(NEXSTAR) – Southwest Airlines is putting stricter rules on a longstanding policy for plus-size passengers.

Beginning on Jan. 27, 2026, larger passengers who cannot be accommodated in a single plane seat will be required to purchase a second seat ahead of time, and then request a refund after the flight. Eligibility for a refund also depends on whether a number of specific conditions are met for the flight, including whether there were other unused seats on the plane.

“We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, Employees, and Customers for assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking,” a representative for Southwest wrote in a statement shared with Nexstar.

Currently, plus-size passengers are not required to purchase a second seat in advance, though it is recommended. (Additional seats for larger customers are provided free of charge “if space is available on the flight,” according to Southwest.) Refunds could be obtained after travel.

As of Jan. 27, however, customers must buy an extra seat and

© The Hill