Southwest Airlines has been undergoing multiple changes throughout this past year, and many of them have not been popular with consumers.

They got rid of their policy that would allow passengers two free checked bags, and they’re also assigning seats for the first time beginning in 2026. However, now another change has just hit the airline that we have a feeling many passengers won’t be happy with.

According to The New York Times, Southwest Airlines is now changing another long-standing policy beginning January 27th, 2026. From that point on, “the airline will require passengers who ‘encroach upon the neighboring seat’ to proactively purchase an additional ticket, which might not be refunded.”

Previously, Southwest’s policy was that passengers could either pay the cost of an extra seat ahead of time, BUT later receive a refund, or they could show up at the airport and request an extra seat at no charge. These inclusive policies made the airline the preferred airline for many plus-size passengers. However, now a second seat will not be refunded “unless the flight departs with at least one open seat and both seats are purchased within the same fare class.” Passengers will also be required to purchase this other seat in advance of their trip; showing up to the airport and requesting an additional seat will no longer be allowed.

Tigress Osborn, the executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, called the change devastating and said, “Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying…And now that beacon has gone out.” She also mentioned that many plus-size passengers are already hesitant to fly due to the threat of harassment on board.

Kaycee Bivens, a South Carolina travel agent who works exclusively with plus-size passengers, pointed out that the additional cost may mean fewer customers for Southwest, stating, “If you’re already budgeting and now you’ve got to add $300 to $400 to your budget, that may mean [less] travelers.” Additionally, she pointed out that while this change further aligns Southwest with other airlines in their policy similarities, Southwest’s policy, “was not just an industry leader but an example to other industries that accommodating people in the body they have today is an important business practice.”

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest travel news so you can feel prepared when you fly, so stay tuned to DFB.

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How do you feel about this change? Tell us in the comments!

The post NEWS: Southwest Announces Another Seating Policy Change first appeared on the disney food blog.