Flying while fat is stressful. Honestly, there is no other way to put it. Between the narrow aisles, the judgmental glances from fellow passengers, and the physical anxiety of whether or not you'll actually fit into a 17-inch seat, it’s a lot to handle. Most airlines make you feel like a burden. They charge you double just for existing in a larger body. But then there is the Southwest Airlines plus-size policy, officially known as the "Customer of Size" policy. It is, quite frankly, the gold standard for inclusive travel, even if it feels a little confusing the first time you try to use it.
You’ve probably heard horror stories about people being kicked off planes or forced to buy a second seat at the gate for three times the original price. Southwest does things differently. They actually give you the extra space for free. Yeah, you read that right. Free.
How the Customer of Size Policy Actually Works
The Southwest Airlines plus-size policy is built on a pretty simple premise: if you need more than one seat, you should have it. Southwest defines a "Customer of Size" as anyone whose body extends past the armrest. If you can’t lower the armrest comfortably, you qualify.
Now, here is where people get tripped up. There are two ways to handle this. You can either buy two seats upfront and ask for a refund later, or you can just show up at the airport and ask for the second seat at the check-in counter.
If you choose the second option, it’s free right then and there. If the flight isn't sold out, the gate agent just hands you a "Seat Reserved" document. You take that onto the plane, place it on the seat next to you, and boom—you have a buffer. But what if the flight is oversold? This is the part that surprises people. Southwest will still honor the policy. They might have to bump a standby passenger or offer a voucher to someone else to make room for your extra seat. They prioritize your safety and comfort over squeezing every last cent out of the cabin.
It’s about safety, really. If an emergency happens, a passenger who is "encroaching" on their neighbor might hinder an evacuation. By ensuring everyone has enough physical space, the airline keeps the whole cabin safer. Plus, it’s just more dignified. Nobody wants to spend a four-hour flight from Nashville to Vegas apologizing for their shoulders touching a stranger.
The Pro Move: Booking Two Seats in Advance
While you can just show up, most frequent flyers who use the Southwest Airlines plus-size policy suggest booking two seats ahead of time. It’s safer. It guarantees the space is there.
When you book online, you literally buy two tickets. You put your name in for the first ticket (e.g., John Doe) and then for the second ticket, you use your name again but with "XS" as the middle name (e.g., John XS Doe). This signals the system that this is a "Extra Seat."
Yes, you have to pay the money upfront. That’s the catch. But after your trip is over, you contact Southwest, and they refund the cost of the second seat. Even if the flight was completely full, they give you that money back. It’s a bit of a financial hurdle for some, but it removes the "will they or won't they" anxiety at the gate.
Real Talk About Seat Belts and Extenders
Let’s talk about the gear. Southwest seats are generally about 17.5 inches wide. On the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, the padding is a bit thinner, which some people find uncomfortable, but the width remains standard for the industry.
If you need a seatbelt extender, just ask. You don’t need to bring your own. In fact, most airlines (Southwest included) technically don't allow you to use your own FAA-unapproved extenders for safety reasons. Just lean into the galley and ask a flight attendant for one as you board. They do this a hundred times a day. They won't make a scene.
Why Other Airlines Won't Copy This
You might wonder why Delta or United hasn't followed suit. It’s mostly about the business model. Southwest has an open seating policy. No assigned seats. This makes the "Reserved Seat" placard system work seamlessly. On an airline with assigned seats, moving people around to accommodate a Customer of Size becomes a logistical nightmare for the gate agents.
Southwest’s culture also plays a role. They’ve stuck by this policy for decades despite occasional pushback from people who think it’s "unfair" that larger people get more space for the same price. But travel isn't always "fair" in the way we think. Tall people get cramped legs. Short people can't reach the overhead bins. Providing a second seat for a larger person is a common-sense solution to a physical reality.
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Navigating the Airport Experience
The "Customer of Size" journey starts at the kiosk. If you didn't pre-book an extra seat, you'll need to see an agent at the full-service counter. Don't be shy. Just say, "I’d like to use the Customer of Size policy."
The agent will give you a special boarding pass and a "Seat Reserved" sleeve. This is your golden ticket. It also grants you Pre-boarding.
Pre-boarding is huge. It means you get on the plane before the "A Group." You can pick a seat that makes sense for you—usually toward the middle or back of the plane where you aren't blocking the flow of traffic during the boarding process. You put your "Reserved" sign on the middle seat, sit in the window or aisle, and relax.
- Tip: Don't sit in the exit row. If you need a seatbelt extender or have an extra seat, you are legally not allowed to sit there.
- Pro Tip: If someone tries to sit in your reserved seat (it happens, people don't always read the signs), just politely point to the placard. If they give you a hard time, the flight attendants have your back. They are trained to enforce this.
Dealing With the "What Ifs"
What if the flight is full and you didn't pre-book?
Honestly, this is the only time it gets risky. If the flight is literally 100% full and there are people waiting at the gate, Southwest still tries to accommodate you, but you might be delayed to the next available flight if they can't make the math work. This is why the "Book Two Seats and Refund" method is the gold standard.
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What about the refund process?
It isn't instant. You have to wait until the flight is completed. Then, you can send an email or call their customer service line. Most people find that the refund hits their card within 5 to 10 business days. It’s pretty efficient for a major corporation.
The Emotional Side of the Southwest Airlines Plus-Size Policy
We can talk about logistics all day, but the real value here is emotional. Traveling while plus-size often feels like an exercise in making yourself as small as possible. You pull your arms in. You sit at an angle. You hold your breath when a stranger walks down the aisle looking for a seat.
Southwest removes that. They are basically saying, "We see you, and we have space for you." It changes the entire vibe of the trip. You can actually enjoy the pretzels. You can read a book without your neighbor's hip pressing against yours.
Is it perfect? No. You still have to deal with the public nature of the request. You still have to have the awkward "XS" conversation with an agent sometimes. But compared to the alternative—paying $800 for two seats on a different carrier with no hope of a refund—it’s a miracle.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Flight
If you're planning to use the Southwest Airlines plus-size policy, don't just wing it. A little preparation goes a long way in making the day go smoothly.
- Decide on your budget. If you can afford to float the cost of a second seat for two weeks, book it online using the "XS" middle name trick. It guarantees your peace of mind.
- Check in 24 hours early. Even if you have an extra seat, you still want a decent boarding position for your "primary" seat, though pre-boarding usually negates this.
- Head to the ticket counter, not the kiosk. Kiosks can't always print the "Seat Reserved" documents. Talk to a human.
- Use the Pre-boarding. When the agent calls for passengers who need extra time or assistance, that’s you. Don't feel guilty. You are helping the flight stay on schedule by getting settled early.
- Keep your receipts. After you land, immediately send a message to Southwest via their website to start the refund process for your "XS" seat. Mention your confirmation number and that it was a Customer of Size booking.
The reality is that Southwest is one of the few companies that treats physical size as a logistical reality rather than a moral failing. Using this policy isn't "gaming the system"—it is using a service designed to make the skies friendlier for everyone. If you need the space, take it. The policy exists for a reason, and the crew is more than used to it. Safe travels.