No matter how large or morbidly obese someone is, their lifestyle must be celebrated, and now airlines are even accommodating their larger frames free of charge.
Southwest Airlines is making headlines for ditching extra charges on bigger passengers who need more space. They're all about inclusivity now, giving folks whose bodies spill over the armrest a free extra seat.
From Fox Business:
Southwest provided its policy to Fox Business which said that passengers of size "have the option of purchasing just one seat and then discussing your seating needs with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate. If it’s determined that a second (or third) seat is needed, you’ll be accommodated with a complimentary additional seat."
The flight team will then try to effort to make the seating arrangements, potentially moving other passengers around for the "unplanned accommodation."
Alternatively, customers can purchase extra seats in advance and then contact Southwest "for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel."
The policy states, "Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) may proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat(s) is available… The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating need and allows us to adequately plan for the number of occupied seats onboard."
"It also helps us ensure we can accommodate all Customers on the flight for which they purchased a ticket and avoid asking Customers to relinquish their seats for unplanned accommodation. Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating. You may contact us for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel," the policy continues.
Southwest is going woke, and I have every belief that this will end up making them broke. Not only do they lose profit from extra seating charges, but can you imagine how infuriated some people will be if they're forced to move to accommodate someone larger?
While this policy pleases some, it's undoubtedly going to tick off many more.
