A US airline policy catering to “customers of size” has recently gained support from its beneficiaries.
The Southwest Airlines guidelines, which permit flight agents to offer complimentary seats to customers who need more space, have gained approval from plus-size travellers.
Travel expert Jae’lynn Chaney told Fox Business the policy offsets “disproportionate” costs “super-fat” people incur for needing extra room.
Watch the latest News on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>
“It’s not just about physical accessibility,” Chaney argued.
“It’s also about financial accessibility.”
She hopes more airlines implement inclusion policies for customers of size.
“Super fat is how we identify,” Chaney said, according to Fox Business.
“There’s a spectrum of fatness … I just felt really happy that there was something like this for people.”
Southwest’s guidelines state customers who usually “encroach upon” the neighbouring seat can purchase it before flying, adding the company “does not focus on weight”.
“The armrest is the definitive gauge for a customer of size,” the policy says.
“It serves as the boundary between seats.
“If you’re unable to lower both armrests and/or encroach upon any portion of a seat next to you, you need a second seat.”
The airline seeks to avoid asking other passengers to give up their spots for “unplanned accommodations”.
“Purchasing a second seat in advance allows us to account for the inventory need and greatly helps reduce the likelihood of an oversale situation,” Southwest says.
Customers who buy just one seat and end up needing another get the second chair for free, although the company argues plus-size travellers “may not want to be approached at the airport or have a conversation with an agent” about their needs.
“If it’s determined that a second (or third) seat is needed, you’ll be accommodated with a complimentary additional seat,” the policy reads.
Southwest does not guarantee an extra seat regardless of whether passengers purchase it beforehand. The airline’s policy has been in place for more than 30 years.
The company has dealt with a series of recent customer issues.
Last month, a traveller opened an emergency exit door and climbed onto the plane’s wing before jumping to the ground at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
The man was “incoherent” and “not fully aware of his surroundings,” according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“He was actually transported to a local hospital for evaluation as the deputies believed he was suffering from a mental health emergency,” Captain Jason Rivarde stated.
In June, a customer grabbed two flight attendants and demanded one kiss him en route to Las Vegas.
