Southwest Airlines' Free Extra Seat Policy for 'Passengers of Size' Sparks Controversy

While the policy is celebrated by overweight passengers and body acceptance activists, critics argue that the cost will be passed onto other passengers.

Southwest Airlines' policy of providing extra seats free of charge to 'passengers of size' is being celebrated by overweight passengers, but criticized by others who believe the cost will be passed onto them.
The policy allows passengers who 'encroach' past the armrest to request one or two additional seats at no extra cost.
Southwest Airlines is one of the few, if not the only, airlines to offer this service.
Body acceptance activists and 'plus-size travel experts' on TikTok have praised the policy, amassing hundreds of thousands of views.
Southwest Airlines has not disclosed how long this policy has been in place.