This controversial Southwest Airlines change has some travelers upset: starting on this date they will have to pay extra

Southwest customers will notice a familiar seat distribution system replacing the unique “first-come, first-served” system that the airline used for nearly fifty years.

For those who have never flown with Southwest, the previous system might be a mystery. Instead of assigning ticketed passengers specific seats or allowing them to pay for seat selection, the airline let the first customers to check in board the plane first and choose their seats. For those who were diligent with their airline check-in, this system worked well. However, over the years, the airline reported receiving increasing criticism from customers.

“After listening carefully to customers and conducting extensive research, Southwest decided it will assign seats and offer premium seating options on all flights,” the company announced in July 2024.

Southwest noted that many customers found the previous seating system frustrating, particularly on “longer flights where a seat assignment is preferred.” While the system was regarded as one of the fastest ways to board passengers, it sometimes left customers with middle seats even when they would have paid to avoid them.

Another Policy Going Into Effect in January

More recently, the airline announced another change set to take effect in early 2026: passengers who require additional space will be charged for two seats instead of one. The policy applies to what the company refers to as “passengers of size,” and encourages these travelers to “proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available.” While this policy will require some passengers to pay more upfront, the cost of the second seat will be refunded after the flight is completed. This change goes into effect on January 26, 2026—the same date all passengers will be allowed to select their seats before boarding.

What Happens If Two Seats Aren’t Booked?

The company stated that passengers who do not purchase an additional seat in advance “will be required to purchase an additional seat and pay any applicable seat fee at the airport (at the applicable fare available on the day of travel).” If no extra seats are available, the airline will rebook the passenger on the next flight with two open seats. Refunds must be claimed within 90 days of the flight.

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