Pooh size on Southwest

[Daisy-J&D]

Help! I told DP on the weekend that I had intended on purchasing flights with Southwest this year (BUF-MCO) because they are pricing out to be about $1100 cheaper for us than Air Canada.
Well, she said NO WAY because SW "doesn't like fat people".
DP is 5'3/ 263 lbs and heavier on the bottom and is worried they will say she needs 2 seats. I did a quick search on Southwest and I see WHY she is concerned. They do seem to be a bit controversial.
The thing is, we flew fine with AC and it was never even a consideration. I don't think her weight has ever been a consideration anywhere (movie theatres, etc) although sometimes she can be uncomfortable (but still
fit).

So, fellow DIS... Anyone have nagative Pooh size stories from
SW? Do you think this is something we should even be talking about.

 

[goodferry]

I have not had any experiences, but I can tell you that I am about a size 12, heavier on top, and that my husband is extremely fit and the third person sitting next to me was fairly thin and we were EXTREMELY tight. There was no room to move at all and it was pretty uncomfortable.

 

[ilovemk76]

Help! I told DP on the weekend that I had intended on purchasing flights with Southwest this year (BUF-MCO) because they are pricing out to be about $1100 cheaper for us than Air Canada.
Well, she said NO WAY because SW "doesn't like fat people".
DP is 5'3/ 263 lbs and heavier on the bottom and is worried they will say she needs 2 seats. I did a quick search on Southwest and I see WHY she is concerned. They do seem to be a bit controversial.
The thing is, we flew fine with AC and it was never even a consideration. I don't think her weight has ever been a consideration anywhere (movie theatres, etc) although sometimes she can be uncomfortable (but still
fit).

So, fellow DIS... Anyone have nagative Pooh size stories from
SW? Do you think this is something we should even be talking about.

I fly Southwest all the time. I have seen people way bigger than her fit in their seat. I have never seen anybody told they have to buy a second seat. DH and I have considered buying a third seat if we are flying cross country with SW. It would be so nice to not sit with a stranger for 6 hours.

I have seen a few people boarded for the A#s that took up 1.5 seats. I have no idea how they were handled.

If she has some trouble with the seat, put her on the aisle or window and sit next to her with the arm rest up.

 

[Daisy-J&D]

Are Southwest seats narrower than other airlines?We flew an A330 to Orlando and an Embrayer (?) home and neither were an issue for discomfort last year.

 

[Daisy-J&D]

To answer my own question, of our top options:

Air Canada: 17.83 inch
WestJet: 17 inch
Air Transat: 16.5 inch
Southwest: 17 inch

So I guess the real question is if SW are jerks about it?

 

[dancin Disney style]

The arm rest has to be down for take off and landing....safety rules.

The general SW policy is that if you can fit in the seat with the arm rest down you are fine with just one seat.

I've had to be seated beside some very large people(over 300lbs) on a flight before and there is no way that anyone was comfortable. I would highly recommend that if you are concerned...just buy yourself an extra seat. The SW fares are not prohibitive and you will still be saving money over Air Canada.

 

[LWallace2012]

My family and I flew on Southwest this past September. I am overweight. I did not have a issue with the seat size but always struggle with the seat belts. Some are bigger then others, so I bought a extender on ebay just in case. I slipped it on and no problems at all and was rather comfortable besides my ears. Which I may add had caused 4 ear infections. But anyway, I guess it is your preference. Each airline has the seatbelt extenders as well.Good luck!

 

[dancin Disney style]

So I guess the real question is if SW are jerks about it?

Well for the most part I would say no....SW employees are pretty good. However, you can have a bad experience with an employee in any business at any time it all depends on that particular person.

I think you would need to be a heck of a lot bigger than 260 for SW to do anything. They don't want to make a scene and they certainly don't want an unhappy customer.

As I said in my PP...if you are really concerned then book an extra seat or at least look at the possibility. Piece of mind is worth something.

