Southwest is reworking how passengers book and sit on its flights. Starting January 27, 2026, plus-size travellers who can’t comfortably fit within a single seat will need to purchase an additional one when booking, or risk being rebooked if the flight is full.

The new rule takes effect the same day Southwest ends its long-running tradition of open seating. For decades, the airline stood out for its no-frills approach — passengers picked their own seats, bags flew free, and the vibe was more casual than its rivals. But the budget carrier has been chipping away at those hallmarks as it scrambles to boost revenue.

In a statement Monday, the airline said it was “updating some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year.”

“To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” Southwest said.

Until now, larger passengers could either buy an extra ticket in advance with the option of getting a refund later, or simply request one free at the airport. That free option disappears in January.

Refunds are still possible under the new rules, but the bar is higher: the second ticket will only be reimbursed if there was at least one open seat when the flight departed, both tickets were purchased in the same fare class, and the refund is requested within 90 days.

If a passenger shows up without booking the extra seat, they’ll have to buy one at the airport. If the plane is full, Southwest says they’ll be rebooked on a later flight.

The policy change comes as Southwest faces heat from activist investors and works to reverse financial stumbles. The airline has already started charging for extra legroom and plans to launch red-eye flights. Its once-beloved free baggage perk ended in May.

– Ends

With inputs from Associated Press