Getting thrown off the plane because your fat!

[NHdisneylover]

This is incorrect. I have a clotting disorder that makes me prone to DVTs. I have bought an extra ticket so I can put my leg up from time to time. No one ever asked if I had a "reason" for my extra seat. (i'm average size and my husband is very slim, btw)

When we take long flights we usually try to buy the row for more room. It is cheaper than buying business or first class. I've done this on many coast to coast and international flights.

I believe snowbunny is talking about Southwest's policy for buying additional seats--which is clearly the airline whose policy affects this situation. Other airlines may allow you to purchse additional seats for any number of reasons--but Southwest is pretty clear about their policy.
It sounds to me like the ate agent made a mistake letting someone who had bought an additional seat under the passener of size policy board when only one seat remained available. It should have been a simple matter of explaining to the passener that this mistake had been made and since he booked himself as a passener of size he had to fly that way even on standby and asking him to deplane. Probably between the stories we have heard from either side lies the truth--which likely invovles and embarrassed FA trying to explain the policy and mistake and not doing it well and an outraged passener thinking the rules should not apply to him when it is not conveineint (ie--it was conveient to be a "passener of size" and buy two seats when he wanted privacy but then more conveineint to not be one and take the standby seat later on).
Personally, I cam see being irritaed that the gate agent did not notice the issue and allowed the boarding in the first place--but not outrage or any lingering upset. I do not understand being upset that the airline followed their clearly stated policies

 

[snowbunny]

I believe snowbunny is talking about Southwest's policy for buying additional seats--which is clearly the airline whose policy affects this situation. Other airlines may allow you to purchse additional seats for any number of reasons--but Southwest is pretty clear about their policy.

Yes I was, thanks. Southwest contract of carriage:

G. Additional Seat Purchase – The purchase of more than one seat for use by a single passenger is required in the following circumstances:
​

(1) To accommodate a Customer of size who encroaches on an adjacent seat area and/or is unable to sit in a single seat with the armrests lowered;

(2) To transport a Customer who, because of his or her particular disability, would be unable to travel without the purchase of additional space on the aircraft; or

(3) When necessary to transport large musical instruments or electronic audio/video, medical, or other sensitive equipment unsuitable for carriage as checked baggage, as specified in Article 46.F.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to notify Carrier of a unique seating need. In accordance with Article 10.F., Carrier may refuse to transport individuals who are unable or unwilling to comply with Carrier’s seating requirements. Except as specified above, purchase of more than one seat for use by a single passenger is otherwise prohibited.

Halloweenqueen, I believe your own situation is covered under (2). But Mr. Smith cannot purchase seats simply to have extra room for his family to spread out, as some posters have suggested.

He can buy an extra seat as a customer of size -- at whatever fare he bought his first seat -- and be reimbursed if every seat on the plane is taken except that seat. Pretty generous!

Anyway, enough is enough.
- Southwest admitted its error on Day 1 (letting a self-identifed customer of size board with only one seat available).
- Mr. Smith was embarrassed (rightly so) when he was asked to de-board.
- He capitalized on the situation by firing off profanity-laced tweets and podcasts to his followers.
- He now has more publicity for his film than would have been achieved in his wildest dreams.
- Finis.

 

[ahoff]

Personally, if I was seated next to Kevin and they asked him to get off, I would make a fuss, as I would love the chance to talk with him. Clerks is one of my favorite movies.

 

[bavaria]

- He capitalized on the situation by firing off profanity-laced tweets and podcasts to his followers.
- He now has more publicity for his film than would have been achieved in his wildest dreams.
- Finis.

And from what I read on other websites, there were many people (like me) who had no idea who this 'gentleman' is, and who (like me) have now even less desire to see any one of his works.

So it may have negated the benefit for him!

 

[seashoreCM]

I I think they need to make seats the size of real people! ... There just isn't enough space.

When lots of size 10's start complaining and escalating the issue as pertaining to just themselves just far enough that the other side (the airline) makes/creates/invents decent and proper accommodation, then this will happen.

