An airline in the US will now start charging plus-size passengers for an extra seat when it used to be free.
Southwest Airlines used to be the go-to airline for plus-size passengers because it would not charge customers for the extra seat.
Now, it will require larger passengers who ‘encroach upon the neighbouring seat’ to purchase an additional ticket, which may not be refunded.
Previously, passengers could pay the cost of an extra seat ahead of their flight and later receive a refund, or request an extra seat at no charge when they arrived at the airport.
The new changes, which will be implemented on January 27, mean that purchasing a second seat will not be refundable.
The airline has also urged customers to ‘purchase your second seat when you make your initial reservation’, which means both seats must be reserved in advance.
In some cases, refunds may be issued, but only if the flight departs with at least one open seat and both seats are purchased within the same fare class.
The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), an advocacy group for larger individuals, said to be the ‘world’s first documented fat acceptance organisation’ said the changes were ‘devastating’ for plus-size passengers.
Tigress Osborn, executive director at NAAFA said the changes increase costs for plus-size people and create a distressing experience, the New York Times reported.
‘Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying,’ said Tigress.
‘And now that beacon has gone out.’
She said many plus-size holidaymakers avoid flying over fears of harassment, adding that the change sets a bad example for other companies.
‘This was not just an industry leader but an example to other industries that accommodating people in the body they have today is an important business practice,’ she said.
Kaycee Bivens, 34, a travel agent who works with plus-size customers, expressed her disappointment at the changes.
‘I have been exclusively flying Southwest because of their customer size policy,’ she said.
‘If you’re already budgeting and now you’ve got to add $300 to $400 (£225-£230) to your budget, that may mean less travellers.’
A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines said, in a statement to the New York Times, that it will inform previous passengers who have used the extra seat policy about the new rules.
This is not the only change Southwest Airlines has made in recent months.
The company angered loyal customers after scrapping its open seating arrangement, which allowed customers to choose their seats once they had boarded the plane.
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