articleThe Brief Southwest Airlines is implementing a new seat policy for plus-size travelers beginning on Jan. 27, 2026. Under the new policy, passengers who can’t fit into a single seat will be required to buy an extra seat. How does this Southwest seating policy work? However, under the new Southwest policy , a refund is still available but may not be guaranteed. RELATED: Southwest Airlines’ baggage fee, other policies changing this weekUnder the new seat policy, Southwest will issue a refund for a second ticket for extra seating if the flight isn't fully booked at the time it's scheduled to leave.