(copied from another post)
Neither person on the sides has any excuse for leaning into the middle seat.

 

[NHdisneylover]

And from what I read on other websites, there were many people (like me) who had no idea who this 'gentleman' is, and who (like me) have now even less desire to see any one of his works.

So it may have negated the benefit for him!

I'm glad I am not the only one In my other post I kept reffering to him as "the passenger" because I had already forgotten his name I have absolutely NO idea who he is beyond this one story.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I am an average sized woman - size 10 - and I am not 17 inches wide - who Is????? I think they need to make seats the size of real people!

Are you sure? Remember, people are three-dimensional. A hip measurement of 40" (size 10 according to QVC's fit chart) doesn't mean the person needs a seat width of 20". The typical 17"-18" seat should accommodate with room to spare (and yes, I realize everyone is built differently).

The immediate problem with making seats the size of 'real people' is that it would generally require removing a seat from EVERY ROW on a plane - and that can only result in (using Southwest, because ALL their planes are six-across) a minimum base fare increass of 17% across the board. I mean, the airlines have to make up the lost potential revenue somewhere, don't they?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Personally, if I was seated next to Kevin and they asked him to get off, I would make a fuss, as I would love the chance to talk with him. Clerks is one of my favorite movies.

No - Dogma!!!!!

 

[uva185]

I am an average sized woman - size 10 - and I am not 17 inches wide - who Is????? I think they need to make seats the size of real people! In thinking about the "encroaching" on the seat next to you - I have spent many flights in the middle seat between two men (one being my DH) who both had large shoulders and I got a neck ache from having my shoulders scrunched up between them. There just isn't enough space.

So basically you want a First Class seat for a coach price? As kaytieeldr noted the airlines would have to remove an entire column of seats to install wider seats.

It's really quite simple. If you want the extra space buy a First Class ticket or an extra coach ticket.

 

[ahoff]

Ah yes, Dogma. That is in the top 10 But Clerks, I have seen that, like, 37 times.....

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

But Clerks, I have seen that, like, 37 times.....

This is a family site, so I am trying really, really hard not to type whay first came to mind when I read this.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I'm glad I am not the only one In my other post I kept reffering to him as "the passenger" because I had already forgotten his name I have absolutely NO idea who he is beyond this one story.

I couldn't recall ever seeing him in a movie, until my husband reminded me he was the "Warlock" in Live Free or Die Hard with Bruce Willis and Justin Long in 2007. -- Suzanne

 

[AlexandAndysMom]

OK...I understand the pros and cons to 'measuring' you before selling you 1 or 2 tickets. I am fat (I'll say it...I know what I am...lol). I have only flown Southwest and never alone. If I am not flying with my children, I am flying with my husband or once with co-workers. I feared the fit when flying with cowrokers, but there wasn't any problem...I asked them after we landed, and they said they were fine. And they would have told me if they weren't...that's how we are...blunt...

So, mostly I fly with my children. I have always bought my youngest son his own seat and he sits between my husband and myself. No way would I buy another ticket if flying with my children. We are paying the same price for the 2 year old as my husband...that wouldn't be right....

Sigh...sorry...fat girl is angry...

 

[kaytieeldr]

So, mostly I fly with my children. I have always bought my youngest son his own seat and he sits between my husband and myself. No way would I buy another ticket if flying with my children. We are paying the same price for the 2 year old as my husband...that wouldn't be right....

Again, Southwest's Customer of Size policy explains their policy - each ticket is entitled to one (and only one) COMPLETE seat. This is especially important since (a) Southwest's open seating ultimately means there's no guarantee you would be seated with a smaller person, including your son*; and (b) he won't always be this small.

*Before anybody panics and starts the, "What do you mean, I can't sit with my small child" discussion, consider this scenario: for whatever reason, there are only aisle seats left when you board. The parent and small child can sit in aisle seats opposite each other. The child is therefore not separated from the parent, but the parent doesn't have the child's 'extra' seat space to share.

