Gate card: Southwest Airlines (WN)

The airline's policy: “Customer of size and extra seat policy (Customers of size)”

Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) may need to occupy two adjacent seats; the armrest is 'the definitive boundary between seats,' and Southwest may determine in its sole discretion that an extra seat is needed for safety. Southwest strongly recommends purchasing the second seat in advance to guarantee adjacent seats. If you arrive without one and employees determine you need it, you get a complimentary extra seat — but only if adjacent seats are available (possibly in a lower seat category); if the flight is full or no adjacent seats exist, you are rebooked on another flight, and if the determination happens after boarding you may have to deplane for rebooking. Extra seats may not be bought solely to keep the adjacent seat empty.

Refunds: If you purchased two seats in advance you may request a refund of the extra seat after travel, provided: (1) the flight departed with at least one open seat (or with passengers traveling on space-available passes), (2) both seats were purchased in the same fare class (Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic), and (3) the refund request is made within 90 days of travel. Partner-carrier extra seats are non-refundable.