Just wanted to give my opinion about Southwest

[disneegrl4eva]

I went on my first ever wdw trip at the end of Nov. and stayed for 2 weeks...I booked Southwest before I knew about their Customer of Size policy...I am, what I consider to be more than pooh sized and because of that I was SCARED to death that I wouldnt fit in the seat and they would make me purchase 2 seats...I had heard horror stories about how people were called out at the gate about possibly having to purchase 2 seats but that NEVER happened to me...everyone was so nice and the flight over to Orlando, we got this attendant that was HILARIOUS and did all kinds of jokes and songs...I couldnt believe how many snacks they provided to us...it was a great airline and I will totally use them again

I want to comment on something else...I have lost a significant amount of weight and am continuing to do so...I have heard numerous people moan about overweight people infringing on their space and I get it but what about those other people that are tall...thin but tall???? I had this guy sit next to me who was thin but extremely tall so he had long legs and HE was all over me...thank god he was cute so I didnt have a problem..all kidding aside, nobody talks and moans about that...is Southwest going to make them purchase 2 seats??? I think not...so in my opinion its a double standard and people are just picking on overweight people and thats SO not cool!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm so glad you had a good flight with SW. It's nice to hear that there are customers of size that aren't running into rude and/or nasty people. Thanks for letting us know. Sometimes posters seem to come back and give only the negatives.
My dh is 6'4'', and believe me...he has issues when flying. His legs just don't fit very well. And his arms to tend to get in the way. I know that he always takes an aisle seat...that makes it easier for his legs to not impact those next to him. And he does try to keep his inner arm down by his side, not even sharing the arm rest with the person next to him, unless it's me!!!

Believe me..it's not only those with physical issues that infringe on others while flying. I had one flight, with Jetblue, where I had an aisle seat. A dad was seated in the middle seat, and his son (about 10ish) was next to him, by the window. Well...there were no 'size issues'..of any kind. My issue??? My tv control pad was beneath my right arm....unfortunately, it was also beneath this gentleman's left arm as well. And he felt that he was entitled to that arm rest....even though he was using the other one on his right since his ds was snuggled against the side by the window!! So, every time I wanted to change the station or the volumne, I had to say..'Excuse me please.', over and over. He made it very clear that I was bothering him. So, even though there were no size issues, he still infringed on my 'rights'..making my flight less than wonderful.

So, yes, there are going to be inconsiderate passengers all the time. It's not only the tall or the pooh-sized. People seem to be unconcerned about others. And that's too bad. A little consideration goes a long way.

 

[jmkrat]

I am so glad to hear you had a good flight. I have been taking a tape measure and measuring out 17 inches to see if I fit. I have gained quite a few pounds in the past few years. I am a nervous wreck. I am driving my family crazy. I am still wondering at what point or size they do make you buy a 2nd seat. Your story makes me feel a little better, but I am still nervous. Glad it worked out for you.

 

[gmeh1]

I am so glad to hear you had a good flight. I have been taking a tape measure and measuring out 17 inches to see if I fit. I have gained quite a few pounds in the past few years. I am a nervous wreck. I am driving my family crazy. I am still wondering at what point or size they do make you buy a 2nd seat. Your story makes me feel a little better, but I am still nervous. Glad it worked out for you.

According to SWA's policy: The armrest is the definitive gauge for a Customer of size. It serves as the boundary between seats, which measure 17 inches wide. Customers who are unable to lower both armrests and/or who encroach upon any portion of the adjacent seat should proactively book the number of seats needed prior to travel.

http://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/extra_seat_policy_faq.html

 

[gmeh1]

I went on my first ever wdw trip at the end of Nov. and stayed for 2 weeks...I booked Southwest before I knew about their Customer of Size policy...I am, what I consider to be more than pooh sized and because of that I was SCARED to death that I wouldnt fit in the seat and they would make me purchase 2 seats...I had heard horror stories about how people were called out at the gate about possibly having to purchase 2 seats but that NEVER happened to me...everyone was so nice and the flight over to Orlando, we got this attendant that was HILARIOUS and did all kinds of jokes and songs...I couldnt believe how many snacks they provided to us...it was a great airline and I will totally use them again

I want to comment on something else...I have lost a significant amount of weight and am continuing to do so...I have heard numerous people moan about overweight people infringing on their space and I get it but what about those other people that are tall...thin but tall???? I had this guy sit next to me who was thin but extremely tall so he had long legs and HE was all over me...thank god he was cute so I didnt have a problem..all kidding aside, nobody talks and moans about that...is Southwest going to make them purchase 2 seats??? I think not...so in my opinion its a double standard and people are just picking on overweight people and thats SO not cool!!!