And, for the record, this is coming from someone who would buy the two seats proactively - based on a combination of their policy and my size.

 

[sister2797]

I am worried..more so now as a result of the latest incident concerning Silent Bob (Whose real Name is Keven Smith i believe) Concerning Southwest Airlines..
I had NO idea about the "Person of Size" Rule..My son is 12 6'4 and 280 lbs (yep..he is a BIG BOY)..I called Southwest regarding him today and the lady I talked to told me not to worry..That he would be "Just fine"..I am having second thoughts about this airline..I REFUSE to have my son humiliated for who he is, a HUGE person. To all reading:I must say this..He is gigantic but gentle and kind..A GREAT Kid in a BIG Body. I have the money to buy another seat..no worries there...But I dont want my son's feelings hurt.
Although he is a big boy..he is still 12..any suggestions other than taking another carrier?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes. Read Southwest's Customer of Size page (linked elsewhere in this thread, or just do a Search for it a southwest.com). Print it out and keep it with the travel documents for your upcoming trip if you want.

Guidelines http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/***_guidelines.html
FAQ http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/***_qa.html

If you have already purchased his ticket, call SW for assistance booking the additional seat. If you haven't yet bought the tickets, simply follow the instructions on the Guidelines page.

From the FAQ: "Because a Customer of size has special seating needs; is encouraged to preboard; and needs specific boarding/seating documents, these Customers are required to check in with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or at the gate. "

So, just be discreet. Speak quietly with the Gate Agent and there should be no problem.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

So basically you want a First Class seat for a coach price? As kaytieeldr noted the airlines would have to remove an entire column of seats to install wider seats.

It's really quite simple. If you want the extra space buy a First Class ticket or an extra coach ticket.

Okay, 80% of the plane who is not comfortable should fly first class or buy a 2nd seat? I don't need the extra space, and I have only flown with one heavy person - the rest were basically normal sized too - once again, the seats are only big enough for SMALL people regardless of how many seats they put on the plane, etc. etc.

 

[bavaria]

Okay, 80% of the plane who is not comfortable should fly first class or buy a 2nd seat? I don't need the extra space, and I have only flown with one heavy person - the rest were basically normal sized too - once again, the seats are only big enough for SMALL people regardless of how many seats they put on the plane, etc. etc.

Millions of people fly every year all around the world in seats which are 17 inches wide with a pitch of 31 inches.

AA installed seats with extra legroom and the American public refused to pay; UA has a hard time selling their Economy Plus seats. People DON'T WANT TO PAY viable fares in America as it is; putting in fewer seats means even higher fares.

And yes, many of us DO pay for more space. I am severly claustrophobic and want my space, which means that I pay out of my own pocket or with miles to upgrade, or pay more to fly carriers with more space.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Millions of people fly every year all around the world in seats which are 17 inches wide with a pitch of 31 inches.

AA installed seats with extra legroom and the American public refused to pay; UA has a hard time selling their Economy Plus seats. People DON'T WANT TO PAY viable fares in America as it is; putting in fewer seats means even higher fares.

And yes, many of us DO pay for more space. I am severly claustrophobic and want my space, which means that I pay out of my own pocket or with miles to upgrade, or pay more to fly carriers with more space.

Good point - I guess we pay to upgrade to Economy Plus on UA whenever it's available, too. So we choose to be comfortable when we can - we can't afford First Class or we would do that every time! Kind of the same idea as buying a comfortable car when you can afford it - and buying a subcompact when you can't.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, 80% of the plane who is not comfortable should fly first class or buy a 2nd seat? I don't need the extra space, and I have only flown with one heavy person - the rest were basically normal sized too - once again, the seats are only big enough for SMALL people regardless of how many seats they put on the plane, etc. etc.

I've said this recently, so I'm pretty sure that was in this thread but - a seventeen inch seat width does NOT mean the person must have a hip measurement of thirty-four inches or less. Human beings are three-dimensional; therefore, more passengers than one would apparently think WILL fit in a standard airplane seat with the armrests down and without their hips spilling into the next seat.