The airline’s policy isn’t actually new but it is a game changer for travelers of all sizes.
A popular policy fromSouthwest Airlinesthat offer up to two free extra fundament for plus - size travelers is fresh making the rounds on social media after a video prove how to use the policywent viral on TikTok .
While many were not previously aware ofSouthwest ’s client of size insurance , it is n’t a young one for the airline . " We ’ve had this long - standing policy for more than 30 yr designed to meet the seat needs of customers who require more than one seat , " a Southwest Airlines representative told Thrillist . The airway also highlight that the insurance is intended to " protect the ease and safety of everyone onboard . "
Below are the details on what the policy is — andisn’t — and details on how it works .
Annabelle Gordon/Bloomberg/Getty Images
How the policy works
If a Southwest rider needs additional airplane seating area because they impinge on any part of a neighboring place ( the armrest is considered the bound between seat with this insurance policy ) , they can purchase additional seats ahead of time , then reach out to the airway for a repayment of the price of the extra seating after traveling . This helps notify Southwest that the accommodations are needed and appropriate them to plan for the turn of occupy seats on a flight .
Once at the drome , the passenger find an extra backside embarkment document to rank in the reserved extra seating . Those travelers using the policy can then either pre - board or control board in their original embarkation chemical group , but pre - embarkment does offer more option to see seats and get situated . Once onboard , passengers can require trajectory work party for a seat belt extender . After the misstep , passengers can simply contact Southwest and they will give back the price of the extra seating area .
If a person chooses not to buy additional seating in advance , they do have the alternative of asking a client service broker at the check - in desk or logic gate and if they settle an additional fundament is needed , the agent will shape to accommodate the passenger at no cost .
Does it increase everyone’s flight prices?
While Southwest ’s client of size policy is mean to keep all passengers safe and comfortable , the recent care has drawn much outcry online . So we run away a few of the most common complaints voiced on various social media platform comment section past the airline .
While some travelers worry that the policy will increase flight toll across the board , when asked Southwest control Thrillist that the " long - stand insurance is not related to the price of airfare . " Many commenters were angry that marvelous or pregnant passenger are n’t given the same choice , but once again , the guidelines for the insurance are based on if a person comfortably fits between armrest while they are down , which is a safety concern .
" If a customer is ineffective to lower both armrest and/or encroach upon any portion of a seat next to them , they need a second seat for safety reason , " Southwest told us . At the final stage of the day , flying is n’t well-to-do for many passengers of all size of it , but everyone deserve to have a secure trajectory .
Why it matters
So why is a insurance like this so authoritative ? Because travel should beaccessible to all bodies . Although fatness is n’t inherently a impairment , our society still treats or sees juicy people as inferior . The input section of any story on societal culture medium talking about this insurance policy well proves that . Even the news " juicy , " which is only a description , has a negative connotation culturally . Southwest Airlines offering accommodations , especially ones that do n’t negatively affect fellow travelers , is one way a larger corp is showing that all their customers equally , which should be the bare minimum in treating others with respect .
Overall the insurance is making a positive impingement for so manyplus - size travelers . I would know because I ’ve in person used Southwest ’s customer of size policy for years for dozen if not more flight . For a long metre fly was stressful for me . I would care about name other passengers uncomfortable if I shoot up too much outer space while also worrying about my own safety . And many airway , although they will be suit if you ask and they have the availability to do so , do not have a policy or stock procedure if a rider does n’t agree well in their seats .
Since notice Southwest ’s policy , I fly almost exclusively with the airline when I can . It ’s given me peace of mind when I travel . I ’m able to room early and ask for a seat belt extender and get into a behind so I ’m not bumping mass in the aisles as I pass through . I ’m able to not interest about squishing next to a unknown and making both of us have a more uncomfortable flight . In fact , I ’ve recount many passengers of all sizes about the policy and have received incontrovertible responses from everyone that it ’s available ( if you ca n’t already tell , I ’m a full customer of size , or COS as I call it , fangirl ) . Because of the policy , I feel empowered to travel and take a chance more position .
So the next time you fell Southwest , if you notice a set aside seat tag in an empty place you ’ll bonk why ! And remember , if a insurance policy exist does n’t directly sham you but helps someone else , there ’s truly no pauperism to get upset , just sit back and love your escape .
The Uneasy Truth About Traveling While Fat
Fatphobia, tiny plane seats, and size limits can deter large travelers, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Looking for more travel tips?
Whether you need helpsneaking weed onto a woodworking plane , finding an drome where you cansign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or score sure you ’re getting everything you ’re title towhen your flight is canceled , we ’ve get you covered . Keep take forup - to - date travel hacksandall the travel news you needto help you plan your next big risky venture .
