Southwest Airlines is facing backlash after introducing a new Customer of Size policy in January that targets larger passengers. The policy now requires customers who "encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) to purchase the number of seats needed, with the armrest now serving as the boundary. Critics argue that this is "fat-shaming" as it is only refunded if the flight departs with at least one open seat or with passengers traveling on space available passes. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance has also been criticized for its discriminatory policy. The airline had previously been praised for its treatment of plus-size passengers.