Southwest Airlines Just Changed Its Extra Seat Policy — and It Could Save You Hundreds
If you've ever needed two seats on a Southwest flight due to your size or a medical device, get ready to check your wallet. The airline just rolled out a long-awaited southwest extra seat policy update that makes requesting a complimentary second seat easier than ever. Starting now, passengers who need extra space can pre-board and claim an adjacent seat for free, but here's the catch: if you don't ask at the gate, you could end up paying full price at the last minute. The new rule also means no more awkward confrontations with flight attendants or scrambling to buy a second ticket online. For the average flier, this could save you up to $500 on a roundtrip, but only if you know the exact wording to use at check-in. The airline is also tightening the refund process for those who buy an extra seat and find they don't need it — so read the fine print or risk losing that cash.