Why This Southwest Airlines Policy Is Going Viral Right Now

Disney4me · December 14, 2023

Flying certainly isn’t always easy — and some airlines make it more difficult than most.

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Southwest Airlines

After holiday travel problems plagued Southwest Airlines in 2022, the company has been making efforts to streamline and improve its overall process. Keeping track of your luggage is now easier, and for some passengers, a more comfortable flight is on the horizon.

Southwest Airlines is being celebrated among TikTok users for its inclusion policy — specifically as it refers to “Customers of size,” according to Fox Business. The policy allows passengers to request complimentary seats depending on their specific needs.

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Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport

The extra seat policy can be found on the Southwest Airlines website and you can read it in full below:

“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.”

©Southwest

The website also indicates that this policy isn’t anything new — in fact, it’s been around for more than 30 years.

“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.”

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©Southwest

Plus-size travel expert and TikTok influencer Jae’lynn Chaney told Fox News Digital that the policy is “an important move” for the inclusion of plus-sized people.

Another TikTok travel blogger, Kimmy (@kimmystyled) shared a video of her at the Southwest booth, asking to use their “customer of size policy.” The employee handed Kimmy another ticket at no cost for an extra seat.

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A Magical Flight

Southwest encourages passengers to purchase an extra seat in advance to guarantee accommodations — and you’ll be refunded after submitting a request following your flight. You can also choose to not purchase a seat in advance and speak with a Southwest agent when checking in for your flight. They should be able to assist you with an extra seat and the documentation needed.

To view all the information about Southwest’s extra seat policy, visit their website by clicking this link.