Policy Change: Plus-Size Guests May Pay More on Their Next Disney World Vacation

Plus-size guests may pay more for their flights to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort next year, when a new policy takes effect on Southwest Airlines. The budget-friendly American airline is one of the most popular for families headed to the Central Florida and Southern California Disney parks.

Southwest Airlines has implemented several policy changes over the past few years, including the retirement of its longstanding policy that allowed two free checked bags per passenger. The budget airline is preparing for the long-promised end of its controversial open-seating policy and instituting assigned seating beginning in January 2026. The company has also indicated that it may begin charging for extra legroom.

Now, Southwest Airlines has announced a new policy, which will also take effect next month. Under the new rules, passengers who do not fit between the two armrests on a standard seat are required to purchase an extra seat in advance.

Under Southwest’s current policy, plus-size passengers can purchase a seat in advance with the promise of a refund later, or request a complimentary seat at the airport. Now, they’re being forced to buy one at the time of booking, and refunds are not guaranteed.

Passengers can still request refunds within 90 days of their trip, provided their flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure. In that case, plus-size travelers who purchase an extra seat are not eligible for a refund. Passengers must also purchase both tickets in the same booking class to qualify for reimbursement.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” read a statement from Southwest Airlines.

Passengers who do not purchase an extra seat in advance and cannot fit between the two armrests may be required to buy one at the airport. If their flight is full, they will be rebooked on an alternative flight.

Planning flights to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort? Southwest Airlines’ extra seat policy change and assigned seating program do not take effect until January 27, 2026.

Is this policy from Southwest Airlines fair to travelers? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments.