Southwest Airlines' controversial new policy, which requires passengers who cannot fit between armrests to purchase an additional seat in advance, has been criticized by customers as a "fat tax" after one traveler was allegedly forced to pay nearly $1,000 for a second seat. The policy change has sparked outrage online, with some accusing the airline of profiling passengers based on their size. The refund for the second seat is only guaranteed if the flight departs with at least one open seat, and passengers who didn't book in advance can be forced to buy another ticket on the spot.