SW extra seat q's

[FairestOfThemAll37]

Realize that this is only marginally budget related but you lot always give me the best advice.

I will be traveling with 2 friends who borderline need an extra seat. None of us are willing to sit in a middle seat. Ideally they would have an extra seat between them and I would find a window seat elsewhere. Not sure if SW allows 1 extra seat per two people.

Does anybody have experience with this? I will, of course phone SW. But the line on the phone can be very different than personal experience.

What is the refund like? Check-in etc. anybody ever been accused of being too small for an extra seat? Thanks!!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I've been on many SWA flights where every seat was filled.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Realize that this is only marginally budget related but you lot always give me the best advice.

I will be traveling with 2 friends who borderline need an extra seat. None of us are willing to sit in a middle seat. Ideally they would have an extra seat between them and I would find a window seat elsewhere. Not sure if SW allows 1 extra seat per two people.

Does anybody have experience with this? I will, of course phone SW. But the line on tho home can be very different than personal experience.

What is the refund like? Check-in etc. anybody ever been accused of being too small for an extra seat? Thanks!!!

I am a little confused by the bolded. Are your friends planning to say they need an extra seat between them without buying the seat? It's a risky move because, as I said above, all seats are sometimes filled. They are under no obligation to give two seats to a larger person. It might work out if the flight isn't full, but often, SWA flights are full, or pretty close to it. This is how they are able to offer things like lower fare and no baggage fees, etc.

 

[elaine amj]

I don't really know their Customer of Size (***) policy - I would suggest you look into it. What they could do is ONE person do whatever is needed and the 2nd person can just use the extra space that the first person secures.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

According to SW policy a "customer of size" can book an extra seat and have it fully refunded regardless of if the flight was oversold or they can request one at the gate and get one free of charge.

Obviously SW prefers the pre purchase because it allows them to more accurately gauge the seats on a given flight. I don't know how they handle an oversold flight and a gate request.

I am looking for anybody who has experience with any situation and this SW policy

 

[supersnoop]

Will the friends be buying their tickets together? They'd just need to buy one extra seat, and it would be refunded after their travel. By buying together, they'd get on the same reservation and have sequential boarding positions, which would be very beneficial if they want to take a window and aisle seat on the same row. I'd also recommend the EBCI to make sure they get on the plane first.

 

[Calliaz]

I recently used the SWA customer of size policy. Their rules for who needs an extra seat are fairly clear. If any portion of their person is outside of the seat area, they need one. I am a size 28 and carry my weight in my hips, if that helps.

My opinion is that the best thing to do would be for one of the party to book the extra seat under the policy and then have the other person pay for early bird check-in. The person with the extra ticket will pre-board. I recommend sitting towards the middle or back. The early bird person would then very likely be able to sit next to the pre-board person. Actually, you might want to check. I think people pre-boarding can take one person with them. That would solve the problem with no risk.

Good luck!

Edited to add: the refund process was really easy. I just emailed customer service using their instructions in the FAQ and it was refunded quickly.

 

[ceecee]

Will the friends be buying their tickets together? They'd just need to buy one extra seat, and it would be refunded after their travel. By buying together, they'd get on the same reservation and have sequential boarding positions, which would be very beneficial if they want to take a window and aisle seat on the same row. I'd also recommend the EBCI to make sure they get on the plane first.

This would be a good idea. I once was seated next to someone who was half way into my seat, I was getting ready to say something when a kid traveling with them traded with me. No way could I have spent 2 hours with half a seat and I'm pretty small.

 

[Calliaz]

The only problem with supersnoop's idea is that the person with the extra seat must pre-board as part of the policy. Unless the two people can go during pre-board, they will be split up. It's not much of a risk, but there is a small one since seat saving is technically not allowed.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

They're mostly worried that they may be told they're not big enough to qualify for an extra seat. Technically they can both get the arm rests down but it's very tight and not comfortable.

I think around a size 22 and more apple shaped. The other is a guy with a belly but no hips or bum.

For those that have used the policy, have you ever been asked or questioned as to wether or not you needed the extra seat?

 

[smiles_rock]

I've used the SW policy 3-4 times a year for the past few years and I've never been questioned. I'm sure if they questioned you they would also give you a refund if it was determined that you didn't need the seat. SW has been excellent in terms of size issues, I've never had an problems with their policy or staff.

 

[smiles_rock]

Also, they do let one other person preboard with you! If you have more than two people though I would suggest not booking together because you can't checkin and get seating assignments 24 hours in advance with the extra seat, you must check in at the terminal. Hope that helps.

