Southwest Airlines' Controversial Plus-Size Passenger Policy Takes Effect Tuesday, Raising Ticket Prices for Larger Travelers.
As of tomorrow, Southwest Airlines is enforcing its new policy requiring plus-size passengers to purchase a ticket in advance if they can't fit between their seat's armrests. This change marks a significant shift from the airline's current "Customizer of Size" mandate, which allowed larger travelers to buy an extra seat with the option to be refunded later or request a free extra seat at the airport.
Under the new policy, plus-size passengers will have to pre-buy their extra seat if they want to ensure space. The second seat is only refundable if the flight is not fully booked and both of the passenger's tickets are booked in the same fare class. Additionally, flyers need to request a refund within 90 days of the plane trip.
The new policy has received criticism from many who felt it was unfair and discriminatory towards larger travelers. Jason Vaughn, an Orlando travel agent specializing in plus-size tourism, said, "I think it's going to make the flying experience worse for everybody." He likened the change to Cracker Barrel's recent logo makeover, saying that Southwest seems to have lost sight of its customer base.
Tigress Osborn, executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, echoed Vaughn's sentiments. "Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn't have been flying," she said. "And now that beacon has gone out."
However, not everyone is opposed to the new policy. Radio host Charlamagne tha God suggested that obese passengers consider reducing their food intake if they don't want to pay extra for a second seat.
The change is part of an overall trend at Southwest Airlines, which has been rolling back popular policies in recent months. In May, the carrier discontinued its "bags fly free" policy, and last month it eliminated its open seating option.
As part of this shift, travelers will now be assigned seats in advance, increasing their chances of ending up in a dreaded middle seat. To make matters worse, Southwest is requiring passengers to take a selfie in their seat and upload it to SubwayMiddleSeat.com if they're seated in the middle seat on Tuesday. Those who do so will receive a $20 Subway gift card as consolation.
As of tomorrow, Southwest Airlines is enforcing its new policy requiring plus-size passengers to purchase a ticket in advance if they can't fit between their seat's armrests. This change marks a significant shift from the airline's current "Customizer of Size" mandate, which allowed larger travelers to buy an extra seat with the option to be refunded later or request a free extra seat at the airport.
Under the new policy, plus-size passengers will have to pre-buy their extra seat if they want to ensure space. The second seat is only refundable if the flight is not fully booked and both of the passenger's tickets are booked in the same fare class. Additionally, flyers need to request a refund within 90 days of the plane trip.
The new policy has received criticism from many who felt it was unfair and discriminatory towards larger travelers. Jason Vaughn, an Orlando travel agent specializing in plus-size tourism, said, "I think it's going to make the flying experience worse for everybody." He likened the change to Cracker Barrel's recent logo makeover, saying that Southwest seems to have lost sight of its customer base.
Tigress Osborn, executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, echoed Vaughn's sentiments. "Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn't have been flying," she said. "And now that beacon has gone out."
However, not everyone is opposed to the new policy. Radio host Charlamagne tha God suggested that obese passengers consider reducing their food intake if they don't want to pay extra for a second seat.
The change is part of an overall trend at Southwest Airlines, which has been rolling back popular policies in recent months. In May, the carrier discontinued its "bags fly free" policy, and last month it eliminated its open seating option.
As part of this shift, travelers will now be assigned seats in advance, increasing their chances of ending up in a dreaded middle seat. To make matters worse, Southwest is requiring passengers to take a selfie in their seat and upload it to SubwayMiddleSeat.com if they're seated in the middle seat on Tuesday. Those who do so will receive a $20 Subway gift card as consolation.
I'm actually kinda surprised they're doing this 
. People who are bigger than average shouldn't have to worry about finding space on a plane, it's like asking people with disabilities if they need extra accommodations. And now they're gonna charge them more for a second seat? That's just not cool 
.
I think this new policy is kinda harsh, but at the same time, I'm all for people respecting their personal space on flights. Like, if you're gonna sit next to someone and take up an extra seat, shouldn't you be prepared to pay for it? 
But on the other hand, isn't that just gonna price out even more people from flying altogether? 
I mean, what's fair about making obese passengers pay more if they can't fit in their current seat? 
And don't even get me started on the selfie thing... who thought that was a good idea? 
come on southwest airlines u cant just change ur policy like dat. plus size ppl deserve equal treatment not be made 2 feel uncomfortable or restricted cuz of ur airline's revenue goals. the whole thing feels like ur trying 2 squeeze more cash outta unsuspecting flyers. newsflash, u can't just make middle seat selfie contest a thing & expect us 2 be all smiles about it. 
And what's up with this whole thing about taking selfies in your seat? Like, yeah sure, here's a $20 Subway gift card if you're stuck in the middle... but can't they just make the seats bigger or something? 
. I wish Southwest had found another way to address size inclusivity issues instead of pricing out their customers 
So, they're gonna make plus-size passengers pay more just because they're, well, bigger 
. what's next? are they gonna start charging us for breathing out loudly on the plane lol? and yeah, it's not exactly fair to those who love flying as much as we all do 
. can't we just get back to our old ways of being able to choose our seats freely 
, like seriously southwest airlines is basically saying that larger people don't deserve space on planes anymore? and now you have to pre-buy an extra seat just because of your size? that's just not fair, especially for people who can't afford to pay for two seats. and the part about taking a selfie in your middle seat seat is like totally unnecessary and awkward 
.
. Maybe they should focus on making their flights more comfortable and convenient for everyone, rather than picking and choosing who pays extra 
️.