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Flying While Fat: What New Airline Seating Policies Mean for Plus-Size Travelers

Flying While Fat: What New Airline Seating Policies Mean for Plus-Size Travelers

By Phatabulous Magazine Staff





For decades, plus-size travelers have navigated air travel with quiet strategy—booking aisle seats, flying during off-peak hours, bracing for side-eyes, and hoping for compassion from airline staff. But beginning in 2026, those strategies may no longer be enough.

A major shift in airline seating policies—sparked by changes at Southwest Airlines—has reignited national conversations about body size, accessibility, dignity, and the true cost of mobility for plus-size people.

The End of a Longstanding Policy

For more than 20 years, Southwest’s “Customers of Size” policy allowed passengers who encroached on a neighboring seat to book an additional seat and receive a refund after travel, provided certain conditions were met. Armrests were defined as the “clear boundary” between seats, and passengers could work with gate agents if they hadn’t booked in advance.

Starting January 27, 2026, that policy changes.

Under the new rules:

  • Plus-size travelers must purchase two seats upfront

  • Refunds will only be issued if the flight does not sell out

  • Fewer protections exist if the flight is full

  • Travelers are encouraged to avoid “last-minute rebooking at the airport”

While seatbelt extensions remain available, many advocates argue that the emotional and financial burden has shifted squarely onto the passenger.

As Jeff Jenkins, founder of Chubby Diaries, noted, this policy feels like a quiet rollback of inclusion—one that may discourage plus-size travelers from flying altogether.

What About Other Airlines?

Southwest’s policy change has prompted renewed scrutiny of how other U.S. airlines treat plus-size passengers—and the results are mixed.

  • United Airlines requires passengers to purchase a second seat, typically at the same fare as the first.

  • Spirit Airlines mandates an extra seat if armrests cannot be fully lowered.

  • Frontier Airlines follows a similar armrest-based policy.

  • American Airlines advises purchasing a second seat during booking, though adjacent seating is not guaranteed.

  • Alaska Airlines allows passengers to request a refund for the second seat if an empty seat remains available after boarding. Economy seats average 17 inches wide, while first class offers about 21 inches.

  • Allegiant Air requires an additional ticket if a passenger encroaches on another seat—and if the flight sells out, travelers may be denied boarding for “health and safety” reasons.

Across the industry, one theme is consistent: the financial responsibility rests on the plus-size traveler, regardless of whether aircraft seating dimensions have shrunk over time.

The Hidden Impact on Work and Family Travel

These changes extend far beyond inconvenience.

For plus-size professionals who travel for work, the cost of airfare may now double—and many employers do not reimburse for additional seats. This creates inequities in career advancement, conference attendance, and job mobility.

For families, especially during holidays, the burden is emotional as well as financial. Visiting loved ones may now require:

  • Extra planning and disclosure

  • Higher travel budgets

  • Anxiety about sold-out flights

  • Fear of public scrutiny or denial of boarding

Air travel is not a luxury for many—it is a necessity. And policies that fail to account for diverse bodies effectively gatekeep access to connection, opportunity, and rest.

What Airlines Say—and What’s Missing

Airlines often frame these policies around “safety” and “clear boundaries,” pointing to armrests as the definitive divider between seats. Passengers who encroach on neighboring seats are expected to proactively purchase additional seating to ensure comfort for all.

What’s missing from the conversation?

  • Transparency around shrinking seat widths

  • Acknowledgment that bodies are diverse, not defective

  • Shared responsibility between airlines and passengers

  • A commitment to dignity without financial penalty

Where Do We Go From Here?

At Phatabulous, we believe access should not be size-exclusive.

As airlines rethink seating assignments, fare classes, and aircraft layouts, plus-size travelers deserve a seat at the table—without having to buy two to get there.

Join the Conversation

We want to hear from you.

Have these policies changed how you travel for work, holidays, or family emergencies?

Would you avoid certain airlines altogether?

What would fair and inclusive air travel actually look like?

📩 Email us: phatabulousmagazine@gmail.com

💬 Comment: Share your experiences, thoughts, and suggestions in the comments section

Your voice matters—and so does your comfort.

References

  • Southwest Airlines Extra Seat Policy

     https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/extra-seat-policy

  • Newsweek: U.S. Airlines’ Rules for Plus-Size Passengers

     https://www.newsweek.com/us-airlines-plus-size-passengers-rules-2119259

  • USA TODAY / Commentary by Jeff Jenkins, Chubby Diaries

The Sun: Southwest Airlines Ends Automatic Reimbursement for Extra Seats

 https://www.the-sun.com/travel/15678237/american-airline-plus-size-travelers-new-two-seat-policy/


As airline seating policies change, plus-size travelers are being asked to shoulder additional financial, emotional, and logistical burdens. Phatabulous Magazine is collecting community feedback to better understand how these policies affect travel for work, family, holidays, and emergencies. Your responses may be used (anonymously) for advocacy and editorial coverage.

📩 Questions or extended stories may be sent to: phatabulousmagazine@gmail.com




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