Southwest's "People of Size" policy

[Marseeya]

I haven't seen this addressed here, so I apologize if it has been.

This is a delicate, and potentially embarrassing question.

I've already ordered our tickets for our trip, but then I was reading SW's policy regarding "people of size," I saw that they expect you to go ahead and order two seats when you order your tickets, and that if the plane isn't overbooked, they'll give you a refund after the trip. I really hadn't thought it was going to be much of an issue for us, because DH and I would each be sitting next to one of the girls. I didn't realize that it might not be possible for us to sit together, plus the website says something to the effect that even if we are sitting next to a child, it doesn't matter and we'd need our own extra seat.

Now I'm worried.

Right now I'm in a size 22/24. I am dieting for this trip, but I don't expect I'll get skinny between now and June. Wishful thinking, but I doubt it.

Sooooo, I guess what I'm getting at is wondering what should I do? How small ARE the seats anyway? Do any of you have experience with this? How do they compare to, say, a seat on a bus or a seat in a theater? Because I'm perfectly fine with seats like that. My weight is distributed pretty evenly. I'm pretty big-hipped, but my weight isn't all there (which, according to SW, the main issue is in whether or not you can lower the seat rest).

Help!

 

[yellowfish78]

One option for you is to check www.seatguru.com. This website provides you with seat size and plane layouts.
If you're able to get an "A" boarding pass, I don't see a problem with having to purchase a second seat, even if you are flying on a Saturday or Sunday.
If it was me, I would probably put the two children in the same row as me, with DH in the isle seat in the row across, since the seats are layed out in a three seat, isle, three seat plan.
My only concern is if it's a connect flight where you have to change planes, but even then you could still sit next to one of your children in a row of three seats.
I think it's up to you. If your still concerned, give SW a call and see what they suggest.
I hope this helps some!

 

[In a hurry]

My aunt flew with us, and she wears a 26/28 blue jean. The seat belt just fit, and she was just able to lower the arm rest. Hope this helps!

 

[maine_jennifer]

To me there's nothing to be embarrased about - people aren't blind, they can see me, all of me, so it's not a big deal to talk about it. I am your size and also hoping there'll be less of me by my June trip, though I will be flying Delta, not Southwest. If you have any questions, please let me know!

It all seems to depend on the SW agents at the gate. I have heard horror stories of people being totally embarassed while waiting at the gate for their flights when someone from SW came and announced they needed to buy another seat. I've also heard stories of people from SW being discreet about it. I have a feeling if you call SW they're gonna highly suggest you buy the extra tickets. That's their thing.

However, I don't think anyone can tell you how you will fit - everyone carries their weight differently. Supposedly, their policy is that if you can clear the armrests, you're ok. But when you invade someone's space, even if it's your own child's, that's not ok. I knew on other airlines, I juuuust barely made it, so my first, and hopefully last, trip with Southwest, I didn't wear a coat or sweater or anything bulky. I say hopefully last only because the closest airport they fly from is a two hour drive. Not the way I want to start a vacation. Anyway, I was a bit nervous, but fully prepared to pay extra if they approached me. And that's another thing. Just because you aren't told to buy another seat on the way down, doesn't mean that you'll be in the clear for the way back. And no, they don't give "I FIT" passes! I had no problems either way and would fly with them again if they flew from a closer airport. One thing I did was to get the seat measurements (don't have them anymore) and then measured my desk chair. They were both the same, so I could slightly gauge it from that.

Cheers!

 

[salmoneous]

I probably should tell you the truth - that you won't have any problems and everything will be fine. But instead, I'll lie:

Look lady, you are about 5-10 pounds over the limit. If you don't lose those pounds between now and June, you are in a *heap* of trouble. Keep that in mind anytime you are tempted to stray from your diet or skip a workout

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Haven't you ever watched the tv show "Airline" about SWA? I have seen a number of episodes where "large" sized passengers were required to buy an extra seat. SWA seems to be one of the airlines which is pretty hard core about this. In fact, they are currently being sued over this issue:

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/travelgetaways/6838150/detail.html?rss=dgo&psp=news

Also of interest:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05072/470035.stm

http://www.travellaw.com/web/article/LargerPass.html

http://www.forbes.com/2002/10/24/cx_ld_1024obese.html

 

[Marseeya]

I probably should tell you the truth - that you won't have any problems and everything will be fine. But instead, I'll lie:

Look lady, you are about 5-10 pounds over the limit. If you don't lose those pounds between now and June, you are in a *heap* of trouble. Keep that in mind anytime you are tempted to stray from your diet or skip a workout

Can you come live with me for the next few months???

My family seems to like me fat, so when I diet, they are sooooo bad for me. "We love you just the way you are, you don't need to change a thing!" Nice, but not conducive to sticking to the plan!

 

[In a hurry]

Haven't you ever watched the tv show "Airline" about SWA? I have seen a number of episodes where "large" sized passengers were required to buy an extra seat. SWA seems to be one of the airlines which is pretty hard core about this. In fact, they are currently being sued over this issue:

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/travelgetaways/6838150/detail.html?rss=dgo&psp=news

Also of interest:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05072/470035.stm

http://www.travellaw.com/web/article/LargerPass.html

http://www.forbes.com/2002/10/24/cx_ld_1024obese.html

I suspect her concerns are based on such coverage. That is why she asked, and why we have answered rather than trying to panic the poor gal more.

 

[penzish]

O.k. I'm bigger than you are, and take Southwest all the time. Seatbelts are snug, but I can fit them. If not, they offer you an extender. You'll be fine.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I suspect her concerns are based on such coverage. That is why she asked, and why we have answered rather than trying to panic the poor gal more.

