Southwest says it will still refund a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure, and if both of the passenger’s tickets were purchased in the same booking class. The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

Southwest Airlines has unveiled stricter seating rules for “customers of size” that could change how travelers book their flights.

Southwest Airlines is changing its longstanding policy for plus-sized passengers beginning next year. Starting Jan. 27, 2026, the same day Southwest will begin offering assigned seating on flights, customers who “encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)” should purchase the number of seats they need prior to traveling if they want to secure the seat next to them,