Should large people have to buy two airplane seats for themselves?

[no name 1]

Customer of Size Q&A

Is the policy unique or new to Southwest Airlines?

No, other carriers have similar policies, but to the best of our knowledge, no other carrier offers a refund after travel. We’ve followed this policy for 26 of our 35 years of operation, but only became more vigilant regarding the additional purchase over the last two years when we began seeing an increase in the number of valid complaints from passengers who traveled without full access to the seat purchased because a large Customer infringed upon the adjacent seating space.

Why ask large Customers to purchase additional seating?

We could no longer ignore complaints from Customers who traveled without full access to the seat purchased due to encroachment by a large seatmate whose body extended into the neighboring seat. These Customers had uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) travel experiences, and it is our responsibility to seek resolution to prevent this problem.

What is the cost of the additional seating?

If the Customer is holding an advance purchase, discounted fare, the second seat will be sold at the same discounted fare. If the Customer has purchased one of our low, unrestricted full fares, the second seat will be sold at the Child's Fare.

What is the definitive gauge for a Customer of size?

The armrest is the definitive gauge, as it serves as the boundary between seats. Customers who are unable to lower the armrests (the definitive boundary between seats) and/or who compromise any portion of adjacent seating should proactively book the number of seats needed during initial reservations.

Are all overweight people subject to the policy?

Many Americans are "overweight" or "clinically obese." A number of overweight or obese people occupy only one seat. In fact, many Customers may use a seatbelt extension but occupy only one seat, and these Customers would not be asked to reserve a second seat. If a Customer cannot lower the armrest (and is unable to comfortably travel with it in the down position), he/she is required to pay for the additional seat occupied. Again, we will offer a refund if the flight does not oversell.

I’m large but can be seated with the armrests down. Aren’t your Employees wrong to question me?

If a concern exists, we shouldn’t ignore it even if it’s difficult for both parties to discuss. Condoning an unsafe, cramped seating arrangement onboard our aircraft is far more inappropriate than simply questioning a Customer’s fit in our seats.

and for Alex:

Why not make your seats wider or add a few wide seats on your aircraft?

Our ongoing goal is to operate a low-fare, low cost airline, and the costs of reconfiguring our fleet would be staggering and would ultimately reflect in the form of higher fares for our Customers. Purchasing two seats on Southwest Airlines is significantly less expensive than purchasing one first class seat on another airline.

[Jenn! 918]

How many people don't fit in seats today? Very few, I bet. It's kinda like those clothes that say ONE SIZE FITS MOST. It says that for a reason!

I honestly have no idea. But from this thread, one would get the impression that even an average to slightly overweight American might have a hard time fitting. I would guess that while they're not the most comfortable things around, plane seats are adequately large for most people, yes.

[Alex+R 0]

I have flown several Chinese airlines - the seats are about the same as US airlines.

2nd and 3rd generation Chinese living in America are now reaching record levels of obesity because of their American diets

I was only saying, I think an airplane should accommodate its most common passengers. A smaller seat for Chinese nationals might be possible since they are on average quite small compared to Americans (including Chinese-Americans). Likewise, I think seats should be comfortable for American customers on American airlines.

[no name 1]

http://www.independenttraveler.com/resourc...amp;category=13

The Standard Seat: 17.2 Inches Wide; 31-32 Inch Seat Pitch

During the development of the 777 family of planes, Boeing took their findings and decided to add 5 inches to the width of the plane. It permitted them to put in wider, 18.5" seats without diminishing the overall capacity.

The standard airline seat is 17.2" wide, while seat pitch ranges from 28" on some short-haul, down-and-dirty charters, to 33-34" on some planes.

http://www.seatguru.com/

[Jenn! 918]

http://www.independenttraveler.com/resourc...amp;category=13

The Standard Seat: 17.2 Inches Wide; 31-32 Inch Seat Pitch

During the development of the 777 family of planes, Boeing took their findings and decided to add 5 inches to the width of the plane. It permitted them to put in wider, 18.5" seats without diminishing the overall capacity.

The standard airline seat is 17.2" wide, while seat pitch ranges from 28" on some short-haul, down-and-dirty charters, to 33-34" on some planes.

http://www.seatguru.com/

Ok, now how wide is the average a$$?