I think this explaination covers that: If a Customer cannot lower the armrests, the additional purchase is necessary. Simply having broad shoulders would not necessarily prevent another Customer from occupying the adjoining seat. The upper body can be adjusted, but the portion of the body in the seating and armrest area doesn't have this flexibility.

I would assume the lower body: ie legs can be adjusted also, and for the record, I would not like someone's legs in my space. That is just inconsiderate.

 

[seashoreCM]

... And he felt that he was entitled to that arm rest....even though he was using the other one on his right since his ds was snuggled against the side by the window!! So, every time I wanted to change the station or the volumne, I had to say..'Excuse me please.', over and over. He made it very clear that I was bothering him. So, even though there were no size issues, he still infringed on my 'rights'..making my flight less than wonderful ...

For those eavesdropping it would be fitting to make it clear that he is being inconsiderate, and to summon the flight attendant if things start to get out of hand.

The same "Excuse me please" over and over is also correct and proper to the person reclined in front when you need to get out and go to the rest room or attend to a child sitting in a different row.

I have heard numerous people moan about overweight people infringing on their space and I get it but what about those other people that are tall...thin but tall???? I had this guy sit next to me who was thin but extremely tall so he had long legs and HE was all over me...thank god he was cute so I didnt have a problem..all kidding aside, nobody talks and moans about that...is Southwest going to make them purchase 2 seats??? I think not...so in my opinion its a double standard and people are just picking on overweight people and thats SO not cool:mad:!!!

Someone who is all over you is also subject to having to purchase another seat or take a later flight. OF course if he is able and willing to stay off of you then he is okay as is.

If you have a complaint about an oversized (length or width or depth) seatmate you must be willing to accept an FA specified change to any other seat on the plane. This could possibly be the middle seat next to a taller person who then shares aisle space next to your originally assigned seat for his legs or shoulders. Eavesdroppers may correct me here, citing success stories.

According to SWA's policy: The armrest is the definitive gauge for a Customer of size. It serves as the boundary between seats, which measure 17 inches wide. Customers who are unable to lower both armrests and/or who encroach upon any portion of the adjacent seat should proactively book the number of seats needed prior to travel.

(a link provided)

Parrotted with a portion bolded for emphasis. An airline may "bump" someone who takes up more space than he booked without asking for volunteers first and without the need to pay "compensation".

 

[deegack]

Well I'm sure my 6'7" husband would love to lose a few inches but that comes at the price of amputating part of his legs. We're not quite there yet. But we don't fly sw because they don't offer first class or seats with extra leg room which we have to purchase.
If you come up with a diet that would allow him to lose a few inches of height let me know. I'm sure he will want to try it.

 

[seashoreCM]

OT: Count your blessings.

Well I'm sure my 6'7" husband would love to lose...

I would gladly scrunch myself into a pretzel in exchange for gaining a few more inches.

If you could come up with a diet that would allow me to gain a few inches of height please let me know. I definitely want to try it.

 

[deegack]

OT: Count your blessings.


I would gladly scrunch myself into a pretzel in exchange for gaining a few more inches.

If you could come up with a diet that would allow me to gain a few inches of height please let me know. I definitely want to try it.

You can wear lifts.
Not to run this off topic but airline seats are the least of our worries. It painful to pay for first class but until dd is older that is our only option. Everything from finding pants that fit (he's a 39 1/2 inch in seam) to cars (I would love a nice mid size sonata size car but dh can't even get into it so I drive a gas guzzling traverse).

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I want to comment on something else...I have lost a significant amount of weight and am continuing to do so...I have heard numerous people moan about overweight people infringing on their space and I get it but what about those other people that are tall...thin but tall???? I had this guy sit next to me who was thin but extremely tall so he had long legs and HE was all over me...thank god he was cute so I didnt have a problem..all kidding aside, nobody talks and moans about that...is Southwest going to make them purchase 2 seats??? I think not...so in my opinion its a double standard and people are just picking on overweight people and thats SO not cool!!!

