Families planning trips to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort next year may encounter a significant cost increase. Southwest Airlines, one of the most frequently used carriers for Disney Park vacations, has announced a new policy that affects plus-size travelers, effective January 2026.
Southwest has been adjusting its operations over the past several years, including retiring its famous policy of allowing two free checked bags per traveler and preparing to transition from open seating to assigned seating. The airline has also signaled that extra legroom could become a paid upgrade in the near future. Now, the company is rolling out another major policy shift centered on passengers who require additional space.
Starting January 27, 2026, travelers who cannot fit comfortably between the armrests of a standard seat are required to purchase an extra seat at the time of booking. Under the existing policy, these travelers can either secure a complimentary second seat at the airport or pre-purchase one with the option of requesting a refund later. The new system eliminates the option for a complimentary seat and makes advance purchase mandatory for all individuals who meet the criteria.
Refunds are still possible, but they come with new and stricter limitations. Passengers may request reimbursement within 90 days of their trip, provided the flight is not fully booked at the time of departure. If the aircraft is full, the second seat will not be refunded. Southwest Airlines also requires both seats to be booked in the same fare class.
“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the company wrote in an official statement.
Passengers who arrive at the airport without purchasing the necessary second seat may be asked to buy one on the spot. If that flight is sold out, they will be rebooked to a later departure, which could delay the start of their Disney vacation.
Because so many Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort guests travel via Southwest Airlines, the change may create additional expenses for plus-size vacationers, even though the rule is not specific to theme park travel. Both this policy and Southwest’s switch to assigned seating go into effect in early 2026, giving travelers time to adjust their plans.
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As a plus size traveler, I have no problem being required to purchase 2 seats. But if I’m purchasing 2 seats, I better GET my 2 seats. If you slip somebody in my extra seat I paid for, you’re negating the purpose, which is to make passengers more comfortable.
Amen!!! I don’t give a good goddamn how over full the flight is. if the seat that I purchased for my comfort is filled with a person, I better get a goddamn refund or hell will be raised.