[no name 1]

Boeing 757-200 Economy seat

Delta:

31" pitch

17" width

Continental:

31" pitch

17.2" width

US Air:

32" pitch

17.1" width

Airbus 300 economy

Cathay Pacific:

32" pitch

17.5" width

Asiana:

32" pitch

17" width

American:

32" pitch

17.8" width

Air France:

32" pitch

18" width

Edited June 29, 2007 by devilette

[no name 1]

http://www.independenttraveler.com/resourc...amp;category=13

The Standard Seat: 17.2 Inches Wide; 31-32 Inch Seat Pitch

During the development of the 777 family of planes, Boeing took their findings and decided to add 5 inches to the width of the plane. It permitted them to put in wider, 18.5" seats without diminishing the overall capacity.

The standard airline seat is 17.2" wide, while seat pitch ranges from 28" on some short-haul, down-and-dirty charters, to 33-34" on some planes.

http://www.seatguru.com/

Ok, now how wide is the average a$$?

bend over!

[Alex+R 0]

http://www.independenttraveler.com/resourc...amp;category=13

The Standard Seat: 17.2 Inches Wide; 31-32 Inch Seat Pitch

During the development of the 777 family of planes, Boeing took their findings and decided to add 5 inches to the width of the plane. It permitted them to put in wider, 18.5" seats without diminishing the overall capacity.

The standard airline seat is 17.2" wide, while seat pitch ranges from 28" on some short-haul, down-and-dirty charters, to 33-34" on some planes.

http://www.seatguru.com/

Ok, now how wide is the average a$$?

Hehe, that's all we need to know...

PS shouldn't the seat be bigger than the average ###? (I'm assuming it is, considering my formidable one still fits.)

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Boeing 757-200 Economy seat

Delta:

31" pitch

17" width

Continental:

31" pitch

17.2" width

US Air:

32" pitch

17.1" width

Airbus 300 economy

Cathay Pacific:

32" pitch

17.5" width

Asiana:

32" pitch

17" width

American:

32" pitch

17.8" width

Air France:

32" pitch

18" width

I've noticed Scandi and Dutch airlines have the same pitch as everyone else, in spite of being the world's tallest people.

[Ban Hammer 13,283]

they just need one of those things at the ticket counter - the "can your bag fit in this" - same thing for butts. if not, pay for an upgraded seat. a person's rights end when they infringe on mine - everyone remember cigarette smoking?

(I'm assuming it is, considering my formidable one still fits.)

a formidable butt!

[Alex+R 0]

they just need one of those things at the ticket counter - the "can your bag fit in this" - same thing for butts. if not, pay for an upgraded seat. a person's rights end when they infringe on mine - everyone remember cigarette smoking?

LOL I don't think you read the whole crazy thread, didja?

[mawilson 2,133]

they just need one of those things at the ticket counter - the "can your bag fit in this" - same thing for butts. if not, pay for an upgraded seat. a person's rights end when they infringe on mine - everyone remember cigarette smoking?

I love it!

"Can your butt fit in this box, Ma'am?"

"Yes", Alex says, forcing it in, "its going to fit!"

"It fits but I cant get it out." Alex struggles with her butt for a minute.

"Better take the box with you then," says the check-in agent.

[Alex+R 0]

ok, it's not THAT big! anyway, i suggested that on like page 1.

[mawilson 2,133]

ok, it's not THAT big! anyway, i suggested that on like page 1.

Just kiddin'

[~Nini~ 2]

I have flown several Chinese airlines - the seats are about the same as US airlines.

2nd and 3rd generation Chinese living in America are now reaching record levels of obesity because of their American diets

I was only saying, I think an airplane should accommodate its most common passengers. A smaller seat for Chinese nationals might be possible since they are on average quite small compared to Americans (including Chinese-Americans). Likewise, I think seats should be comfortable for American customers on American airlines.

I dunno about that. I know when flying Cathay Pacific (based in Hong Kong), I've had slightly more room than those seats than other airplanes from United or US Airways. I'm a pretty petite girl and I honestly find the American airline seats to be incredibly cramped; I couldn't imagine how average or larger people could feel comfy in them!

Maybe slightly off-topic, but what bugs me is when my neighbors try to squish into my space because they notice that I don't fill mine out. Just because I'm not in it doesn't mean that I don't want it!