Passenger says airline forced her to buy second seat, sparking viral debate over 'customer of size' policy

A Southwest seating policy has ignited a heated fat-shaming debate on TikTok and Instagram, with passengers strongly divided over whether the rule is just "common sense" — or "anxiety-inducing."

Several passengers have gone viral in recent weeks for saying the airline's new "customer of size" policy has been humiliating. But many travelers praise the airline, noting that it's unfair of others to "spill over" into the next seat. 

The policy asks passengers who need extra space to purchase a second seat in advance.