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Southwest Airlines updates customer of size policy amid seating changes

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Southwest Airlines updates customer of size policy amid seating changes
Policy
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Airbus A380 | Airbus

Southwest Airlines has maintained a notable policy for 'Customers of Size,' allowing larger passengers to purchase an additional seat and receive a refund later. This process is straightforward, as passengers only need to select an extra adult fare and request a refund after the journey.

For over five decades, Southwest's open seat policy has allowed passengers to choose their seats upon boarding. Customers of Size can board early to select two suitable seats. However, this policy will change next year, potentially affecting the Customer of Size procedure.

A Customer of Size is defined by Southwest as any passenger who "encroaches upon any part of the neighboring seat," with armrests serving as boundaries. Passengers needing an empty seat must purchase it during booking and will be refunded regardless of flight load.

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Booking involves selecting travel details and adding an extra adult seat if needed. The additional seat should be under the second passenger's name, marked with 'XS' in the middle name field. Alternatively, passengers can discuss their needs with a gate agent at the airport for a spare seat free of charge if available.

Concerns have been raised about how Southwest's new assigned seating policy might impact its Customer of Size policy. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) expressed that while Southwest currently has "the best policy in the country for plus-size passengers," changes may complicate matters.

Other US airlines have varying policies for larger passengers. Alaska Airlines reimburses costs only on non-full flights; Allegiant assigns two seats together without extra charges but does not refund; American and United offer second seats at original prices without refunds; JetBlue provides larger "Even More Space" seats without a specific Customer of Size policy.

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