 

[bushdianee]

Are you traveling with a child? If so then I don't think you'd have a problem. About 7 years ago they made my mom buy a 2nd seat as we are both very pooh sized but not me. I took a trip this past summer on SW and was worried about being made to buy a 2nd seat but Iwas traveling with my 6yo DNiece and didn't have a problem. BTW SW refunded the 2nd seat after we got home.

 

[jelo]

Help! I told DP on the weekend that I had intended on purchasing flights with Southwest this year (BUF-MCO) because they are pricing out to be about $1100 cheaper for us than Air Canada.
Well, she said NO WAY because SW "doesn't like fat people".
DP is 5'3/ 263 lbs and heavier on the bottom and is worried they will say she needs 2 seats. I did a quick search on Southwest and I see WHY she is concerned. They do seem to be a bit controversial.
The thing is, we flew fine with AC and it was never even a consideration. I don't think her weight has ever been a consideration anywhere (movie theatres, etc) although sometimes she can be uncomfortable (but still
fit).

So, fellow DIS... Anyone have nagative Pooh size stories from
SW? Do you think this is something we should even be talking about.

Well we flew with SW 2 years ago, I'm 5'4" and about 250...I was extremely worrried as well!! But I had no problem fitting or with the belt at all....my problem was the man(stranger) I was sitting next to had wide shoulders and kept his legs so spread apart that I practically sat in the aisle the whole trip just to have some "personal space"

 

[Daisy-J&D]

Thank-you for all of your responses. When we flew last year DP had NO issue requiring a seatbelt extender or the armrests but she has a big back end and is worried she'll be called out and humiliated over it.
There is no way I'd buy a second seat "just in case". If you add that cost of time and money for us driving 1.5 hours each way, gas, tolls, parking (instead of being dropped off) it really cuts into the desirability of going to BUF for the discounted fare.
The reality is, we'll likely just pay the $1800 fair from Toronto because of this bad press Southwest has earned over this policy.

 

[zelasko]

SW has a policy that if you buy a second seat on SW and the flight is not full, then they will refund the cost of the 2nd seat. Pete has mentioned this on the Podcast a couple of times in the past, and I believe John and Kevin have also.

Call SW reservations at 1 800 I FLY SWA ( 1 800 435 9792) and ask them. They are the nicest people of any airline I fly, (50 R/T's a year) on the phone and on the ground and theywill definitely let you know your options. BTW I'm 5'6" and 250+ and have never had an issue.

Here's a copy from there FAQ section on customers of size. Might as well get the info direct from the horse's mouth.

Customers of Size Policy

Guidelines for Customers of Size

Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) should proactively book the needed number of seats prior to travel. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats and measures 17 inches in width. The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification to Southwest of a special seating need. 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, provided the flight does not oversell (which means having more confirmed Customers than seats on the aircraft).

Have a great trip whomever you choose.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

There are many, many threads already here on this topic. Do a search for "pooh sized" and you'll find a lot of information which should be useful.

 

[ccgirl]

Help! I told DP on the weekend that I had intended on purchasing flights with Southwest this year (BUF-MCO) because they are pricing out to be about $1100 cheaper for us than Air Canada.
Well, she said NO WAY because SW "doesn't like fat people".
DP is 5'3/ 263 lbs and heavier on the bottom and is worried they will say she needs 2 seats. I did a quick search on Southwest and I see WHY she is concerned. They do seem to be a bit controversial.
The thing is, we flew fine with AC and it was never even a consideration. I don't think her weight has ever been a consideration anywhere (movie theatres, etc) although sometimes she can be uncomfortable (but still
fit).

So, fellow DIS... Anyone have nagative Pooh size stories from
SW? Do you think this is something we should even be talking about.

To answer my own question, of our top options:

Air Canada: 17.83 inch
WestJet: 17 inch
Air Transat: 16.5 inch
Southwest: 17 inch

So I guess the real question is if SW are jerks about it?

I don't think the bolded was necessary. I don't think they are being jerks at all. They have a published policy.

Flame suit on....I purchase my seat. I want to be able to use my seat. There is no reason someone else should have to use my seat as well.

I'm sure it is just as uncomfortable for the person that has to squish in their seat due to the encroachment of someone else.

