Southwest Airlines has long been recognized for its unique policies that set it apart from other major carriers. Known for letting passengers pick their own seats and offering free checked bags, the airline has built a reputation as a customer-friendly brand. However, in a significant shift, the airline has announced a major update to its seating and booking rules. Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All, but it also comes with important changes that passengers must understand before flying.
The new rule, set to take effect on January 27, requires passengers who do not fit within the armrests of a standard seat to purchase an additional seat in advance. This move aligns with other policy updates the airline is implementing as it transitions to assigned seating—a major departure from its decades-long tradition of open boarding.
In this detailed breakdown, we’ll explore how Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All, what it means for plus-size passengers, and how it might affect the overall flying experience.
Why the Change?
Southwest explained in a statement that the new policy aims to create clarity and consistency for travelers. Currently, passengers requiring extra space can either request an additional seat at the airport for free or purchase one in advance with the option of later receiving a refund. However, this flexibility has sometimes led to uncertainty, overcrowding, or last-minute seat shortages.
With Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All, the airline is encouraging customers who know they will need additional seating to secure it when booking. While refunds may still be possible, they are no longer guaranteed. Refund eligibility will depend on whether the flight departs with available seats and whether both tickets were purchased in the same booking class.
The company’s reasoning is simple: as Southwest shifts to assigned seating, it needs a more structured process to ensure comfort, predictability, and fairness for all travelers.
The Five Steps of the New Policy
To make the update easier to understand, let’s break down how Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All:
- Advance Purchase Required – Travelers who cannot fit within one seat must now purchase an additional seat at the time of booking. This eliminates uncertainty at check-in or boarding.
- Refunds Still Possible, But Conditional – If the flight is not fully booked by departure time and both tickets are purchased under the same class, passengers may still request a refund within 90 days.
- Airport Enforcement – If a traveler does not purchase an extra seat in advance but requires one at the airport, they will be required to buy it on the spot.
- Rebooking for Full Flights – In cases where a flight is full and no extra seat is available, affected passengers will be rebooked on another flight.
- Integration with Assigned Seating – This policy coincides with the airline’s move toward assigned seating, making it easier to ensure comfort and prevent seating conflicts.
By formalizing these steps, Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All by balancing the needs of plus-size passengers with the expectations of the broader traveling public.
Impact on Plus-Size Travelers
For years, Southwest was seen as one of the more accommodating airlines for plus-size travelers. The ability to request a complimentary extra seat at the airport provided comfort without added stress. Now, with Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All, plus-size passengers are encouraged to plan ahead by securing their seats in advance.
Some advocates worry that the change may feel like a setback. Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent and creator of “Fat Travel Tested,” expressed concern that the shift could make flying more stressful. He argued that Southwest’s current policy gave passengers confidence and ensured comfort. With stricter refund conditions, he fears the change could feel more like a penalty than a benefit.
Still, from the airline’s perspective, Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All by ensuring that passengers who need more space can count on having it, rather than risking a denial at the airport.
A Broader Shift in Southwest’s Identity
This update comes at a time when Southwest is reevaluating its brand identity. The airline was once celebrated for its quirky, customer-first perks: open seating, free bags, and low-cost fares. However, in recent years, Southwest has introduced additional fees and restrictions to boost revenue. For example, it now charges for extra legroom and plans to offer red-eye flights in response to investor pressure.
For loyalists like Vaughn, these moves are disappointing. He likened the changes to a brand losing touch with its core values, saying, “They have no idea anymore who their customer is. They have no identity left.”
Nonetheless, the airline maintains that Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All, ensuring a smoother and more predictable travel experience as it prepares to compete with rivals who have long operated under assigned seating systems.
Passenger Reactions
Early reactions to Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All have been mixed. Some travelers welcome the clarity, pointing out that the old system created last-minute confusion for both passengers and staff. By purchasing seats in advance, everyone knows what to expect.
Others argue that the policy puts an additional financial burden on plus-size passengers and diminishes one of the airline’s most customer-friendly offerings. For families and groups traveling with someone who needs extra seating, the costs could add up quickly.
Still, Southwest emphasizes that refunds are possible and insists that the policy will reduce stress at the airport by eliminating uncertainty.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Travelers
As of January 27, passengers booking flights with Southwest will need to keep the new rule in mind. Here are some key takeaways:
- Book Early: If you require extra space, purchase your additional seat at booking to avoid surprises.
- Check Refund Rules: Refunds are possible but not automatic. Make sure both tickets are booked under the same fare class.
- Plan for Assigned Seating: The end of open seating is a major change. Be ready for more structured boarding.
- Budget Accordingly: For frequent flyers who need extra space, factor in the cost of an additional seat when planning travel.
With these adjustments, Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All—but it also requires passengers to adapt to a more structured and possibly costlier system.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines is entering a new era with assigned seating and more structured rules for passengers requiring extra space. While the policy represents a shift from its famously relaxed approach, the airline insists that Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All by creating a smoother, more predictable flying experience.
For some passengers, the changes may feel like a loss of flexibility. For others, they may bring peace of mind knowing that comfort is guaranteed if planned in advance. Either way, January 27 will mark a turning point in how travelers experience one of America’s most iconic budget airlines.
As the airline faces growing competition and investor demands, one thing is clear: Southwest’s New 5-Step Policy Brings More Comfort to All, but it also signals that the Southwest of the future may look very different from the Southwest of the past.