Southwest Airlines Just Changed Their Extra Seat Policy — And Your Wallet Might Feel the Difference
If you’ve ever needed a little more room on a flight or had to purchase an extra seat due to size or comfort, listen up: Southwest Airlines has officially updated its “extra seat” policy, and there’s a new rule that could either save you a headache or cost you cash. Starting immediately, passengers who require a second seat for “customer of size” or medical reasons no longer need to buy that extra ticket in advance and wait for a refund. Instead, Southwest will now issue a full refund for the extra seat **automatically** after the flight, but only if the plane isn’t sold out. If the flight is full? You’re out of luck — and that second seat still stays charged to your credit card. The real kicker? The airline is now asking travelers to self-declare a need for extra space at the gate, and if a boarding agent disagrees, you could be forced to buy an extra seat on the spot. For the average traveler, this means less flexibility and more risk of unexpected fees if you’re flying during a holiday rush or peak times. Bottom line: book early, check flight loads, or risk paying double for a single trip.