Southwest Airlines reverses extra-seat policy, offers free second seat to passengers needing more space
By
Andrea Sachs
2d ago· 1 min readenNews
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Summary
Southwest Airlines has reversed its stricter extra-seat policy after backlash from the plus-size community. The new policy, effective immediately, allows passengers needing extra space (larger customers or people with disabilities) to receive a free adjacent seat at the boarding gate, instead of requiring them to purchase the seat and request a refund within 90 days.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledSouthwest Airlines, which received backlash from the plus-size community earlier this year when it tightened its extra-seat policy, has loosened restrictions on securing a second adjacent seat.
The amended rule, which goes into effect immediately, allows passengers who require additional space for safety reasons, such as larger customers or people with a disability, to receive a free neighboring seat at the boarding gate.
The previous rule required passengers to purchase the additional seat and request a refund within 90 days of travel.
For passengers who need more room, the airline will again offer a second seat for free instead of requiring them to purchase one.
