Southwest is charging plus-size passengers a 'fat tax' at the airport

Key Points:

• Southwest Airlines changed its "customer of size" policy in January, requiring plus-size passengers to buy an additional seat at the airport if not purchased in advance, leading to widespread customer frustration and viral social media complaints.
• The new policy ended a 30-year practice allowing plus-size passengers to request a second seat free of charge on less crowded flights and to obtain refunds more easily, which had been considered an industry best practice.
• Passengers report being singled out and forced to buy extra seats based on subjective assessments by gate agents, causing embarrassment, anxiety, and financial burden, with some vowing not to fly Southwest again.
• Advocacy groups and affected customers criticize the policy as discriminatory, a "fat tax," and harmful to mental health, while legal protections against size discrimination in U.S. air travel remain limited.
• Calls for solutions include clearer, objective guidelines for seat accommodations, improved employee training to handle situations respectfully, and policies that do not single out or stigmatize plus-size travelers.