Southwest Airlines -- 2 Tickets Please
 

Southwest Airlines policy requires people that require additional room to purchase an additional ticket.....

How do you feel about this....this is what I got off of their website:

Since 1980, Southwest Airlines has maintained a policy, for purposes of Customer safety and comfort, of requiring a Customer to purchase a second seat if the Customer needs extra space, or if the Customer's girth is larger than one aircraft seat.

Once travel has been completed, if the flight is not full, the Customer can request a full refund for the second seat by contacting Southwest Airlines' Customer Relations Department.

That's trifling, especially considering that most flights are usually empty. I do know that Southwest isn't the only airline that has this policy.

Now, if its a full/peak flight and someone just wants more room to lay out in, then I think they should pay for another seat.

In regards to the "girth" issue, I don't think they should pay. If they pay for another seat because all of their "girth" doesn't fit, does that mean that because I am so slim and petite that I only take up half a seat, do I get to pay half-price? Or will they be offering "kids" rates, because as of today, kids tickets are the same as adults and they take up WAY less room.

(i know im going to get beat up for this....)

i had the misfortune of sitting next to an OVERLY obese man from Chicago to California. Not heavy set, very obese to the point that he had to lift up the handrest between us because he didnt fit - which meant he was all in my personal space and had me squished up against the window. this flight was actually booked (unbelievable, but it was) and i was MISERABLE for 3 hours!

That man should have had 2 seats, no doubt! not just for his own comfort and saftey, but for mine also.

should he have had to PAY for 2 seats? i'm not totally sure how i feel about that.... looking at it from a business standpoint i'd say yes cause he would be taking a space that another paying customer could have had on a sold out flight (if he'd had 2 seats i wouldnt have been able to go)... but from a ethical standpoint i just dont think its right.

i think the bigger problem is how are they going to enforce this? they dont know how big someone is when they purchase tickets online, over the phone..... and what is the maximum girth someone can be? someone going to be at the counter with a tape measure?

I see your point, but....
 

Have you ever been on a flight sitting next to someone who took up their seat and part of yours to the point that you could not even put the arm rest down between you? I have and I paid full fare for a seat that I could not fully occupy.

Re: I see your point, but....
 

Yes. But as stated earlier, that person should not have to pay for a 2nd seat. I also think the "free 2nd" seat rule should apply to people with little kids too.

I've also been on flights were they were just s couple of folks and the flight attendants didn't care if we stretched out across all three seats either.

Honestly, i don't really think the "free 2nd" seat for obese people would cause the airlines to lose that much money, however as someone stated earlier, it would depend on what they define and how they measure obese (for example, will they use a blanket pounds limit, a tape measure, etc.).

Re: I see your point, but....
 

I've been in the middle seat BETWEEN two people who really needed to have more room. :eek: I agree with this new policy, and I like the idea of a refund if the flight isn't full. The fact that Southwest, which is a pretty low-cost, low-hassle airline, is initiating this, should be something to notice.

I feel that if you take up more than one seat, you should pay for more than one sit.

A parent with a small child has to hold the child in their lap. If that parent wants to take up an extra seat and use a "car seat", they have to purchase a second seat. They can’t simple raise the armrest and sit the child down

It is inconsiderate for a person that knows they are obese and will need to pull up the armrest between them and another seat, NOT to make the airline aware and purchase a second sit.
It would be more comfortable for that person to have the second sit, and less embarrassing than having their "row mate" pressed up against them and uncomfortable during the flight.

And what happens if two obese people are on the same row and they did not purchase that extra seat?

As far as the airline being made aware when ordering tickets online customers can give their height and weight when purchasing. Or the agent / online questions can ask "will you require a second seat for your comfort".

I personally feel that if you take up two seats you should pay for two seats, but on the good neighbor tip maybe the airline can only charge 1/2 price for the second seat.
½ price? hmmmmm

In that case maybe I will purchase a 2nd seat and be able to layout and read in peace and quiet. Or is not that not fair?
:rolleyes:

I don't think free seats should be given out simply because you are obese. You should have to pay to accomadate this. I agree with if the airplane is not full than getting a refund, but you should have to make that EFFORT to request the refund. You should not simply get it for free.

To many things are simple given away in this counrty. "Having it your way right away" is the main problem.

I don't think that obese people should have to pay for a 2nd seat. However, I feel that, when booking a flight, those that KNOW that they require an extra seat should state such so that they can be accomodated. I mean, come on. Most, rather ALL, people that know that they are obese know that airplane seats are rather slender. They should respect themselves, as well as the other passengers, enough to want comfort. Who wants to be cramped up on a long (or short) flight?

As for paying for an extra seat, I don't think that they should have to pay. I don't think that the airline would lose out on much money either. Just for example, if a plane seats 250 passengers, all being charged anywhere from $100 and up, they really won't miss out on the cost of one seat. I would rather let a larger person have an extra seat for free and keep a customer, than to try to force him/her to purchase an extra seat and lose a customer. Why charge a larger customer for an extra seat when (if I'm not mistaken on the airline) Southwest offers a plan where a fare paying customer can let a friend fly FREE?

