It is no secret that the changes Southwest Airlines recently implemented are wreaking havoc across U.S. airports. So much of the disarray is due largely to their seating policy changes that have drastically impacted everyone from families to plus-size people. Recently, another flyer has been subjected to their unclear (and frankly dehumanizing) policy when it comes to seating.
Priority flyer and TikTok user Kenny (@bear_does_hair) recently posted on the platform that Southwest agents attempted to coerce him into buying a second seat solely based on agents eyeballing his size.
@Southwest Airlines DO BETTER! I cant believe this was my experience today #kansascity #houston #traveldiaries #mlm #southwestairlines
♬ Tchaikovsky "Dance of the Reed Flutes"(1257471) - kzy"I fly priority. I fly all the time," Kenny stated. "Now, I understand Southwest changed their policy, where if they feel like you might be big enough to need an extra seat, they can ask you to pay for one. But I have never run into that ever in my life. And just now, the lady at the counter had to go get her supervisor because they felt that I was too big to get on the plane without paying for two seats, when I fly weekly and sit in my seat just fine."
? SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
He went on to clarify that this was a return trip, and even on his way to Kansas City—where he filmed the TikTok from—no one had asked him to purchase a second seat. He then alleges that the agent told him she was "worried" about other passengers’ comfort if they had to sit next to him, and did this in front of other people.
"Well, what about my comfortability? With the conversation happening in front of all of these people about how you think I'm too big to fly. Keep in mind, I know I'm a hefty guy, but I've lost over 60 pounds since Christmas," he continued. "I fit in the seat just fine. Everyone is comfortable. We're good."
He also stressed how it made no logistical sense that he didn't have to pay for a second seat upon arriving and therefore shouldn't need to on the trip home. He was even more flabbergasted that the airline would do this to a frequent customer.
Related: Southwest's New Cleaning Policy Treats Economy Flyers Like Second-Class Citizens
After calling out the airline and demanding they do better, Kenny updated his account with what happened after filming the incident. He informed viewers that he did get on the flight and did not pay for a second seat because he advocated for himself.
@bear_does_hairAs promised heres part two @Southwest Airlines @CNN @delta @United Airlines @nbcnews @ABC News #houston #kansascity #traveldiaries #mlm #southwestairlines
♬ original sound - Seyram Parku"To be blatantly fat-shamed at the counter in front of people, even after all of that, when I never even needed an extra seat before, was just insane," he said of the experience.
He also called on the airline to figure out a more discreet, concrete way to implement these seating changes rather than leaving the task up to agents in the first place.
Followers were equally appalled at how the airline treated him and how it has been treating oversize travelers.
"This is actually insane. So glad you stood up for yourself," wrote one outraged follower. "Congrats on the weight loss, but to be SHAMED is crazy. No one knows what people are going through other than themselves! I am so sorry—this is horrendous. SW flights are ruining their company so fast."
"They need to have test seats at the ticket counter instead of that—kind of like the measuring stick on theme park rides. I’m so sorry you experienced that, but great job advocating yourself," another follower stated.
Of course, this is not an isolated incident. Recently, another Southwest passenger was approached by staff and told to purchase an extra seat despite the fact that she was sitting next to her own travel companion, who did not have any issues with comfort.
However, Southwest recently told People that the company has given "customers of size" plenty of notice that this could happen at the airport.
"Last summer, we notified Customers who had previously used the policy that we strongly encourage them to book a second seat at time of booking. It’s important to note that our policy is in line with airline industry standards," Southwest shared.
Related: Southwest Passengers Are Baffled by This New, Weird Takeoff Policy
How to advocate for yourself
Review the official policy: Be sure you know the policy front and back so you can argue what point their current actions are in violation of. It helps to be less emotional and more evidence-based.Ask to speak to supervisors: Do not waste time with anyone who does not have a managerial title. It's likely those people will need to escalate the issue anyway.Purchase travel insurance: If you are planning to take the issue to a legal level, having insurance will strengthen your case and could potentially help you leverage the situation outside of court.Hence then, the article about southwest priority flyer claims airline tried to force him to buy second seat was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Southwest 'Priority Flyer' Claims Airline Tried to Force Him to Buy Second Seat )
Also on site :
- The ‘rules-based order’ has failed in its mission – helping the West do whatever it wants
- Armed police close Lewes Road
- Intrigue, Power Plays and Rivalries: Inside the Rise of Mojtaba Khamenei