If your partner fits in her seat with the arm rest down then there are no worries. However, if she does encroach in the seat next to her, SW can ask her to purchase another seat (or have her removed from the flight if there is not one available). They are not being jerks about it. They are enforcing their policy. BTW, I am not the smallest person and I have no problem fitting in just my seat so it is possible DP will be just fine.

 

[Daisy-J&D]

I don't think the bolded was necessary. I don't think they are being jerks at all. They have a published policy.

While I absolutely agree it is their published policy it is a bit alarming that they may call someone out as "too fat" for one ticket while they are boarding without actually trying the seat (especially if the encroached upon is part of their own party). DP had NO issue with Air Canada seats but is so put off by the negative stories in the press about this happening that she (even after reading this) is refusing to fly SW. I think her reaction is a bit extreme considering this is going to cost $1000 more but it just shows how SENSITIVE this topic is.

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I are pooh sized and fly SW each trip from MSY-MCO (New Orleans). I am 5'4", 222# and DH is 5'7" and 273#. He gets an isle seat and I usually sit in the middle. We are comfy long enough for a 2 hour flight. The seat belts fit both of us without problems.

We also always purchase the Early Bird tickets to check us in and that usually gives us an "A" seating so we get on the plane before others and can pick our seats. We have never been made to feel embarrassed and have often talked that at any time they could pull us out and make us buy a seat. Oh well, the destination is worth it. Save the money, fly SW and don't worry about it.

 

[ccgirl]

While I absolutely agree it is their published policy it is a bit alarming that they may call someone out as "too fat" for one ticket while they are boarding without actually trying the seat (especially if the encroached upon is part of their own party). DP had NO issue with Air Canada seats but is so put off by the negative stories in the press about this happening that she (even after reading this) is refusing to fly SW. I think her reaction is a bit extreme considering this is going to cost $1000 more but it just shows how SENSITIVE this topic is.

My guess is those that obviously won't fit in one seat may be called out. By the description of your DP, I would not say that was obvious that she wouldn't fit. As a matter of fact, I think it more than likely she will fit in just one seat. Believe me, I know this is a sensitive topic. Not too long ago, I was worried about the same thing. I ended up fitting just fine. Good luck! $1,000 is a lot of money.

 

[ilovemk76]

The arm rest has to be down for take off and landing....safety rules.

The general SW policy is that if you can fit in the seat with the arm rest down you are fine with just one seat.

I've had to be seated beside some very large people(over 300lbs) on a flight before and there is no way that anyone was comfortable. I would highly recommend that if you are concerned...just buy yourself an extra seat. The SW fares are not prohibitive and you will still be saving money over Air Canada.

I have never seen them enforce this rule except for on the aisle.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So I guess the real question is if SW are jerks about it?

While I absolutely agree it is their published policy it is a bit alarming that they may call someone out as "too fat" for one ticket while they are boarding without actually trying the seat (especially if the encroached upon is part of their own party). DP had NO issue with Air Canada seats but is so put off by the negative stories in the press about this happening that she (even after reading this) is refusing to fly SW. I think her reaction is a bit extreme considering this is going to cost $1000 more but it just shows how SENSITIVE this topic is.

Southwest isn't being jerks about anything. They transport thousands, if not millions, of customers of size every year. Only a very, very, very few make the news - generally comtacted by the passenger, who felt wronged.

As for paying or not for the additional seat: as indicated in the information from SW's site, if the flight isn't oversold, you can get the extra seat fee refunded. If you buy the seat in advance, you'll get the lowest fare available when you purchase. If you wait until you get to the airport, and it's determined an extra seat is needed, you'll pay the child walk-up fare - the lowest available, but much higher than you'd want to spend.

Anyway, Southwest as an airline is discreet; they can't control what their customers say, or to whom, once off the plane.

 

[Daisy-J&D]

Honestly, after just discussing this on here and reading previous threads on SW I can say that I am
very comfortable agreeing with DP and we'll just cross our fingers for a better airfare out of Toronto. Nothing much other than the price sounds appealing to me now that I know more. Oh well.