Southwest rolls back its overweight passenger policy. Here's what's changing.

Southwest Airlines is softening part of its 'customer of size' policy by offering a free second seat when two adjacent seats are available on a flight, reducing the financial burden for travelers who need extra room. Gate agents will arrange the extra seat at no charge, restoring a policy change from January that had required advance payment. If two adjacent seats are not available, the passenger will be rebooked on a later flight, and eligible refunds must be requested within 90 days of travel if both seats were booked in the same fare class. The airline advises travelers needing extra space to book in advance to minimize airport delays and ensure availability.

Southwest says the update aims for a more consistent, seamless experience for customers who require additional space while maintaining safety. The policy still uses the armrest as a dividing line and allows the airline to determine when extra seating is necessary for safety reasons. In the industry, Delta requires an extra paid seat for larger passengers, while United and American adopt similar practices. Advocacy groups welcomed the change as a step toward inclusivity and many travelers celebrated the removal of the upfront-purchase constraint.