07:39 AM EDT, 08/26/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) will require passengers who cannot be safely accommodated in a single seat to purchase in advance an additional seat starting Jan. 27, the carrier said in a policy update that will potentially affect plus-size travelers.

"Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available," the airline said, adding that the armrest is considered the boundary between seats.

Passengers who need an extra seat but did not buy so will be required to purchase an extra seat at the airport, the company said.

The airline currently allows plus-size passengers to request a free extra seat at the airport, or purchase an extra seat in advance and receive a refund, multiple news outlets reported Tuesday. Under the new policy, Southwest ( LUV ) said passengers will be eligible for a refund, subject to certain conditions.