Southwest Airlines' other new policy: Big people must buy an extra seat

"Under the changes instituted Tuesday, Jan. 27, customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat are told they should buy more than one seat at the time of booking. If Southwest's staffers determine that a passenger who has bought a single seat requires extra space, the passenger will have to pay the day-of-travel fare for another seat or, if the flight is fully booked, will be bumped to another flight."

"In determining if a passenger fits in a seat, Southwest's policy says, the armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary. The new rule is a big shift from Southwest's previous customer of size policy, which was considered one of the industry's most friendly toward large passengers. Previously, the purchase of an extra seat was at the passenger's discretion and they could get a refund for it even if the flight was completely full."

Southwest Airlines changed its policy so passengers who encroach on a neighboring seat must buy an extra seat at booking or pay the day-of-travel fare, with staff using the armrest as the definitive boundary for fit. If a passenger needs extra space and the flight is fully booked, the passenger may be bumped to another flight; if space exists, an extra-seat purchaser can apply for a refund. The change replaces a previous customer-of-size policy that allowed optional extra seats and refunds even on full flights. The policy shift followed earlier high-profile incidents and drew criticism from advocates for large passengers.

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