Southwest Trashed For ‘Customer Of Size’ Policy Which Gives Free Seats To Overweight Travelers

Southwest Airlines is going viral for their company-wide “Customer of Size” policy, which allows overweight travelers to potentially get extra seats for free if they don’t fit.

The policy states that customers who “encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s)” may purchase however many extra seats they need. Those passengers can then request a refund after travel, according to their website.

Southwest says the policy isn’t focused on just weight, but applies to anyone who doesn’t fit in the seat because of their body type. The space is determined by the placement of armrests.