Overview

• Southwest Airlines is offering complimentary extra seats to passengers of size, a policy that has sparked mixed reactions online.
• The policy allows passengers whose bodies 'encroach' past the armrest to request an extra seat or two at no additional cost.
• Southwest's policy is not new, but has gained renewed attention due to a viral TikTok video.
• Other airlines typically recommend plus-sized passengers to request a seatbelt extender, purchase an additional seat, or upgrade to a higher fare class for more personal space.
• Plus-sized traveler and influencer, Jae’lynn Chaney, has launched a petition asking the Federal Aviation Administration to require all airlines to implement a clear and comprehensive customer-of-size policy.