<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Jaimito Cartero:
Even if the airplane is half full, in some cases or even empty they're hitting you up for another seat. If their policy is that they're only doing this so that you won't infringe on other passengers, this doesn't wash. Seems like a way to make some more money on an empty seat. </font>
Per Southwest's policy, the POS is reimbursed the cost of the second seat if the flight is not oversold (e.g. if the second seat does not end up displacing a passenger).
http://www.southwest.com/travel_cent...onal_seat.html
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">When do I qualify to receive a refund for the additional seat purchase?
As long as the flight does not oversell (having more Customers waiting to board an aircraft than seats on the aircraft), we will refund the additional seat purchase. All Customers who have purchased an additional seat will receive a document that advises them to contact our Customer Relations Department after travel to request a refund for the additional seat purchased. In addition, if there is a possibility that the flight will oversell, the Customer will be given the option to purchase a second seat and travel on a less full flight to his/her destination without paying a penalty fee, regardless of the fare paid. And, unlike Customers who must purchase an additional seat to place a musical item, a child restraint device for an infant, etc. and who have other "options" such as holding the infant or placing the item in an onboard stowage space or in the cargo hold, we are sensitive to fact that a large Customer has no choice but to occupy more than one seat. For that reason, this is the one instance where we will offer a refund of the additional seat purchased as long as the flight does not oversell. A refund may be requested by contacting Customer Relations via telephone (214-792-4223) or in writing (P.O. Box 36647, Dallas, TX 75235-1647).</font>
On the TV show this is explained to the POS once in a blue moon.