Southwest Allows Free Extra Seat When Available

Southwest Airlines has revised its policy for passengers who require additional space, now allowing airport agents to provide a complimentary extra seat when available. The change, which took effect late last week, represents a shift from a policy implemented earlier this year that required such travelers to proactively purchase a second seat in advance.

Under the new guidelines, gate agents are authorized to assign an additional adjacent seat at no extra cost if space is available on the flight. If a flight is fully booked and no adjacent seats are open, the airline stated it will work to rebook the passenger on a later departure. Southwest continues to strongly encourage passengers who know they will need extra space to book the additional seat ahead of time to guarantee availability and avoid last-minute complications.

The airline described the update as the result of a significant review process, aimed at creating a more consistent and seamless experience. A spokesperson said the goal is to make the boarding process smoother and less stressful for those travelers.

This adjustment follows criticism of the carrier's earlier policy, which required passengers who could not fit...