TikTokers Sound the Alarm on Southwest Airlines’ New Size Policy as Fatphobia Claims Go Viral [Video]

Southwest Airlines’ controversial size policy kicked off in January, and now passengers are sounding the alarm on the fatphobia they’ve faced after booking their flights.

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Under the new rules, “customers of size” must purchase an extra seat if it’s determined that they “encroach upon neighboring seats.” In the past, plus-size travelers could either purchase an extra seat in advance and later receive a refund, or request an extra seat at the time of the flight at no additional charge. Unfortunately, under the new policy, many customers aren’t eligible for refunds. As if that weren’t bad enough, many flyers claim the policy is implemented based on what the Southwest agents they encounter deem to be “fat,” which has led to countless allegations of agents projecting their own discriminatory feelings onto customers.

TikTok users are now detailing unsettling encounters with Southwest and being singled out under this new policy. Creator Ruby Renee, known on the platform as TheBabyRu, shared in a viral video that she previously fit comfortably in Southwest Airlines seats. Despite having flown on Southwest aircrafts without issues before, she was ordered to purchase another seat for a recent flight. Making matters worse, she had to buy a same-day flight, which cost her over $1,000. Her video has amassed over 620,000 views on the platform and echoes the sentiments shared by many others.

Southwest Airlines has been at the center of conversation over the past year after scrapping many of the perks that its core fanbase has grown to love. In May 2025, the company ended its signature “bags fly free” policy. Southwest also replaced its open-seating system with assigned seating. Combined with the size rules, customers are now vowing to pull back from the airline altogether.

Still, even with the threat of losing business, Southwest does not appear to be budging on its new direction anytime soon.