Southwest Airlines has been receiving some complaints from larger passengers who claim that they are being discriminated against. More recently, they implemented a policy where larger passengers who take up more seats would have to purchase an additional seat in advance. Now, one traveler became embarassed after they got slammed with what the internet has dubbed the fat tax.
Traveler Embarrassed By Southwest's New 'Fat Tax'
The NY Post shared the details surrounding the encounter. First, the outlet reminded readers of the previous policy enacted by the airline. According to airline representatives, they created this new seating policy to attempt to better serve their customers. They stated, "To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking."
This policy change in and of itself upset many passengers, as they used to be able to request a complimentary additional seat at the gate or receive a refund for the second seat. Now things have changed. Passengers who require an additional seat will need to do so in advance, when they book their first seat. If you choose to wait, you could be forced to purchase another ticket on the spot. Additionally, the outlet shared that "a refund for the second seat is only guaranteed if the flight departs with at least one open seat."
Furthermore, Southwest argued that "Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) must purchase the number of seats needed." Additionally, they use the seat's armrest as the boundary line between seats. Recently, a traveler was embarrassed when this new policy was applied to them. The NY Post shared that this traveler was "allegedly forced to cough up nearly $1,000 for a second seat."
The Internet Has Mixed Opinions
@stellakittrell Replying to @Not in the mood first flight with new Southwest Airlines plus size policy.
Not everyone is in agreement about this new supposed fat tax. While some people are in favor of it, arguing that those who need more space should have to pay for two seats, others are against it. Some argue that this is Southwest's way of profiling passengers based on their size and appearance. This most recent encounter with the embarassed traveler is throwing more fuel on the fire.
When speaking with SFGate, Kari McCaw explained that she was stopped at the airport and told to buy a second seat. This was not a case of someone simply forgetting to purchase until the last minute; the airline looked at her and assumed she would need the extra room. "You just made this arbitrary look at my body..." she complained. "I don't have any hips, so I sit in seats just fine all the time."
Others took to social media to share similar experiences or fears. One user, named Stella Kittrell, filmed herself flying Southwest after their new plus-size policy. Additionally, she shared her newfound anxiety around flying after this policy was implemented. People rushed to her defense in the comments.
- "How about airplanes make their seats bigger instead of trying to cram us all in there so they can sell more tickets!"
- "how is this not discrimination?"
- "Normal size ppl barely fit in these seats no one should experience this!"
