Southwest Airlines Rewrites The Rules: Here's What You Need To Know About The Southwest Extra Seat Policy Update
- The biggest change: Southwest now allows passengers who need extra space to book an additional seat in advance for free. Previously, you had to request it at the gate or pay out-of-pocket on a second reservation. The new policy covers the extra seat cost, making travel more accessible and less stressful for those with specific medical needs or larger body sizes.
- How to claim it: You must call Southwest’s customer service directly before your flight to request the "extra seat" under the new medical accommodation policy. Online booking systems don't yet support this feature, so a phone call is required for proper documentation and seat assignments.
- What it looks like at the gate: The extra seat will be blocked off and marked as "Seat Reserved for Customer Comfort" on the flight manifest. This prevents other passengers from booking it, but also means you must have a valid reason. Southwest will ask for minimal paperwork—typically a brief verbal confirmation of need, not a doctor's note (unless it's a specific safety concern).
- Who qualifies beyond body size: The policy isn’t just about weight. It covers anyone who needs extra space due to medical devices (like casts or oxygen tanks), mobility challenges that require sprawling, or conditions causing swelling/flinching (e.g., post-surgery). The key factor is that the standard seat width (17.8 inches) is insufficient for safe, comfortable travel.
- What hasn't changed: Southwest still does not require customer weight checks or BMI disclosures. The airline strongly recommends booking the extra seat early for your return flight too, as blocking can't be done on the day of travel. If you skip the call and just show up, you’ll risk being turned away or paying full fare for a last-minute seat.