Southwest Airlines is receiving praise from plus-size passengers for providing a complimentary seat as part of their “customer of size” policy.
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Southwest Airlines has received praise from the plus size community on TikTok for accommodating the “customer of size” policy as it provides accommodations at the passenger’s discretion. If an agent determines that the passenger needs a second or third seat, a complimentary additional seat will be accommodated, as reported by the New York Post. Although the airline suggests that customers purchase additional seats in advance and request a refund after their travel, passengers can speak with a customer service agent at the gate.
Additionally, the agent will overlook seating arrangements since they are not prearranged on flights and move other passengers to different seats. “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,” the policy reads.
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Solo traveler and influencer @kimmystyled discussed the policy in a TikTok video back in October, where she approached an agent and asked if she could use their policy. She mentioned the airline will make accommodations even if the flight is completely booked.
“I’ve done this a dozen times and never had an issue or been denied. Enter the aircraft, get your seatbelt extender, and grab your seat! I place the ticket in the seat next to me. If anyone tries to sit in it, I kindly let them know I have two seats booked.
Kimmy says that the policy has made travel more accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities and overweight people. However, there has been opposition to the policy as one customer criticized the airline for not providing her any accommodations because a plus-size person didn’t purchase a second seat.
