Southwest revises its overweight passenger rules. Here's what's changing.

MoneyWatch Southwest rolls back its overweight passenger policy. Here's what's changing. .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Megan Cerullo Megan Cerullo Reporter, MoneyWatch Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting. Read Full Bio Megan Cerullo May 29, 2026 / 11:25 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Southwest Airlines has rolled back part of its divisive policy requiring overweight passengers to buy two tickets on flights when they require a second seat because of their size. Under the budget carrier's revised rules, Southwest gate agents will arrange a free second seat for passengers who need the extra room on flights where two adjoining seats are available.After an earlier rule change in January, Southwest required people needing a second seat to book and pay for it in advance. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, an advocacy group, criticized the policy as "more restrictive."The new update aims to promote "a more consistent and seamless experience for customers who require an additional seat," Southwest said in a statement to CBS News. When two adjacent seats aren't available on a flight, larger passengers will be rebooked on a later flight, the airline said. To avoid inconveniences at the airport, Southwest continues to encourage passengers who need more space to book an additional seat in advance.Once travel is completed, eligible passengers can request a refund for the extra seat by submitting a request to Southwest within 90 days of travel. To qualify, the flight must have departed with at least one open seat, and both seats must have been booked in the same fare class. Who needs a second seat?Southwest explains in its "customers of size" policy that passengers "who encroach upon...