Southwest’s Seating Shake-Up: No Room for Surprises
Southwest Airlines has long maintained a “Customer of Size” policy, but beginning January 27, 2026, the rules get sharper. PSouthwest Airlines has long maintained a “Customer of Size” policy, but beginning January 27, 2026, the rules get sharper. The airline will move from open seating to assigned seating, and with that comes stricter requirements: passengers who encroach on a neighboring seat must purchase an additional seat in advance. The airline defines the armrest as the boundary line.