One last point... I don't really feel that the airlines would lose out too much. How many overly obese flyers are there? They would lose more money if every one customer took advantage of that friends fly free deal. Every other seat would be a free passenger whereas you would only be letting one seat here and there go to ensure comfort for you passengers.

Obesity is not something people can't help! They don't have the right to make others unconfortable because of their problem. They should have to pay for two tickets. I need to lose some weight myself, so I can say this. When your weight gets to the point that you can't fit into seats and things, you really need to do something about it. Almost no public places accommodate don't smokers. Why should everyone be so accommodating to obese people.

How is this actually going to be monitored? Most passengers purchase their tickets in advance (ESPECIALLY SW's passengers). If the person purchases the ticket at least 7 days in advance, get to the counter, the plane is full, he or she does not "fit", then what?

You know, southwest is one of those airlines where you can choose your own seat once you board the plane. So if you, aunt susie and your husband want to take a trip, there is no guarantee that you will be seated together on the flight. I guess SW has this 2nd seat policy to ensure comfort of ALL passengers. I was on a SW flight last month from Fort Lauderdale to B-more and there was a really large man cat-a-corner (is that a word?) - well, diagonally across from me. The flight attendant had to get the man a seatbelt extension and he was visibly uncomfortable in his seat. His female companion was also obese and they took up the entire row. She was at the window seat, and he was on the aisle, but NO ONE, not even a small child could have sat between them. In cases such as that, i believe someone needs to pay for an extra seat. They were obviously using that extra seat, but i agree with the earlier posts which raised questions about the feasiblility of enforcing the "girth" policy when someone makes a reservation/checks in; and also the fairness of the issue. paying according to size is unfair (small people don't pay half price). the simple (yet expensive) solution would be for these penny-pinching airlines to make larger seats... but i guess that wouldn't help the seriously obese anyway.

For those who believe that airlines won’t lose money.. how many airlines do you hear going bankrupt or in financial trouble? Way too many in one industry… it’s very competitive.. and Southwest with its “no frills” campaign makes them one of the more successful airlines out there. I’ve personally traveled on this airline a few times and each time… every single seat on the plane has been occupied. If an obese person is taking up more than one seat.. that’s costing them money or eating into either profits… and how about if 10 obese people are on that flight, then what? What about the folks who refuse to be uncomfortable for 3 hours? Why should they pay the same rate as someone else who has ample room in another row? And what’s the exposure to health risks(blood clots) because their stretching abilities are limited? Yeah, it’s a harsh policy to make but the issue is the seat size. IMO, we see this all the time… max and minimum size and weight requirements. Example, you have to be taller than the stick to ride on roller coasters… isn’t that discriminatory to midgets and dwarfs (small people I think is more PC).


IMO, you know what the policy is. If you're told at the counter that you need to purchase another seat but the flight is full... well, you just have to make other arrangements. It's just like anything else. You're told that your luggage can't be more than a certain weight. If you get to the counter and you're overweight (luggage that is)... either you pay extra or start removing items.

The airlines are hardly in the great shape everyone thinks they are. But, this isn't about money--this is about comfort and the rights that ALL paying customers have upon boarding an aircraft.

airlines are not rolling in the dough
 

I travel quite a bit and live in the location of the headquarters of one of the big airlines. A common ploy used by all of the airlines is to "cancel a flight due to mechanical problems" when in fact the real reason is that the flight is not full enough to warrant the cost of the trip. Giving away free seats because someone cannot fit in one will probably not be an option they will consider because the profit margin is so tight. That is why when you use a frequent flyer ticket your options for booking a flight is limited (they only allocate a small number of such seats per flight.)

So while I empathize with the person who cannot fit in one seat, I also feel that a person who pays for a seat should be able to fully occupy it and not have to "share" it with their neighbor who is getting part of your seat for free.

With advanced purchases, that can be difficult, EXCEPT, they reserve the right to ask at the check-in counter that person purchases a second seat if the appearance of the person warrants the second purchase.
A rep. from the company was on CNN (I think) a few days ago and said that the purchase price would not be equivalent to one whole seat, but may be 25-35% less. Also, if the person purchases the second seat, but the plan was not filled, the price of the second seat would be refunded after the flight.
**

I have to go with SW on this though. I have never been in a situation such as this, but I don't see the problem since it really only affects a small number of people. Most people, even large size people can fit in a seat. Severe obesity is whole other category and it is unfair to ignore the obvious fact that this person will not be able to fly without taking up two seats.

Tight situation (no pun intended)...
 

I have a question, though....what if the original flight is booked, but the return flight isn't or vice versa. Is the discount going to be applied to the dollar amount for one way? What happens if a flight is not booked on the first leg of the flight, but then at a stop-over airport, it fills up...is the discount forfeited altogether or reduced in some way? (I know y'all probably can't answer these questions, but I wonder if the airlines are really thinking about these things).

And, as has been said, you know the airlines are really hurting...especially, in light of Sept. 11th...so, they are not trying to lose any money "unnecessarily".


