Are you looking to learn about SouthWest Airlines ‘Customer of Size' policy without having to read the corporate jargon on their website? You're in the right place. I've done the research, spoken to the customer support team, and clarified all the important details.
What is Southwest's COS Policy?
Southwest has one of the most generous customer of size policies, which is a relief considering they also have some of the smallest seats in the sky.
Here are the important details you should know about their COS policy:
- Southwest offers a completely free seat for anybody who encroaches onto another seat. They consider the armrest to be the boundary between the two seats.
- You will need to book (and pay for) the second seat in advance. This will reserve the seat and allow Southwest to monitor capacity accurately.
- You can then request a refund after the flight.
- Alternatively, you can wait until the day of the flight and ask an agent for an extra seat before boarding to avoid paying in advance. But there's a risk that the flight is already full. I recommend securing the extra space ahead of time to prevent any problems.
Southwest also allows you to pre-board if you have purchased an additional seat. This is particularly useful if you are less mobile and want to avoid the pressure of other passengers waiting behind you.
How to Book an Extra Seat on Southwest
Booking an extra seat on Southwest is really easy. Follow the below instructions:
- Go to the Southwest Airlines website and search for your flight.
- Proceed to book as you would any other flight.
- When choosing how many seats you need, add an extra one for whoever needs it. For example, if you're traveling alone, select 2 seats. If you're a couple needing an extra seat, choose 4.
- Fill in your own passenger information as normal (and your travel partner, if applicable).
- For additional seats, use the passenger's first and last name, but add ‘XS' as the middle name. For example, in my case, Michaela XS Shaw. If you have a middle name, add the XS after, so Michaela middlename XS Shaw.
It's that simple. Southwest will now know that the seat provides additional space for the large passenger. It's really important that you remember to include the ‘XS' in your booking so that there are no issues when it comes to claiming your refund.
Will I Need a Seat Belt Extender on Southwest?
If you're large enough to need an extra seat, it's likely you will also need a seat belt extender. Don't worry about asking for one, cabin crew are used to it, and we all deserve to fly comfortably without worrying about our size. Find out more in our guide to seat belt extenders.
On average, southwest main cabin seats are around 16.5 inches wide, and the belt length allows for another 39 inches. Unfortunately, both of these measurements are at the lower end of the scale compared to other airlines. Plenty on your flight should be available, but you can also choose to bring your seat belt extender.
