'Super fat is how we identify': Southwest Airlines gives passengers two extra seats for free

Fox Business recently shared a story regarding Southwest Airlines and their new "inclusion policy" for for plus-size travelers, which states that people with larger girth may request an additional seat, or two, at no cost, to allow for their own personal comfort. The policy is being greeted by many as a positive step. 

Jae'lynn Chaney, a plus-size travel expert and TikTok "influencer", said that she is excited to see the airline accomodating people in the "super fat" category. 
 

"Super fat is how we identify," Chaney told Fox Business. "There's a spectrum of fatness. And as a super fat individual, you start needing different accommodations.

"I just felt really happy that there was something like this for people. I hope to see more airlines implement customer-of-size policies. The Southwest customer size policy helps many travelers offset the disproportionate costs that we incur because of needing extra room. And so, it's not just about physical accessibility. It's also about financial accessibility." 

This comes eight months after Chaney demanded the Federal Aviation Administration force airlines to give free seats and wheelchairs to "plus size" passengers.

Travelers may purchase additional seats and then ask for a refund, they may also purchase one and ask for the accommodation at the gate. 

According to Fox, the policy states:

"Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) may proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat(s) is available… The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating need and allows us to adequately plan for the number of occupied seats onboard. 

"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. Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating. You may contact us for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel." 

But what happens if it is a full flight?

Law Enforcement Today spoke with an airline employee, who spoke on the condition of anonimity. 

"On a full flight," the employee said, "if someone asks at the gate to be accomodated for being plus sized, the flight crew will typically ask for volunteers. If no one is willing to give up a seat, they will choose someone to bump to a later flight."

Isn't bumping a passenger typically due to "overbooking?"

"Southwest doesn't overbook" the employee said. "You would only get bumped to accomodate a heavier passenger or for a 'must ride' employee."

Does the plus size person ever get bumped to a later flight rather than inconveniencing the rest of the flight?

"No. Not unless they were a late check-in," the employee told LET.

Can they choose to sit in an emergency exit row for additional room? 

"No," said the employee. "But they sometimes try."

Does the airline do anything for the volunteer or the traveler who is involuntarily denied?

"While the specifics will vary," said the employee, "the airline does compensate travelers who have been denied boarding. Compensation may come in the form of vouchers for future flights, credit for the cost of the denied flight, and sometimes, cash considerations. It can even be a combination of those things."

Would Southwest offer the same accommocation to a disabled person who really needs an additional seat to accommodate their disabilities? 

"Absolutely not," the employee replied. "The best you can hope for there is additional time to board." 

Some are speaking out against the policy. 

"So does that mean us tall folks can get extra leg room for free? I'm 6'6" and do not fit comfortably in standard coach. I pay for extra legroom. Well, if fat people get extra seating, then tall folks get extra leg room. Fair is fair..." tweeted one user. 

"I'm a fat, & I find this bootlicking disgusting, Southwest Airlines. Make them pay for the lifestyle they CHOOSE to live. Barring some disease, like pituitary issue, these f---s legit CHOOSE to live this way. F--- them & make them pay for it like everyone else," wrote another.