I bet all of the people who might be subjected to this policy are probably like :rolleyes:..if it ain't one thing this skinny folks gripin' 'bout, it's another... :)

Re: Tight situation (no pun intended)...
 

That's probably why you have to apply for the refund after travel is completed. It will probably be pro-rated accordingly.

how 'bout all of those people with screaming, crying, peanut-throwing, seat-kicking, obnoxious, flight-attendant buzzing, playing with the toilet for twenty minutes children and babies? they need to pay for something extra. maybe my earplugs.

marissa

Warning..this is not a politically correct response. I agree wholeheartly with SW airlines. My child is two now, and I have to pay for a seat for her. She weighs 30 pounds. I weigh about 140, so our weight combined is not that of an obese person and I have to purchase another seat. Remember that the airplanes that SW flies are older models...when America was thinner. What people also need to consider that flying is a privilege, not a constitutionally protected right. I can't pay an extra $500 evey time that I fly to sit in first class, do I have a right to complain, no. There are consequences of not fitting into societal norms. While we may not like the norms, the absence of laws in a society leads to anarchy.

The powers that be may as well add this to the list too.

:D

I agree with Silk in that the 2nd seat should be 1/2 price. I also think that maybe airplanes should be equipped with bigger seats, anyway. And while I understand that they would take up more space or whatever, it would be worth it. Because the seats are too small as it is. I'm a big girl, but hardly obese in the sense that we're talkin' about. And I am uncomfortable in the seats as it is. So I'm REALLY wondering how that person fit next to you, PrettyPoodle. :confused: Miserable must be a serious understatement. And perhaps each flight should be equipped with 1 or 2 larger seats on the plane. Now, I do think that the larger seat(s) should cost extra, but not the cost of two seats. It needs to be a win/win situation for both company and customer.

This must be a thread full of 100 pound skinny-minnies because a lot of these posts are very harsh. Some of the replies lead me to believe that no one on here is friends with, related to, or even know someone who has a weight problem. I know plenty of people who are obese and the things that they deal with on an average day. To me, making someone purchase an extra seat is a humiliating slap in the face.

When I first read this thread, I thought that there would be more posts against this new policy, especially since most of the people who frequent this board are women. The average American woman is a size 14. My mother is a size 14 and sometimes airplane seats are are little uncomfortable for her. She's hardly obese but imagine how she would feel if she were required to purchase a second seat.

I think it is irresponsible for an airline to give their agents the authority to make someone purchase a second seat. There are no guidelines, they just trust people to use their "judgement." We all know that some people don't have good judgement and one person's idea of fat is totally different from another's. Girls I went to high school with thought that anyone over a size 8 was fat. How many of you are over a size 8? Imagine if one of those girls was the ticket agent and made you purchase a second seat. How would you feel?

Ah, we're not all that bad, I promise. I certainly do not weigh 100 lbs myself. So I understand what you mean. BUT, there are guidelines, that is what constitutes a policy. And, if someone is unsure about it, they can call ahead. Or, they can fly another airline. My mommy is a 14, too and has never had any problem getting in or out of a seat on the plane. And I have never had any problem sitting next to her for 4+ hours.

This is not as subjective as it seems and indeed, if a passenger felt like it, I bet he could protest having to purchase a second seat if he felt that the extra cost was unncessary. Also, I must reiterate, that the extra cost will NOT be the cost of a second whole seat. It would be less. So, if you already need a seat and one-half in order to fly comfortably, why not pay for it?

If that is being mean, then we are a warped society. Flying is a luxury not a right.

My brother in law has a serious medical condition that makes it almost impossible to control his weight. At one time he was probably about 400 lbs (at about 5 ft 2) My MIL makes sure to call the airlines before he flies to discuss his condition and special needs. Several airlines have given him an automatic upgrade to first class (w/ the larger seats). Other airlines suggested that she book a middle seat for him and fly at off peak times, which would reduce the likelihood of that seat being filled. Either way she was ALWAYS prepared to pay more to ensure that the seat next to him was empty, because she wanted to ensure his comfort and was concerned about the person would 'might' have to sit next to him.

Bottom line is this, most folks KNOW when they don't fit in an airline seat. Quiet as it is kept, the airlines have been shrinking seats for a while to get more people on a flight and therefor increase revenue. If you know you are going to be uncomfortable AND make the people next to you uncomfortable be courteous enough to make some arrangement before had.

I understand SW's point, but I too wonder how they will enforce this. I have visions of those little bins that they use to see if your luggage will fit in the over head compartment: "Sir, could you have a seat here so we can see if you will fit." :eek:

Another question....what about extra tall people? My husband is pretty tall and is extremely uncomfortable in coach, especially when he has to sit next to the window. He also makes sure to try to get the seats with more leg room when he flies (first seat in coach, emergency exits) and is very conscious about poking the person in front of him with his knees. That is the most annoying thing!!

CTFU, CTFU
:D

hehehehehehehehehehehehehe!!

I thought about asking him to switch seats (i take the aisle) but i could tell he needed the freedom of the aisle to stretch out his right leg. your right, im sure it was just as bad (if not worse) for him.