It's absolutely not a double standard. Buying another seat is not going to give a tall passenger more legroom.

 

[Thumper4me]

We are flying in three weeks with my 18 year old nephew. He is 6'7" tall. Like the OP, he is self conscience of his height and the fact that he can take up "extra" room. He has already opted for the aisle seat - knowing he will interfere less with the other passangers.

It all comes down to some common sense and a little consideration of people other than yourself.

Kelly

 

[PatMcDuck]

There are so many annoyances flying, I love this thread....

I fly SW lots, and I usually take a window seat, there seems to be more room over there, I can lean on the side of the plane if I get scrunched by the middle person.... I am only 5'5" inches tall, so I have enough room.

My pet peeve can be lap babies..... It just makes me nuts to see the kids so uncomfortable, with the parent trying to juggle them around for snacks, bottles, fishing for toys and pacifiers, etc. Talk about infringing on the next guys personal space! One flight a large extended family PASSED the lap baby kid around like a hot potato as he got fussier and fussier. They were sitting all around me, in various rows, and yes this kid was passed over my HEAD on more than one occasion. (I am NOT commenting on the debate between the cost of an extra ticket vs. the safety concerns).

I have a 6'3" son who while not super SUPER tall, has very long upper legs (femurs?) DH also whines about space, at 6'1". They just try for the exit rows, or aisle seats, and do the best they can. I flew once next to a former college basketball player who was 6'10". He said sometimes SW lets him board early, as if he had a handicap, so he could get the exit row....

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I am so glad to hear you had a good flight. I have been taking a tape measure and measuring out 17 inches to see if I fit. I have gained quite a few pounds in the past few years. I am a nervous wreck. I am driving my family crazy. I am still wondering at what point or size they do make you buy a 2nd seat. Your story makes me feel a little better, but I am still nervous. Glad it worked out for you.

I did the very same thing as you jmkrat...everytime I went somewhere that I saw a small seat I measured it..still was worried till i got on that plane and saw I fit..whew!!

It's absolutely not a double standard. Buying another seat is not going to give a tall passenger more legroom.

um yes, by purchasing another seat they can use those 2 seats to spread out just like the guy sitting next to me is....

dont get me wrong people, Im not complaining about tall people, I know they cant help it..Im just talking about the fact that SW doesnt say anything about infringing on another persons space unless they are overweight...

and gmeh1...its not just that...if you read the entire script it also says...if you encroach on another persons seat, they also have a right to ask you to pay for an additional one...

just an fyi...southwest's planes have 3 areas where taller people can sit..1 is the very front row..and the other 2 are the exit rows...the row directly behind the exit door has a HUGE space in front with no chair..so if you are physically able, then I would suggest paying the $10 to board first to ensure you get it

 

[seashoreCM]

... Im just talking about the fact that SW doesnt say anything about infringing on another persons space unless they are overweight ...

But SW has to say something if one of the passengers complains. Ask to have a conference with the ground complaint resolution officer and the captain prior to departure only if the other crew members don't say enough.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

But SW has to say something if one of the passengers complains. Ask to have a conference with the ground complaint resolution officer and the captain prior to departure only if the other crew members don't say enough.

problem is, you never know ahead of time if the person sitting next to you is going to encroach on your seat

 

[deegack]

I did the very same thing as you jmkrat...everytime I went somewhere that I saw a small seat I measured it..still was worried till i got on that plane and saw I fit..whew!!



um yes, by purchasing another seat they can use those 2 seats to spread out just like the guy sitting next to me is....

dont get me wrong people, Im not complaining about tall people, I know they cant help it..Im just talking about the fact that SW doesnt say anything about infringing on another persons space unless they are overweight...

and gmeh1...its not just that...if you read the entire script it also says...if you encroach on another persons seat, they also have a right to ask you to pay for an additional one...

just an fyi...southwest's planes have 3 areas where taller people can sit..1 is the very front row..and the other 2 are the exit rows...the row directly behind the exit door has a HUGE space in front with no chair..so if you are physically able, then I would suggest paying the $10 to board first to ensure you get it

The problem with these three area is everyone wants them. The bulk heads usually are taken by people with special needs and if you are with children there goes the exit door seats. So even if you pay for priority boarding chances of you scoring one of those seats is around zero. We just dont fly sw. it's not worth dh being in pain. Besides they often aren't the cheapest anymore.

