A few years back we told you about a new policy from Southwest Airlines.
That was December of 2023.
Fast-forward to today, and Southwest has reversed course...
No longer will "customers of size" (as Southwest calls them) be entitled to an extra seat at no charge. They'll now have to pay for a second seat like everybody else.
From Southwest's "Customers of Size" page:
Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available.
...
If you did not purchase an additional seat in advance and our Employees determine that a second seat is needed:
You will be required to purchase an additional seat and pay any applicable seat fee at the airport (at the applicable fare available on the day of travel).
If the flight is sold out or adjacent seats are not available on your flight, we will rebook you on an alternate flight to your destination on which adjacent seats are available.
Essentially, you'll be required to purchase a second seat if you don't fit in just one. And that, sorry to say, is what fairness looks like.
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