Southwest’s extra seat policy changed in 2026 as the airline moved from open seating to assigned seating.
For travelers who need more than one seat, understanding the current policy before booking matters. The availability of adjacent seats can affect whether you are able to travel on your originally scheduled flight, and refunds for an extra seat purchased in advance are subject to specific conditions.
Here is what travelers should know about Southwest’s current Customer of Size and extra seat policy.
How the Southwest Extra Seat Policy Works
Southwest considers the armrest the definitive boundary between seats. According to the airline’s current policy, a Customer who encroaches upon a neighboring seat may need to occupy two adjacent seats.
If you know that you will need more than one seat, Southwest strongly recommends purchasing the additional seat before travel so that adjacent seats can be secured.
This is particularly important under assigned seating because waiting until you arrive at the airport does not guarantee that two adjacent seats will still be available.
Why Booking the Extra Seat in Advance Matters
Purchasing the additional seat in advance gives Southwest the opportunity to arrange adjacent seating before travel rather than trying to accommodate it at the airport.
Depending on the fare purchased, seat selection may be available during booking. If the fare does not include seat selection, Southwest advises Customers who have purchased an additional seat to contact the airline for assistance with adjacent seat assignments.
If adjacent seats are not available on the original flight or within the applicable fare class when Southwest is contacted, the airline says the Customer will be rebooked on another flight where adjacent seating is available.
What Happens If You Arrive Without an Extra Seat
If you arrive at the airport without an extra seat and Southwest determines that you need one, the outcome depends on whether adjacent seats are available.
If Adjacent Seats Are Available
Southwest says it will accommodate the Customer with a complimentary extra seat. This may require a change in seat type, including placement in a lower seat category.
If Adjacent Seats Are Not Available
If the flight is full or two adjacent seats aren’t available, Southwest says the Customer will be rebooked on another flight with available adjacent seating.
If the need for an additional seat is determined after boarding, the Customer may need to deplane so that rebooking can be arranged.
For travelers with connections, scheduled events, cruise departures, or other time-sensitive plans, that possibility makes advance planning particularly important.
When an Extra Seat May Be Refunded
Travelers who purchase an additional seat in advance may request a refund for that extra seat after completing travel, but the refund is not automatic.
Southwest currently lists three important conditions:
- The flight must have departed with at least one open seat or with passengers traveling on space-available passes
- Both seats should be purchased in the same fare class
- The refund request must be submitted within 90 days of travel
Because these conditions can affect whether the additional seat qualifies for a refund, travelers should understand the policy before deciding how to book.
How Assigned Seating Changed the Process
Southwest moved to assigned seating for flights beginning January 27, 2026, ending its longstanding open-seating system.
The airline now offers Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seating, with seat-selection benefits varying by fare type, Rapid Rewards status, and certain Southwest credit card benefits.
That makes the extra-seat process different from the Southwest experience many longtime travelers remember. Instead of relying on the open-seating boarding process, travelers who need adjacent seats should account for that need while making their reservation.
What Travelers Should Do Before Booking
- Determine whether you will need more than one seat before purchasing your ticket
- Purchase the additional seat in advance when needed
- Make sure the required seats are arranged together
- Understand the conditions that apply to an extra-seat refund
- Allow additional planning consideration when the flight connects to a cruise, tour, event, or other time-sensitive travel arrangement
- Review Southwest’s current policy before travel because airline policies can change
Airline policies are only one part of a larger trip, but they can have an outsized effect when they influence whether a traveler can take the flight originally planned.
Understanding the policy before booking gives you more opportunity to make arrangements that fit your needs rather than addressing the issue at the airport.
Review Southwest’s Current Policy
Because airline policies can change, travelers should verify the current requirements directly with Southwest before booking or traveling.
