Southwest Airlines is looking for new resources, following the publication of less favourable financial results. Latest genius idea: force its "oversized" passengers to buy a second seat in advance. An idea which, in fact, reflects the end of "political correctness" and a more inclusive society in the United States.
So far, so good, Overweight passengers had the choice of paying for an extra seat when they booked, with the possibility of a refund at a later date. Or request one free of charge at the airport.
In a press release, Southwest explained that it wanted to "guarantee space". It has warned customers who have already used this policy that they will now have to purchase their extra seat when booking. Nonetheless, Southwest will continue to work with its customers to ensure that they have sufficient space, reimbursement will continue to be possible but will no longer be systematic.
A battered image among passengers
The company has already defined the terms of a potential refund. Southwest will return the money from the second ticket to the passenger if the flight is not sold out at departure. The passenger must also have purchased both seats in the same fare class. Finally, the refund must be claimed within 90 days of the flight. On the other hand, passengers who have not reserved an extra seat in advance will have to pay for it at the airport. If the aircraft is full, the passenger will be automatically transferred to another flight.
This new rule will come into force on 27 January 2026. It will coincide with another major change in the low-cost carrier's offer: the end of free seat selection with the introduction of seat allocation.
These decisions undermine Southwest's goodwill with passengers. Despite its low-cost status, the airline was reputed to offer its passengers numerous advantages.
In May, Southwest had already begun to cut back on its benefits. It had therefore removed the possibility of taking free of charge baggage in the hold. The company is continuing down the path of austerity. This strategy is gradually erasing what has been the essence of the brand for years.