My intent was not to panic anyone, simply to point out that her concerns are valid.

Anyone who even suspects that they will have trouble fitting into an airline seat should make sure that there will not be problems before checking in and discovering that they will be required to buy another seat (which might not be available, not to mention what must be the huge embarassment factor).

Just being realistic.

 

[canwegosoon]

OP I know how you feel...I used to watch the show Airline...they got me so scared I dodn't even want to fly them...and I'm as size 18 but I look pregnant(I wonder if pregnant women 6-7 months who can fly have to buy 2 tickets? )...Maybe if you live close to an airport you can go try a seat...so you know now if you need another ticket, and you can get on on a ding or something. Good Luck. A friend of mine who is coming home today(who is a 24/26)...I will try to find out how she mad out.

 

[kaytieeldr]

One option for you is to check www.seatguru.com. This website provides you with seat size and plane layouts.
If you're able to get an "A" boarding pass, I don't see a problem with having to purchase a second seat, even if you are flying on a Saturday or Sunday.
If it was me, I would probably put the two children in the same row as me, with DH in the isle seat in the row across, since the seats are layed out in a three seat, isle, three seat plan.
My only concern is if it's a connect flight where you have to change planes, but even then you could still sit next to one of your children in a row of three seats.

With Southwest, none of that matters. It's all addressed in their http://southwest.com/travel_center/cos_guidelines.html Q & A. In part:
If a flight is "open," why are you charging for an additional seat?
A Customer of size has no way of knowing at the time of booking if his/her flights will be full. The inconsistency of charging for the extra seat on one occasion and not others leaves the Customer not knowing what to expect and not having a full understanding of our policy. Thus, we require the additional purchase despite booking levels.
Why can't two large Customers share their second seat?
Open seating cannot guarantee that there will be an entire row open for two Customers to sit together and share the middle seat on each leg of the trip.
Why can't a large Customer sit with a family member who doesn't mind being encroached upon or a small child/person who doesn't take a full seat?
Open seating cannot guarantee that two people will be able to sit together. In addition, we must treat the smaller person (despite willingness or personal relationship) as a valued Customer who deserves the use of a full seat. Most importantly, we have to consider the safety aspect of the family member whose movement (especially in the event of an emergency) could be compromised if encroached on by a large seatmate.

 

[Crankyshank]

I believe the seat is 18inches. If you can prove you can fit in the seat with lowered arm rests they can't force you to pay for 2 seats. Even if you need a seatbelt extender.

 

[pjpoohbear]

"Haven't you ever watched the tv show "Airline" about SWA? I have seen a number of episodes where "large" sized passengers were required to buy an extra seat. SWA seems to be one of the airlines which is pretty hard core about this. In fact, they are currently being sued over this issue:"

--remember they also assist in the production of the program and will use the program as a way to educate flyers about their company wants and abilities.

"I believe the seat is 18inches. If you can prove you can fit in the seat with lowered arm rests they can't force you to pay for 2 seats. Even if you need a seatbelt extender."

--according to seatguru dotcom. southwest 737-300 planes have a width of 17.0"

the best bet is to buy the seat, then apply for the refund(only if the flight is not full,) especially on Orlando flights, because if the flight is full (read oversold,) then the POS will not be able to fly, if the gate agent requests the POS to buy at the gate. Although they say, you will not pay anymore than the cost of the orginal seat price for a POS 2nd seat, but there must still be a seat avaliable on that flight to purchase.

This is why I fly JETBLUE.

Penny

 

[GrumpyC.Hook]

I have flown on Southwest many times most recently in January to Philidelphia and I am a size 26/28 and I have never been asked to purchase an extra seat or made to feel less of a person for asking for a seatbelt extender. I am not saying you won't have a problem just telling you my experience. If asked to purchase a second seat I would and then apply for a refund later.

Every airline usually has this rule in their guidelines but most don't usually inforce it. Southwest does from time to time.

If you would feel more comfortable buying the 2nd seat then buy it. Don't let it upset you on your vacation.

 

[Marseeya]

Thank you all so much for your input.

I was pretty down about this whole thing this morning, but something good came of it. I became determined to join a gym and start to get in better shape. I can't expect miracles between now and June, but I'm willing to bet if I set my mind to it, I can lose a size or two by then.

Wish me luck!

 

[helenk]

I use to be a 22/24 and I never flew Southwest when I was that size, but I did fly UsAir and Airtran and had no problems sitting in the seat with the arm rest down and did not "over flow" into the person's seat next to me.
Are the seats on Southwest so much smaller than the other airlines?

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

I am a 22/24 and have flown SWA at this size. I had nothing said about my size and I was able to use the seatbelt without it fully extended. I was able to lower the arm rests without problems I think the seating issue is for "supersize people" not just plus size.
Good luck on the diet, I have temporarily given up, back to the diet later for me.

 

[Marseeya]

DH had asked a man he works with about it, because he and his wife are overweight as well, and DH says the wife is a good 50 pounds heavier than me. They didn't have any problems when they just flew SW.

I'm relieved, but still getting my butt to the gym.

 

[canwegosoon]

Well MAressya good luck on your quest to lose weight. I used to be 300lbs and am 5'10"...so I was a size 24. I have lost 70 lbs(over several years)...and am an 18 now...would LOVE to get to a 14(40-50) pounds more. By tomorrow I am hoping to have the treadmill(or aka closet) cleaned off(just to get my walking up-since we are going soon)...I am doing Atkins ...and it seems to be going good. I lost 36lbs (in 16weeks) on Weight Watchers. Good Luck you have almost 16 weeks, so you can make a big difference in that time.