- by foxnews
- 15 Jan 2025
A traveler took to social media to ask whether passengers could purchase an additional airplane seat next to them.
Posted in the "r/SouthwestAirlines" forum, the user wrote, "People keep 'saving' the seat next to them because they don't want anyone to sit there. Is it technically possible to buy another seat, not customer of size, just so you don't have to sit next to someone[?]"
"You cannot have two tickets in your name. One will be automatically canceled before your flight," one claimed.
One user said, "No you can not do that on most airlines. Only if you actually need 2 seats."
Another added, "Nope. With it being open seating. You're getting someone [sitting] next to you."
Under the help center on Southwest's website, there is a page sharing information for customers of size.
Adding, "Southwest will refund the extra seat purchased upon request. After travel is complete, please request your refund."
The site does not define the requirements to be considered a customer of size.
"We will begin selling flights with seat assignments in the second half of 2025 for travel in the first half of 2026," the airline's site states under the "What's New" page.
American Airlines' website includes a section for customers interested in "extra space during travel."
"If you need more than one seat to travel comfortably and safely, you must book an additional seat by calling Reservations. Please inform us of your seating needs when booking your trip," the airline's site states.
Delta Air Lines also offers information about purchasing an extra seat.
"A customer may purchase an extra seat for each flight in the itinerary," Delta's website says.
"The seat will be sold at the same fare when purchased at the same time."
"Customers who do not purchase the extra seat in advance risk the need to change seat assignments to another location on the aircraft that provides additional space. In the event of a full flight, customers will be rebooked for a later flight with available seating," the site continued.
Fox News Digital reached out to Southwest, American Airlines and Delta for comment.
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