Southwest Airlines wants plus-size travelers, and those next to them, to be more comfortable on its flights, and is offering a free extra seat to those who can’t fit within the armrests.
Under the policy, travelers are asked to book and pay for two seats, and then receive a refund for the extra seat when they check in at the airport. The airline says it will regard any reservation for two seats by one traveler as a request for the service.
The policy is based on size, rather than weight; passengers qualify for a free ticket if any part of their body extends past their seat’s armrest. “The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats,” the policy states. “If you’re unable to lower both armrests and/or encroach upon any portion of a seat next to you, you need a second seat.”
