Low-cost airline Southwest Airlines is being lauded for its “passengers of size” policy, which allows overweight passengers to request a complimentary seat on flights to ensure their comfort. According to Southwest’s inclusion policy, customers whose bodies “encroach” on the armrest are entitled to an extra seat. Southwest told Fox Business that passengers who need more space “can choose to buy a single seat initially and address their seating requirements with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate.” If a second (or third) seat is deemed necessary, the passenger will be provided with an extra seat at no additional cost.” Following that, the flight crew will work to arrange seating, possibly rearranging other passengers to accommodate the “unplanned accommodation.”
Customers can also purchase additional seats in advance and then contact Southwest “for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel.” The policy states, “Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighbouring seat(s) may proactively purchase the needed number of seats before travel to ensure the additional seat(s) is available… The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating need and allows us to adequately plan for the number of occupied seats onboard.” “It also helps us ensure we can accommodate all Customers on the flight for which they purchased a ticket and avoid asking Customers to relinquish their seats for unplanned accommodation. Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating. You may contact us for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel,” the policy continues.
Jae’lynn Chaney praises Southwest’s inclusive policy for “super fat” individuals
Plus size travel expert Jae’lynn Chaney told Fox News Digital that including people who are “super fat” was a significant step. “Super fat is how we identify,” Chaney, business owner of Jae Bae Productions, said. “There’s a spectrum of fatness. And as a super fat individual, you start needing different accommodations… I just felt really happy that there was something like this for people.” “I hope to see more airlines implement customer-of-size policies. The Southwest customer size policy helps many travellers offset the disproportionate costs that we incur because of needing extra room. And so, it’s not just about physical accessibility. It’s also about financial accessibility.”
TikToker “Fat Solo Traveler” shared a video on the platform about how she received a free sear. Kimmy (@kimmystyled) approached the airline counter and stated, “Hello, I’m hoping to use your customer of size policy today.” According to Fox Business, the Southwest employee then handed Kimmy another ticket at no cost for her extra seat. “Southwest is the only airline that allows you a second seat at no extra cost even if the flight is fully booked… I’ve done this a dozen times and never had an issue or been denied,” she said.