Southwest Airlines offers a controversial customer of size coverage. A person points out that the policy doesn't include tall people. Details forward.
Flying sounds like an ideal concept, proper? Until you board the plane, settle into your seat, and are aware of it's a cramped nightmare with most discomfort. Sure, you want to spring for added legroom or first class, however wasn't the plane price tag already pricey enough? It's especially irksome for higher and taller passengers, who continuously feel trapped and uncomfortable.
In April 2023, plus-sized influencer Jaelynn Chaney was once so uninterested with airline seating preparations, that she started a Change.org petition tough that the Federal Aviation Administration be offering protections for plus-sized vacationers. “The FAA must mandate that each one airways have a complete buyer of size coverage that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of all passengers,” she wrote.
Unfortunately, the FAA hasn't acted on this issue but. However, Southwest Airlines has reputedly heard the pleas and considerations of plus-size flyers and has rolled out a new coverage allowing these customers to have extra seats without cost.
What is Southwest's customer of size coverage?
Under Southwest’s customer of size policy, customers whose bodies “encroach” previous the armrest are entitled to an extra seat at no further value, in line with the airline's web page.
While these seats are unfastened, Southwest encourages customers to purchase them ahead of time to notify staff and allow for correct planning of onboard seating. Customers who acquire those additional seats upfront can contact the airline after commute for a complete refund.
However, if customers don’t want to put the cash out forward of time, they can merely just purchase one seat and then discuss their seating wishes with a customer support agent at their departure gate. If it’s determined that a second (or 3rd) seat is wanted, they are going to be given a loose price tag to place on the seat(s) next to them.
Southwest's buyer of size policy doesn't seem to come with tall people.
In a TikTok video, a plus-size writer named Kimmy (@kimmystyled) demonstrated how Southwest's customer of size coverage works. She approached the gate agent within the clip and mentioned being able to use the coverage. While the video doesn't show her complete conversation with the Southwest employee, Kimmy received every other price tag for the seat next to her for free of charge and was ready to get pre-boarding access.
How to use @southwestair buyer of size coverage. Southwest is the one airline that allows you a second seat at no extra value despite the fact that the flight is FULLY booked. You HAVE to use it at the departing gate whilst you get started your adventure. If you don’t use it going out you cant use it flying back. Go to the departing gate agent and kindly ask them to use the buyer of size policy. I’ve completed this a dozen occasions and not had a topic or been denied. They will print you a brand new ticket + a second ticket to put down in your loose seat. You can also be allowed to pre board! Enter the aircraft, get your seatbelt extender, and clutch your seat! I place the ticket in the seat next to me. I at all times take the window seat. If someone tries to take a seat it in I kindly allow them to know I have two seats booked. To be honest I virtually never get approached because nobody wants to take a seat in the center seat subsequent to a fats individual on a airplane 🙃. I’ve heard from others once in a while southwest will just put customer of size in your account so anytime you method the main ticket gate you’ll get each your tickets immediately however this hasn’t came about to me but. I think this has to do with how “visibly fat” you are. Public airplanes are public transportation and should be obtainable and comfortable for us all. I applaud @southwestair for being the only airline with an even and humane approach of flying fats passengers with dignity. We shouldn’t have to pay for 2 seats. Seats must be larger for all folks including tall and pregnant passengers. Since airlines were given deregulated it’s been an ADA nightmare. Airlines should also permit wheelchairs in the cabin esp power wheelchairs. This is an access issue at the end of the day and discriminatory to fats and disabled customers. #southwest #southwestairlines #customerofsize #customerofsizepolicy #plussize #plussizetravel #traveltips #plussizetraveltok #traveltok
♬ original sound - KimmyThe video sparked discussion, with some folks questioning if the policy applies to tall passengers. However, Southwest's customer of size policy best mentions "customers whose bodies encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)," and does not explicitly deal with peak.
TikTookay creator Ryan Rodal (@fastnutrition) claimed to be 6'4" and explained how unfair this policy is in a separate video. "Me, in my opinion I don't accept as true with this. I'm 6'4" and my legs are always cramped on airlines. Do you see me complaining about not getting additional seats for free? I don't think so," he said.
Southwest Airlines to give overweight passengers loose seats #obesity #weightloss #southwestairlines #airlines #greenscreen
♬ original sound - Ryan RodalRyan continues: "Obesity should not be rewarded in America," adding that this new policy of giving further seats away totally free is "simply going to increase airline costs for everyone else."
The customer of size coverage implemented via Southwest Airlines raises a lot of questions and issues. This might give an explanation for why Southwest is one of the few airlines with this kind of policy, because it undoubtedly benefits some passengers, but also frustrates others.
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