Starting in January, plus-size travelers flying with Southwest Airlines may have a harder time obtaining a refund when purchasing an extra seat.

The new policy will go into effect on Jan. 27, the same date the airline will shift to an assigned seating model .

The core of the policy remains that passengers whose body encroaches upon a neighboring seat, defined by the armrest as the definitive boundary, should purchase the necessary number of seats prior to travel to ensure “comfortable and safe seating,” the airline’s statement reads.

Currently, Southwest is offering a full refund for the unused extra seat purchased, provided the passenger requests it after travel is complete. But under the new policy, a refund is no longer guaranteed.

“An additional seat purchased by a customer trav

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