 

[gmeh1]

I did the very same thing as you jmkrat...everytime I went somewhere that I saw a small seat I measured it..still was worried till i got on that plane and saw I fit..whew!!



um yes, by purchasing another seat they can use those 2 seats to spread out just like the guy sitting next to me is....

dont get me wrong people, Im not complaining about tall people, I know they cant help it..Im just talking about the fact that SW doesnt say anything about infringing on another persons space unless they are overweight...

and gmeh1...its not just that...if you read the entire script it also says...if you encroach on another persons seat, they also have a right to ask you to pay for an additional one...

just an fyi...southwest's planes have 3 areas where taller people can sit..1 is the very front row..and the other 2 are the exit rows...the row directly behind the exit door has a HUGE space in front with no chair..so if you are physically able, then I would suggest paying the $10 to board first to ensure you get it

The point of that "script" is that people with broad shoulders or long legs can move them to be considerate and not encroach, people of size cannot shift their bodies in that way. 10.00 does not get you to board first.

 

[goofy4tink]

I did the very same thing as you jmkrat...everytime I went somewhere that I saw a small seat I measured it..still was worried till i got on that plane and saw I fit..whew!!



um yes, by purchasing another seat they can use those 2 seats to spread out just like the guy sitting next to me is....

dont get me wrong people, Im not complaining about tall people, I know they cant help it..Im just talking about the fact that SW doesnt say anything about infringing on another persons space unless they are overweight...

and gmeh1...its not just that...if you read the entire script it also says...if you encroach on another persons seat, they also have a right to ask you to pay for an additional one...

just an fyi...southwest's planes have 3 areas where taller people can sit..1 is the very front row..and the other 2 are the exit rows...the row directly behind the exit door has a HUGE space in front with no chair..so if you are physically able, then I would suggest paying the $10 to board first to ensure you get it

Allow me to make a few corrections here. A person who is tall is not going to be more comfortable by purchasing an addtl seat...unless it is the seat directly in front of them and that seat is taken out. Sitting sideways, sticking ones legs over to the area beside them, is not more comfortable...believe me. I've tried it, dh has tried it and dd has tried it. You were just unlucky enough to get an inconsiderate person next to you. I have had perfectly 'normal' (oh, how I hate to use that word!!!) person sitting next to me and they encroached on my space. It's usually more about common courtesy than it is about size.
Also....those areas with addtl legroom?? Yeah, not just $10 addtl. That $10, for EBCI, gets you moved up in the line but does not get you the extra legroom seats, unless you are lucky enough to be among the first 10 or so people boarding...and assuming there are no medical preboards, minors flying unattended or business class people.
You have to pay the huge fare for business class to be assured one of those seats..usually over $300 each way!!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Allow me to make a few corrections here. A person who is tall is not going to be more comfortable by purchasing an addtl seat...unless it is the seat directly in front of them and that seat is taken out. Sitting sideways, sticking ones legs over to the area beside them, is not more comfortable....

Yes, that was my point exactly. How comfortable or safe is it to sit sideways? If you have to buy two seats, might as well fly a different airline and use the money for a single extra legroom seat.

A very tall person needs to fly an airline other than SWA, such as United/Continental, where you can opt for E+ seats, or chose a class with seats with more legroom.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

When people complain about Southwest's policy, they always seem to leave off this part:

As long as the flight does not oversell (have more confirmed Customers waiting to board than seats on the aircraft), we will refund the cost of the additional seat after travel. A Refund Advice Slip, a guide for conveniently requesting refunds (via telephone or letter), is provided to the Customer of size at checkin. If it appears a flight will oversell, the option to purchase an extra seat and travel on a less full flight is available.

So it's not that they make you BUY that extra seat...it's that they sell one less ticket so everybody is comfortable. And so long as you inform them ahead of time, you'll never have to pay for that extra seat.

Seems pretty reasonable to me.