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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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U.S. airlines have varying rules and guidelines related to plus-size passengers.
Below, Newsweek has compared the policies of several major airlines so passengers inhabiting larger bodies can know what to do when flying.
Why It Matters
Recently, Southwest Airlines announced that it was ending a policy that allowed plus-size travelers to book an extra seat without extra costs. Under the new rules, passengers must buy two seats if they cannot fit on one, but refunds may be considered if the flight does not sell out.
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The airline's policy change has sparked interest among travelers about other airlines' policies regarding plus-size passengers.
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United Airlines
United Airlines requires passengers to buy a second seat, usually for the same fare as the first.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines requires passengers who cannot fit into a single seat with the armrests down to purchase an extra seat.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines has a similar policy to Spirit Airlines, necessitating passengers to lower both armrests or purchase a second seat.
Delta Air Lines
Delta does not make passengers buy an extra seat in advance, but it may ask them to move seats or take another flight if they encroach on another traveler's space. The airline provides seat belt extenders upon request.
American Airlines
American Airlines advises passengers who need extra space to purchase a second seat during booking. The airline can request adjacent seating from an airport agent, though availability is not guaranteed.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines advises flyers who cannot fit comfortably with the armrests down to purchase an extra seat, but they may receive a refund for the second one if an open seat is available on the flight. The width between the airlines' armrests is 17 inches in economy seating and 21 inches in the first-class area.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air advises those who take up space in adjacent seats to purchase an additional ticket. Two seats are then assigned at no extra cost, but if a flight is sold out and an extra seat is not available, plus-size passengers may be denied travel for health and safety reasons.
What People Are Saying
Southwest Airlines said in a statement to Newsweek on Monday: "We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, employees, and customers for assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra-seat policy they should purchase it at booking."
Tigress Osborn, the executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, told The New York Times: "Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn't have been flying."
What Happens Next
Southwest Airlines' new policy comes into effect on January 27, 2026.
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