Well, that was embarrassing -- SWA COS ticket (Update p. 24)

[Marseeya]

Darlene, thanks for sharing your experience. I hope mine goes as smoothly. I don't know why I've got myself so worked up, but I guess between reading some different websites about the CoS lawsuits and the hostility of that customer service agent, I felt like the whole experience was going to be negative.

PirateParrot, I only would have gotten the lower fare if I'd booked the tickets at the same time.

What's worse, that's only one leg of the trip. On our next payday, I still have to buy another ticket for our trip back!

I told DH that I felt bad about it, but that we were really paying for my peace of mind. He didn't mind at all, which made me feel a good bit better.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

A bit off topic, but two weeks ago I was on a flight from Boston to Amsterdam and a gentleman in a seat two rows in front of me asked the flight attendant for a seat belt extension. He did not look overweight, so my husband and I wondered why he needed it. Then we noticed that the seat next to him was occupied by his cello! Apparently the seat belt wouldn't reach around the cello case.

 

[manning]

The first thing I do when dealing with someone on the phone is get their name. The second thing I do if they get rude is tell them to run for cover because he/she just latched onto a bull in the china shop and I ain't going to stop charging until I have talked to everyone I can to have them fired.

Then to really get their goat I ask if they wish to apologize.

 

[Marseeya]

I just bought my ticket for the flight back from Florida and that experience was so much better. I started out the phone call just a tad bit defensive, but the CS rep was so understanding. When I told her about needing an extra ticket for CoS policy, she didn't understand what I meant, so I said, "You know, for a fat person! An obese woman!" and she apologized, then I apologized and explained about my last experience. All was well after that.

Good news is, so far the flights still have seats left, so I should get my money back if they don't fill up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Just wanted to let you know I was also mad on your behalf when I read about how you were treated by that first SW agent. We love SW. We've flown with them since before they got so popular, and I've noticed that as they've grown, we occasionally now run into sub-par reps. That just never seemed to happen. I'm sure that SW management would be as upset as all your friends are on the DIS at the shabby and completely uncalled-for response you got. They value their reputation as customer-friendly, they work to keep it, and one bad apple can really spoil a barrel.

I don't work for them, but I think their policy is meant to just try to keep all their passengers as comfortable as possible. That needs to be done with respect for everyone's comfort, though - not just physically but mentally. Inflicting pain is not ok. Let us know how this all turns out! Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[MickeyCrazed]

I have used the Soutwest policy for COS several times with no problems.
I have:

• Never had to ask for a seatbelt extender on SW flights. Actually the only flight I ever had to use one was on US Air. (and only once, so I don't know what the deal was that time!)
• Never even knew that I was eligible for the pre-boarding policy, yet still didn't have a problem getting a seat with my family.

Go have fun... don't worry. Even if I lose weight, I will probably take advantage of the COS policy. (I'm spoiled with all the extra room now!)

P.S. Don't ever feel embarassed with asking for a seat belt extender. I was the one and only time I had to, but then quickly figured the heck with it. I followed the rules for my comfort and those around me, so I really shouldn't care about what they think!

 

[BigTigger]

Even if I lose weight, I will probably take advantage of the COS policy. (I'm spoiled with all the extra room now!)

P.S. Don't ever feel embarassed with asking for a seat belt extender. I was the one and only time I had to, but then quickly figured the heck with it. I followed the rules for my comfort and those around me, so I really shouldn't care about what they think!

Two very good points here. A few times on Delta MD-88/90's where they have the 2 seats on the left and 3seats on the right i have bought both left seats for me to have extra space on those 4 hour flights to America's heartland. I'm vertically challenged (6'5" with a 37" inseam), so having the extra space was nice. If the fare is less than a $100 it is worth it for the comfort. You should see the looks I get when people try and move to the extra seat from a middle seat on the right and I show them the boarding pass and inform them both seats are mine thank you.

As far as the seat belt extenders, the only rule is that they can't be used in the exit rows, so I'd recommend them if you'd like a little more wiggle room. If you like to turn a bit sideways to sleep in your seat, oftern the belt doesn't have enough slack to do this comfortablt without your leg being at an odd angle (especially on the regional jets). Most FA's know right where they are or will give you the one they use on the pre-flight demo if they can't find one.