Southwest Airlines will limit refund eligibility for plus-size passengers who purchase a second seat. Starting Jan. 2026, refunds will only be issued if flights have open seats and certain conditions are met—ending the airline’s long-standing goodwill approach.

Advocates say the move penalizes larger travelers and erodes accessibility, while industry analysts note it’s part of broader cost-cutting measures ahead of Southwest’s shift to assigned seating.

The airline insists the change will improve “fairness” and seating logistics, but critics argue it could discourage travel among customers who already face stigma and higher costs.