Southwest Airlines Community

Unfortunately this is an old post, but I do hope that you’re able to see this response, or that others may come across my answer to your dilemma. The cost of the second seat is refunded to you upon arrival at your destination. Purchasing a second seat in advance allows Southwest to properly seat their flights accordingly. If a person of size only purchases one seat, and the flight is completely full, and the plus sized flyer is of such a size that the second seat is actually needed for them, then it is probable that the person that purchased their own ticket and would have been sitting in that seat will instead be moved to a different flight, causing them to possibly miss whatever event they are attending. Since the second ticket is refunded, it is common courtesy to purchase it in advance so that every customer can be served  ... View more

This is not the case, or at least not the case any longer. While I agree that we are discussing one person flying versus two (or more) the policy states that a plus sized person DOES NOT have to purchase a second seat (in advance or even at the time of boarding).  Directly from Southwest’s website: ”If you prefer not to purchase an additional seat in advance, you have the option of purchasing just one seat and then discussing your seating needs with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate. If it’s determined that a second (or third) seat is needed, you’ll be accommodated with a complimentary additional seat.” While I am not trying to shame any individual, this policy is completely unfair. I do not believe that anyone should get a free seat. I am a medically retired combat wounded veteran, and I do not get free seating, nor even a discount. If two seats are required, then two seats should be paid for. If anything, I feel that the second seat could be discounted as they’re not occupying the full seat, but they are essentially guaranteed a more comfortable flight than the average person (unless they are of three seat size). This policy ensures that they’ll get to sit in a seat without someone sitting next to them. I have also been on the other side, and had someone of large size sitting next to me, and they were pushing over into my seat, causing the entire flight to be uncomfortable for me. This policy is misguided at best. It has already been abused and has forced paying customers, who already had purchased their tickets, to get bumped to a different flight because someone of plus size did not purchase their extra ticket in advance. That is unacceptable. It should be mandatory that the plus sized flyer purchase that ticket in advance. Whether or not the cost of the second seat is refunded in part or full is not my concern, but ensuring that ALL customers that have purchased a ticket get on the flight that they paid for is Southwest’s concern. If a plus sized passenger arrives at the airport and had not purchased the second seat in advance, then they are the ones that should’ve been bumped. In almost every scenario, they knew that they needed the second seat before their arrival at the airport. Others shouldn’t have to suffer for their lack of planning, or trying to cheap out on their flight. According to the policy the cost of the second seat is refundable upon arrival at their destination.  ... View more