Southwest Airlines Policy for Plus-size Travelers

Policy for Overweight Passengers

Using the armrest as a divider, Southwest asks any passenger who may encroach on their neighbor to proactively purchase any additional seats needed, known as their Customer of Size Policy (COS). 

This might seem like a big financial burden to ensure you are comfortable, but Southwest notes on their website that you can call Customer Service after your travels to get full reimbursement of your second seat. Because of this, many plus-size travelers rely on Southwest as their main form of transportation when traveling.

However, if you can’t afford or don’t want to make the purchase of a second seat before your travels, you can speak with an agent at either the departure gate or check-in (not always as helpful) to discuss your seating needs. If it is determined you need a second or third seat, the crew will work to accommodate you with an additional complimentary seat to ensure you are comfortable on your flight.

Why should you purchase a second seat if complimentary seats are available once you get to the airport?

The purchase of a second seat allows Southwest to know not to oversell the flight. If you don’t know what overselling of flights is, it is when airlines anticipate travelers being delayed, not arriving or checking in, so the airline attempts to ensure that each flight is full by overbooking for the margin of individuals who may not make the flight.

This means that if you don’t purchase a second seat, you might not have the opportunity at the airport or you might have to take a different flight. While Southwest does everything in its power to help customers, you can take the steps to ensure you are comfortable and on time. 

And remember, you can get your second seat refunded after your travels.

Purchasing a Customer of Size Seat

To purchase a second seat under the Customer of Size policy, it is best to do it through Southwest and not through a second party like Expedia or Bookings.com

When you are purchasing your second COS seat online you will want to put the letters XS in the middle name. This indicates to the crew and agents that the second ticket goes to you as well.

For example, I would put Melissa Kane on my first ticket, then Melissa XS Kane on my second ticket, 

To learn more about the Customer of Size policy check out Southwest’s Q&A help section.

How do you know which aircraft you are booked on?

Search for your date, departure, and destination. Once you have chosen your flight you will see a number above the departure time. For example, here we see #2156/257.

Click on this number to receive a drop-down of information on the flight and aircraft. 

Here you will see the aircraft that is scheduled. But as noted, there is a chance of this changing. However, this allows you to find the best seat based on your needs when booking.