Major airline sparks fury after making expensive change for larger passengers

A popular airline has made huge changes for plus sized passengers - and people aren't happy. Southwest Airlines has announced a new role for larger passengers, which could see their ticket prices more expensive.

Southwest is a major airline in the United States, and for those who can't find within the armrests of their seat will need to soon book an additional seat before they fly.

It comes as a rollout of new changes coming into effect on January 27 2026, including pre-assigned seats. At the moment, plus-sized travellers who may need extra room can purchase an additional seat upfront and apply for a refund after flying, or request a complimentary seat at the airport.

READ MORE: You need laser-sharp vision to find 5 hidden microphones in baffling brainteaser

READ MORE: You are 'highly attentive' if you can spot sewing machine in colourful scene

One of the biggest changes to this will mean refunds may still be possible, but not always guaranteed which could result in passengers facing higher upfront costs without the certainty of getting their money back.

In a statement released by the airline, they said: "To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking." It goes against what the airline was previously known for as being traveller-friendly and operating a 'customer-first approach' according to Metro.

These perks, which also included open seating at boarding and a generous free baggage allowance are slowly disappearing as the free baggage was stopped in May, and the rules around seats getting stricter.

The refunds for plus-sized passengers will only be granted if at least one seat on the flight was empty at departure and if both tickets were purchased in the same booking class. In other words, passengers can no longer assume that an extra seat will automatically qualify for a refund.

In order to get their money back, passengers will need to request a refund within 90 days of their flight. In a bid to still protect the promise for flexibility for passengers, it may still hike up costs for people being asked to pay hundreds upfront without the certainty of getting it reimbursed - and if it's a fully booked flight, they will be turned away and booked onto the next available flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, told AP: "I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody."

Tigress Osborn, chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance told the New York Times: "Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying. And now that beacon has gone out."

Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com