 

[Hannathy]

I thought they only refunded the price if there were empty seats on the flight? if it is sold out and they could have sold the seat I don't think they refund the money? why should they? they could have made money on that seat , why shouldn't the person who used it pay for it.

I also think if you think you may need the seat , you do, and be courteous and buy it.

 

[cats mom]

I thought they only refunded the price if there were empty seats on the flight? if it is sold out and they could have sold the seat I don't think they refund the money? why should they? they could have made money on that seat , why shouldn't the person who used it pay for it.

I also think if you think you may need the seat , you do, and be courteous and buy it.

That used to be SW policy. Now money for the 2nd seat is always refunded. (due to threats of discrimination lawsuits I suspect) That's probably why the OP's friends are concerned that they might be questioned about being too small to need an extra seat. Taking advantage of the policy is a nice way to ensure a little extra space on crowded flights. Hopefully people only do so if really necessary.

Directly from SW:

Customers who have purchased an additional seat to accommodate a special seating need due to size or disability may request a refund of the additional seat purchase by sending us an e-mail request at southwest.com/feedback or by calling Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Even if the flight experiences an oversale (having more confirmed Customers waiting to board than seats on the aircraft) we will refund the cost of the extra seat(s).

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

That used to be SW policy. Now money for the 2nd seat is always refunded. (due to threats of discrimination lawsuits I suspect) That's probably why the OP's friends are concerned that they might be questioned about being too small to need an extra seat. Taking advantage of the policy is a nice way to ensure a little extra space on crowded flights. Hopefully people only do so if really necessary. Directly from SW: Customers who have purchased an additional seat to accommodate a special seating need due to size or disability may request a refund of the additional seat purchase by sending us an e-mail request at southwest.com/feedback or by calling Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Even if the flight experiences an oversale (having more confirmed Customers waiting to board than seats on the aircraft) we will refund the cost of the extra seat(s).

Yes, this! They don't want to be seen (it's mostly my gal pal that is concerned) as taking advantage.

She describes herself as somebody who technically fits in the confines of her seat but would bet the farm that people would rather sit next to a slimmer person.

Like I mentioned, We will put in some calls to SW but am curious about actual experience

How many times have DISers heard one thing over the phone and then a different story at the parks haha.

 

[Hannathy]

That used to be SW policy. Now money for the 2nd seat is always refunded. (due to threats of discrimination lawsuits I suspect) That's probably why the OP's friends are concerned that they might be questioned about being too small to need an extra seat. Taking advantage of the policy is a nice way to ensure a little extra space on crowded flights. Hopefully people only do so if really necessary.

Directly from SW:

Customers who have purchased an additional seat to accommodate a special seating need due to size or disability may request a refund of the additional seat purchase by sending us an e-mail request at southwest.com/feedback or by calling Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Even if the flight experiences an oversale (having more confirmed Customers waiting to board than seats on the aircraft) we will refund the cost of the extra seat(s).

Wow I don't like that!! why should everyone absorb the cost of someone needing 2 seats? That's crazy. You should pay for what you use. Talk about discrimination.

 

[tinker&belle]

Is bringing one person along with you for preboarding only for persons of size or for anyone who purchases Early Bird booking?

 

[Calliaz]

Wow I don't like that!! why should everyone absorb the cost of someone needing 2 seats? That's crazy. You should pay for what you use. Talk about discrimination.

Probably because it is better for their business to do it. They aren't doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. Just like it's good business to offer "kids eat free" days. It is not useful to those without kids, but it is good for business. I certainly will choose Southwest over other carriers. I also think that other customers will also be more comfortable given this policy, so it does benefit others. Finally, the airline business isn't set up for what you use, but for carrying a person from point A to point B. That's why kids don't get charged less when they only take up half a seat. I wouldn't say that every airline should have to do it, but why complain if Southwest thinks it is the best way to handle a delicate and difficult situation?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Nobody who purchases Early Bird Check In gets to board with an extra person unless that person also purchased EBCI and they have consecutive boarding numbers. Generally, preboarding passengers who need to be accompanied by someone need that person for assistance.

Wow I don't like that!! why should everyone absorb the cost of someone needing 2 seats? That's crazy. You should pay for what you use. Talk about discrimination.

If by "everyone" you mean Southwest and its shareholders, this is a corporate decision. If you're a shareholder, you may have a legitimate gripe. You should have it adressed at the next meeting. If,on the other hand, you're referring to theother pasengers - they don't.

 

[SnowWhite2]

How do you keep from having someone sit in your extra seat? I've thought about paying for an extra seat because I'm borderline needing one but I thought the explanation on why they can't sit next to me would be just as embarrassing.