Airline Policies for Fat People: Customer of Size Rules Compared

Airline customer of size policies at a glance

Here's what each airline publishes, as of October 2026. "Couldn't verify" means the airline's site blocked us or wouldn't load. Treat that as "call before you book," not as "no policy."

*Newsweek's 2025 summary. We couldn't load these airlines' own pages to re-check in October 2026.

Spirit Airlines is no longer on this list: it stopped flying on May 2, 2026.

Seat width barely appears in these policies. Two airlines do publish it: Delta says its standard Economy seat is 17.2 inches wide, and Allegiant says 17.8 inches from inside armrest to inside armrest.

What does "customer of size" actually mean?

It's mostly the armrest test. Southwest calls the armrest "the definitive boundary between seats." Alaska and Frontier say much the same: if you can't lower both armrests, or you take up part of the next seat, plan on two seats.

US carriers are allowed to charge for that. The DOT disability rule, 14 CFR 382.31, generally bans special charges for accommodations the rule requires. But it lets carriers charge for more than one seat when a passenger's size means they occupy more than one. That's why the "free second seat" is rare in the US. It does exist at Southwest under conditions, and in Canada by law.

Southwest's 2026 change: what's different now

Southwest rewrote its policy alongside assigned seating, which started January 27, 2026. The Points Guy reported the details in August 2025. Here's what Southwest's extra seat policy says now:

• Buy ahead. Southwest "strongly" recommends buying the second seat before you travel so the seats are next to each other.
• The refund has three conditions. Both seats in the same fare class (Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra or Basic). The flight departs with at least one open seat, or with space-available pass travelers. And you request it within 90 days of travel.
• The airport fallback is narrower. If you didn't prebuy, you'll get a free extra seat "but only if adjacent seats are available." That can mean moving to a lower seat category. On a full flight, you'll be rebooked.

In May 2026, NAAFA reported that Southwest had walked back part of the change by letting airport agents give a free seat when one is open. NAAFA says this is not the old policy, and it is still pushing for more. Our take: if you need two seats on Southwest, buy them in the same fare class and file the refund promptly.

Alaska and Hawaiian

Alaska and Hawaiian now share one Contract of Carriage (revised August 25, 2026). If you can't lower both armrests or you encroach on the next seat, it says to book the seats you need before travel. The second seat is sold "at the same fare paid for the first seat." The contract doesn't spell out a refund. Newsweek reported in 2025 that Alaska still refunds these seats, so ask Alaska and note the answer.

Delta: options, not a mandate

Delta's accessibility page says that if you need more space than its 17.2-inch Economy seat, you can book two seats or pay for First Class. Once on board, you can also ask to be moved next to an empty seat. Delta notes that many of its aircraft have armrests that lift (it mentions this for boarding and deplaning), and you can request the seat that works best for you in the cabin you bought. It's firm on one point: personal seatbelt extensions are not allowed, so ask a flight attendant for one.

Frontier, Allegiant and JetBlue

Frontier's contract (revision R2, September 14, 2026) is the strictest wording on this list. If Frontier decides you can't sit without lifting an armrest, you must buy another seat "at the price then applicable." If it can't seat you together, you can switch flights (fees apply) or take a refund. Allegiant asks you to buy the second ticket when you book and assigns the two seats side by side for free. On the day of travel, it can only sell you one if two seats together are open. JetBlue's contract (revision 103, July 2026) has no customer-of-size rule at all, though JetBlue does sell extra seats.

Canada's one person, one fare rule

Canada works differently. Under section 52 of the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations, large carriers must give a person with a disability any adjacent seat they need because of their disability. Section 31 makes that free, except on flights between Canada and another country. A "large air carrier" is one that flew 1 million or more passengers in each of the previous two years.

• Air Canada's domestic tariff (Rule 40, August 2026 issue) offers complimentary extra seats to people "disabled by obesity" who can't fit in one seat. It asks for 48 hours' notice and may require a medical certificate. Clearance lasts two years. It doesn't apply in the executive cabin.
• WestJet approves extra seats for space needed due to "a disabling medical condition or obesity." Your provider completes its Air Travel Requirements Assessment Form, and you send it to MedDesk@WestJet.com at least 48 hours ahead (10 days recommended). Approval can last up to three years.

For transborder and international flights, neither airline publishes free-seat terms, so ask before you book.

British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates

We couldn't load these airlines' policy pages in October 2026. BA showed a high-demand holding page, Lufthansa blocked requests and Emirates timed out. Before booking, ask: Do I need a second seat? Is it refundable? Can I bring my own extender?

How to book a second seat without drama

• Book both seats in one go. Southwest's refund needs them in the same fare class, and Alaska prices seat two at the fare of seat one.
• Use the airline's process. Ask how to book the extra seat in your name so it's linked to your reservation. Alaska, for example, issues a ticket for each seat.
• Get it in writing. Screenshot the policy page and save the chat or email confirming your setup.
• Ask for the extender early, quietly, at the boarding door. Our seatbelt extender guide covers the rules.
• Pick seats with intent. See our plus-size flying tips.