Airline Sparks Outrage With Controversial New Rule Affecting Plus-Size Passengers

Southwest Airlines will soon require passengers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance, part of a series of recent changes the carrier is implementing.

The new rule goes into effect next year, on January 27.

Currently, plus-size travelers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money refunded later or request a free extra seat at the airport by discussing their seating needs with a gate agent.

Under the new policy, a refund is still possible but not guaranteed. “To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the company said in a statement.

Southwest Airlines airplane taking off, illustrating airline controversy over new rule affecting plus-size passengers.

Southwest Airlines will require passengers who don’t fit within a single seat’s armrests to buy an extra seat in advance

Image credits: Sven Piper/Unsplash

Southwest added that a refund for the second seat remains still possible under the new policy if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure and if both tickets were purchased in the same booking class.

Additionally, to receive a refund for the extra ticket, the passenger needs to request it within 90 days of the flight.

Airplane interior with passengers seated, illustrating airline controversy over new rule affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: Clint Patterson/Unsplash

If a passenger who requires extra space doesn’t purchase a second seat before arriving at the airport, they will be required to buy one there under the new policy.

“If the flight is sold out or adjacent seats are not available on your flight, we will rebook you on an alternate flight to your destination on which adjacent seats are available,” Southwest’s website reads.

“To avoid the need for purchasing a seat at the last minute or rebooking, we encourage you to purchase your second seat when you make your initial reservation.”

Under the new policy, refunds for the second seat are possible but not guaranteed

Plus-size passenger struggling to fit in airplane seat amid controversial airline rule and passenger reactions inside the cabin.

Image credits: Elliott Advocacy

@thechoxolatebunny#southwestairlines#plussize#fat#trending#fypシ゚viral♬ original sound – Alexis | Alexis Talks 💕

The carrier’s new policy divided opinions on social media, with some users arguing it was “long overdue” and fair, while others criticized it as an example of greed or body-shaming.

“Exactly. If you’re big enough to take up 2 seats, pay for 2 seats,” one person wrote.

“Makes sense. I mean, weight distribution is a thing on airplanes too,” a separate user noted.

“They’ll just keep shrinking the seats until everyone will have to buy a second seat,” a third suggested.

“So if someone has wide shoulders and lifts they should have to pay more for being healthy? Interesting take,” another comment read.

Plus-size passengers who don’t purchase a second seat before arriving at the airport must buy one there, or be rebooked if no adjacent seats are available

Plus-size passenger standing with luggage at Southwest airline check-in counter amid new controversial airline rule.

Image credits: jaebaeproductions

Another person chimed in: “I get it, having a larger person next to you can be uncomfortable. But I’m 105 pounds and still feel squished in those seats. Maybe the airlines should quit making the seats smaller.”

Among its detractors was Jason Vaughn, a travel agent who posts theme park reviews and travel tips for plus-size people. He said the change “is going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” as per the Associated Press.

To Jason, Southwest’s current policy contributes to a more comfortable experience for plus-size passengers while also ensuring all travelers have adequate space in their seats. “They have no idea anymore who their customer is,” he said of the company. “They have no identity left.”

Plus-size passenger seated on an airplane, smiling and wearing heart-shaped glasses amid airline controversial new rule discussion.

Image credits: jaebaeproductions

The Dallas-based carrier stated that passengers who “encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)” should “proactively” purchase the needed adjacent seats prior to travel “to ensure the additional seat is available.”

It also clarified that customers “may not purchase more than one seat for the sole purpose of keeping the seat next to the Customer empty.”

The policy, which will start on January 27, has sparked mixed reactions on social media

Plus-size passenger smiling on airplane seat near window, highlighting controversial airline rule affecting plus-size travelers.

Image credits: kirstyleannetravels

The change to its Customer of Size policy will be implemented in January alongside the switch from open seating to assigned seats.

According to the AP, Southwest plans to convert about one-third of the seats on its planes to premium seating with more legroom, aligning with a practice that is standard among other large US carriers.

Southwest Airlines airplane flying with sky background, highlighting controversial new rule affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: Forsaken Films/Unsplash

In May, the airline ended the policy allowing customers’ bags to fly for free, breaking with a decades-long luggage policy that set the budget carrier apart from its rivals.

Southwest now reportedly charges $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second, with weight and size limits applying for the luggage.

Social media users shared their thoughts on the airline’s new policy

Twitter user commenting on airline seats size, sparking outrage over new rule affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: Timpabak

Tweet discussing airline seat size issues, highlighting struggles faced by plus-size passengers due to controversial new airline rule.

Image credits: TweetingNinja1

Tweet criticizing airline’s controversial new rule affecting plus-size passengers requiring purchase of a second seat.

Image credits: hecate40

Tweet discussing airline seating policy, raising concerns about charges for plus-size passengers over 250lbs.

Image credits: JimmyBoy4848

Tweet discussing seat size checks at counters or TSA relating to airline rules affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: Gardyloo_Alert

Twitter user discussing airline controversy over seating space and rules affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: whartonMIT

Twitter user Matt replying to a tweet about airline sparks outrage with controversial new rule affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: Matt41155

Tweet from The Conservative Alternative discussing airline policy requiring plus-size passengers to pay for extra space, sparking outrage.

Image credits: OldeWorldOrder

Screenshot of a social media post with a user replying about a topic related to airline plus-size passenger rules.

Image credits: Trillest_G

Tweet discussing airline policy requiring plus-size passengers to buy two seats for extra room, sparking controversy and debate.

Image credits: Ephesians2_428

Screenshot of a social media reply supporting an airline’s controversial new rule affecting plus-size passengers, sparking outrage.

Image credits: animalfarmnow

Tweet expressing concern over potential discrimination lawsuit amid airline rule affecting plus-size passengers controversy.

Image credits: Toodliedoo

User tweet complaining about airline comfort, relating to controversial new rule affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: ruleispiss75368

Screenshot of a social media reply discussing airline policy sparking outrage over rules affecting plus-size passengers.

Image credits: chrispress5

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!