Southwest Airlines Praised For "Customer Of Size" Policy That Gives Passengers Complimentary Seat

Customers have the option to buy additional seats in advance and subsequently reach out to Southwest "for a refund of the cost of additional seating."

Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines is being praised for its "passengers of size" policy, which allows overweight travellers to request a complimentary seat to ensure they are comfortable on flights. Southwest's inclusion policy says that customers whose bodies "encroach" past the armrest are entitled to an extra seat. 

Southwest shared with Fox Business its policy, stating that passengers requiring additional space "can choose to buy a single seat initially and address their seating requirements with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate. If it's deemed necessary to have a second (or third) seat, the passenger will be provided with an extra seat at no additional cost." Subsequently, the flight team will make efforts to arrange seating, possibly rearranging other passengers for the "unplanned accommodation."

Alternatively, customers have the option to buy additional seats in advance and subsequently reach out to Southwest "for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel."