Pooh sized and airline seats

[buzzlady]

Inspired by the Southwest Airline show I was just wondering if there is any other airline that makes you pay for a 2nd seat if they determine that you are too Pooh sized to fit comfortably in one seat?

 

[cynsaun]

Most other airlines have policies in place enforcing ideas along the same lines.

 

[danacara]

I haven't seen it enforced much. I've been on two flights in the past year where I've been seated alongside someone who was not able to lower the armrest. I've never said anything; the person on the other side of the pooh-sized passenger did, in one case, but nothing was really done. I am surprised at how vigorously Southwest seems to enforce this on Airline.

 

[Deesknee]

DH is pooh sized (apprx. 6'1" @ 280lbs) We have always flown Delta (Eastern way back when) until last month we flew JETBLUE their seats are larger, leather, they have direct tv at every seat N/C, the people were all very nice. flights were great both ways. On the flight down I was in the middle of DH and a pooh sized teenager. It was somewhat tight but nothing was said and I must say, I'm extremely glad there wasn't.

We flew out of Boston. to Orlando.

No I don't work for any airline. (lol)

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I saw that show last night too. I was amazed that they made the girl get 2 seats but nothing was said to the man that was ill. He was as big or if not bigger than the girl. They need to be consistent in their policies.

Lori

 

[Shugardrawers]

Originally posted by pirateofthecarolinas
I saw that show last night too. I was amazed that they made the girl get 2 seats but nothing was said to the man that was ill. He was as big or if not bigger than the girl. They need to be consistent in their policies.

Lori

Of course, I wasn't there so I can't say for sure but he might have known about the policy ahead of time or they may have just cut that part out because he didn't argue about it and that doesn't make for good tv.

I personally think it's unfair and just a way to make money and here's why. I once was pooh sized myself. I was flying with 2 companions who were not. Even though the seatbelt fit comfortably around me and my companions said they didn't mind being a bit squashed the airline INSISTED I had to buy a second seat. There were only 3 seats in the row. The kicker? The flight was totally sold out so "my" second seat was actually used by someone else who also paid for that seat. You better believe I raised a stink over that although I got nowhere. Now, I agree that there are some extra pooh sized people who would be much more comfy with 2 seats as would the person sitting next to them but if they don't get to use that seat it's just plain discrimination.

 

[DawnCt1]

I agree that it is unfair to sell the seat that you paid for. If it didn't remain empty, you should have been given a refund. Having said that however, I am glad the policy is in place. I couldn't imagine a flight where the arm rest could not be lowered because the person adjacent to me had to intrude on my seat. My feeling is, I have paid for a seat, not 4/5th of a seat. I have been asked to raise the arm rest and I have ALWAYS refused.

 

[snoopy]

Originally posted by Shugardrawers
Of course, I wasn't there so I can't say for sure but he might have known about the policy ahead of time or they may have just cut that part out because he didn't argue about it and that doesn't make for good tv.

I personally think it's unfair and just a way to make money and here's why. I once was pooh sized myself. I was flying with 2 companions who were not. Even though the seatbelt fit comfortably around me and my companions said they didn't mind being a bit squashed the airline INSISTED I had to buy a second seat. There were only 3 seats in the row. The kicker? The flight was totally sold out so "my" second seat was actually used by someone else who also paid for that seat. You better believe I raised a stink over that although I got nowhere. Now, I agree that there are some extra pooh sized people who would be much more comfy with 2 seats as would the person sitting next to them but if they don't get to use that seat it's just plain discrimination.

How did they INSIST? I'm just curious? Do they actually say something to you when you buy the ticket, or is their a weight limit to who can buy a ticket? I've flown Southwest many times and never saw anyone get told they had to buy another seat. How horrible. I bet you did raise a stink, and you had every reason to.

I sat next to a very large man on a flight from Dallas recently. He wasn't only "pooh size" he was also very tall and broad. I'm tall too, and it made for an uncomfortable trip, but I would have never asked that he get another seat. Some things just aren't worth it -- my comfort or his feelings, no contest which wins.

 

[DMickey28]

I like the armrest down with strangers....I was on a flight one with a fisherman and his sun. Sun burned, peeling and scratching.... yeeewwwwww... couldn't wait to get away from them. gives me the hebegebes..... Ok has not to do with topic.

My DFiance is poohsized and we always have to either make sure he gets and isle seat and I am in the middle or we get the third one in the row for comfort. I will raise the bar with him no problem... it's just with strangers... I like that barrier!

 

[LeeLoo]

Remember guys, above all it's a tv show...people will do and say anything.

 

[cynsaun]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
I agree that it is unfair to sell the seat that you paid for. If it didn't remain empty, you should have been given a refund. Having said that however, I am glad the policy is in place. I couldn't imagine a flight where the arm rest could not be lowered because the person adjacent to me had to intrude on my seat. My feeling is, I have paid for a seat, not 4/5th of a seat. I have been asked to raise the arm rest and I have ALWAYS refused.

I was going to say the exact same thing.

Southwest didn't put this policy in place merely to make extra money. This policy was put into effect because 1) it isn't fair to make the person sitting next to a large person share their seat. As Dawn said, they didn't pay for 4/5th of a seat; 2) safety of both parties.

This said, I have flown on many occasions where I have been seated next to a POS. I was uncomfortable for the entire flight. What makes that ok?

As for the gate agent that was speaking with the man just returning from medical treatment. She was wrong for not offering to get him some water, she could have shown much more compassion.

Finally, you have to remember when watching "Airline" that there are many, many HOURS of video shot. The high interest video will make the cut, this is why there are so many instances of the POS segments.

 

[JoNo]

I wonder if the next time I fly SW I can just buy all 3 seats and stretch out & lay down on them?

 

[spearenb]

Originally posted by JoNo
I wonder if the next time I fly SW I can just buy all 3 seats and stretch out & lay down on them?

Only if you get your boarding pass on time and one or two of those seats aren't bumped!!!

 

[Abracadabra]

Originally posted by cynsaun
As for the gate agent that was speaking with the man just returning from medical treatment. She was wrong for not offering to get him some water, she could have shown much more compassion.

The customer service person is not a valet or server; she offered to get him a wheelchair to sit in, but he refused. She mentioned there was first aid care and also offered paramedic assistance, all of which was refused.

If the gentleman needed water, he should have bought it while he walked to the gate, not expected the gate agents to fetch it for him. For someone who was "about to pass out", he certainly seemed to gain a lot of energy to complain loudly and rudely whenever the SW staff walked away and he was on camera alone.

 

[LeeLoo]

I agree with you, Abra. He was headed in the direction of the food court, and ended up stopping to rant and rave...and it didn't make ANY sense what in the world he was ranting about!!!

 

[Shugardrawers]

Originally posted by snoopy
How did they INSIST? I'm just curious? Do they actually say something to you when you buy the ticket, or is their a weight limit to who can buy a ticket? I've flown Southwest many times and never saw anyone get told they had to buy another seat. How horrible. I bet you did raise a stink, and you had every reason to.

I sat next to a very large man on a flight from Dallas recently. He wasn't only "pooh size" he was also very tall and broad. I'm tall too, and it made for an uncomfortable trip, but I would have never asked that he get another seat. Some things just aren't worth it -- my comfort or his feelings, no contest which wins.

The airline said that "for my safety and the comfort of my companions" I had to purchase an extra seat. This issue had already been addressed and neither one was an issue for us. The airline said I could not fly without purchasing the extra seat. Funny, this was the return trip and no one said a word on the way there. They wouldn't budge and without buying that extra seat I was going nowhere so I had no option. Anyway, after boarding the plane it became obvious that not only was there not another seat in the row but there wasn't another seat on the entire plane. The flight attendent said to call customer service once we got home. We did and they said I should have settled the matter at the airport before the flight closed so that someone flying standby could be bumped to accomodate me!! I wouldn't have done that anyway because it wasn't necessary to begin with. I just went around and around with them until I finally gave up. Never got an apology or refund.

 

[cynsaun]

Originally posted by Abracadabra
The customer service person is not a valet or server; she offered to get him a wheelchair to sit in, but he refused. She mentioned there was first aid care and also offered paramedic assistance, all of which was refused.

If the gentleman needed water, he should have bought it while he walked to the gate, not expected the gate agents to fetch it for him. For someone who was "about to pass out", he certainly seemed to gain a lot of energy to complain loudly and rudely whenever the SW staff walked away and he was on camera alone.

As a gate agent part of her job is customer service, she could have at least offered water. Not bottled water, but a paper cup with water. I'm not saying she should have taken a voucher and bought food for him, that would have set a bad precedent.

I agree with you, he was out of control. He was hostile and rude, I was surprised they didn't ask him to control his mouth in the gate area.

 

[FergieTCat]

If person who infringes on another passenger's personal space pay for two seats then:

Should the person who leans ALL THE WAY BACK pay for the seat behind him?

Should the parents of the child who kicks the seat in front of him for the entire flight for that seat as well?

What about the screaming baby who disturbs the passenger right next to him?

Why should it only be POS?

 

[adamak]

I have a different opinion. To be fair, I think airlines should always enforce the weight policy. That way, we all know what to expect and don't feel single out. I am relatively small, once sit next to a pooh size man on a long flight. I had literally 1/3 of my middle seat left. It was so uncomfy, and unhealthy if you ask me. I was pretty much told by that guy or the attendents that I'll be OK because I'm small. That was extremely unfair to me.

Though I never understand why airlines don't start putting in several rows of wider seats in coach. Charge slight more but not business class price. I think people will buy them. Better yet, reserve them for pooh size people.

 

[snoopy]

Originally posted by FergieTCat
If person who infringes on another passenger's personal space pay for two seats then:

Should the person who leans ALL THE WAY BACK pay for the seat behind him?

Should the parents of the child who kicks the seat in front of him for the entire flight for that seat as well?

What about the screaming baby who disturbs the passenger right next to him?

Why should it only be POS?

I have to agree with you. Where do you draw the line? To be fair, even though I am not pooh size, I do have very long legs. I'm sure the person seated next to me is feeling some of my discomfort as I am positioning and repositioning trying to find a spot where I can sit for any length of time without it becoming unbearable. Should tall people be singled out as well?

I feel like this: while on any sort of mass transportation, whether it be bus or train or plane, I am going to expect that I'm not going to be as comfortable as I would be if I were lying in my favorite lounge chair. There are going to be people who do things to annoy me -- whether its the guy listening to his Ipod at full volume or the guy who has way too much aftershave on or the guy who is so big he is spilling over into my seat. I guess I can see why the large person/two seat rule is in place if there are safety issues, but as far as other customer's comfort, I'd say that comfort for me on a plane is pretty much not happening even in the best of scenarios.