2026.

Currently, larger passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance—with the option of a later refund—or request a free additional seat at the airport. Under the new rules, refunds for free additional seats will still be possible if available, but no longer guaranteed. Southwest says refunds will be issued if at least one additional seat is vacant at departure and both tickets were purchased in the same fare class. Passengers must submit refund requests within 90 days prior to the flight.

This change marks a further tightening of Southwest’s historically lenient policies. Until May 2025, the airline allowed passengers to choose seats after boarding and offered free checked baggage—benefits that distinguished it from other low-cost carriers.

Southwest’s new policy follows broader industry trends. Airlines are increasingly implementing rules affecting passenger experience, from extra fees to new seating arrangements. For example, in 2023, Turkish low-cost carrier Corendon Airlines introduced “child-free flights,” a move that drew mixed reactions. Solo travelers and business passengers welcomed the quiet environment, while families criticized the policy as discriminatory.

With these upcoming changes, Southwest is signaling a shift toward more structured seating and stricter guidelines for passengers needing additional space—balancing comfort, revenue, and operational efficiency.