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Southwest Customers of Size Policy

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by Kort Jester, Feb 23, 2013.

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  1. Kort Jester

    Kort Jester Low-Roller

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    I know eveyone on the intenet is fit and sexy but ....Maybe you have a friend who heard something?


    http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/extra-seat/index-pol.html

    So this will be my first time flying alone in about 60 LBS.
    Since DW and I still love to cuddle up, it has never been an issue.
    However I am taking a solo trip to vegas this time.
    I am built like a NFL lineman, 6'2" tall and 320 Lbs ( always guessed at 260 or so )
    I did not buy an extra ticket because I am not sure I "qualify"
    Has anyone had any exp with this?

    This PLUS the lack of rebooking fees sold me on the ticket?Just wondering what to expect at the gate.
     
  2. Kimsa70

    Kimsa70 High-Roller

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    I've flown about 36 flights on Southwest in the last year. I've lost about 30 pounds over that timeframe. You probably are okay because I've sat next to alot of fat asses and they overflow their seats, especially women with large hips/butts, who may otherwise not look overweight. Also, even though I'm a woman, and only 5'2", I have broad shoulders and typically alwasys rub shoulders with the person sitting next to me. The say the seats are designed for someone of a weight no more than 175. It seems at times that at least 50% of passengers exceed that. I've been uncomfortable and got sweaty from my thighs rubbing the thighs of the fat person next to me.

    Only once have I seen a really really big person have an extra seat.

    I think you'll be fine.
     
  3. C0usineddie

    C0usineddie VIP Whale

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    I used to be about your same weight but 6 feet even.

    i was never even looked at twice when flying.

    There will be a lot of people bigger then you.

    I worried about it too but they didnt say anything.
     
  4. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

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    I'm exactly your size and I fly SWA 20-24 times a year. Hopefully, you'll get one of the new planes, in which case the seat-pan is a little lower which allows you to fit under the arm rests a lot more comfortably than the older planes. In those, the arm rests come right down on the thigh and I always have trouble smashing it all the way down.

    Also, hopefully, your plane won't be completely full and you'll board early. In that case, as you going down the aisle pay attention to the window seats and where the plane's ribs fall... what I mean by that is if you select a seat were the window is completely open next to the seat (about every 5-7 rows), you'll buy yourself an extra 3 inches or so to lean your shoulder into. If you select one where the rib is next to you... no good. I know a lot of big guys prefer the aisle seats, I don't... I love windows, cause I board very early and kinda "puff-up" a bit. I purposely, lean over the center seat a bit... in most cases, most reasonable skinny people notice a bit of a conflict and keep walking. In the event it's a full-plane or someone does want to sit there, I do my best to squeeze back over.

    This year, I reached SWA's companion-pass level and am allowed to designate myself as the companion and get an XS (extra-seat). I have to book it this way and it's been really nice, even though the bulk of my flights are under an hour.

    I'm told that people who do buy an extra seat now are getting it refunded back to them, as I think SWA seems to be struggling with charging for it. I haven't dealt with it, cause of the companion-pass thing, but if I were you, I would sure make a call to Southwest and ask them... I find their customer service to be outstanding and very accommodating.

    One more thing... I'm right at the size where every once in awhile I get a seat-belt that either been cut some or for whatever reason is just a bit short... I fixed that by buying a seat-belt extender for $49 on-line. It's awful to have to ask for one, cause usually they only have a few and will tell you that they'll get one to you after they do the demonstration. Lotta fun having it handed to you then!

    This is the biggest I've ever been... spent most of my "adult" life in the 240-250 range and it sure does make a difference in the seats.
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2013
  5. BeeeJay

    BeeeJay President of The Red Lobster Hostess Satisfaction

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    Sitting here reading this while pounding a box of girl scout cookies and a bag of bbq chips.

    I too fly around 30-35 flights per year, and also lost 30 lbs (225 to 195) in the past year (put the treadmill beside the sectional couch in front of the TV/started walking to a casino 5 miles from my house).

    No one under 400 lbs should feel too bad since the average person is a huge fat ass. I have had just as much trouble with small chicks trying to lay down (one fell asleep and stretched her feet out into my lap). Most of the bigger people are conscious of it and do their best to not overflow.

    The one thing I've really noticed since losing a little weight is how much more comfortable I am flying. It's so much easier for me to relax in my seat without worrying that i'm bumping into others.

    I think if I were over 300 I would probably buy 2 seats though just for my own comfort.
     
  6. Kort Jester

    Kort Jester Low-Roller

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    I think you mistook my tone :)

    I am not worried about a sceen or about being embarassed.
    I am hoping to score some extra room for free:)

    I MAY be bringing a friend (also big) so we may fly isle and window, thus pretty mush eliminating the middle seat all together
     
  7. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    If you board as early as possible and take the aisle and window and "overflow" on purpose - people will pass you by and sit elsewhere. UNLESS if the plane is full.
     
  8. deadeye

    deadeye Tourist

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    Sw homepage has their policy well explained if in question they would like you to purchase the extra seat to make sure everyone has enough room but your extra seat is fully refundable if needed or not win win situation. Swa rocks
     
  9. KnotGillty

    KnotGillty High-Roller

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    That is my exact seating strategy. My shoulders are too wide. I don't need a seat belt extender & I fit in my seat. It's the shoulders that are the problem.

    I can't sit in the aisle seat because then everyone bumps into my shoulder as they walk by. So my best two choices are to either sit next to a window where I can gain a few extra inches, or even better, sit in the emergency exit row that has only two seats (the exit row where the seat next to the window is removed). This is the best choice but usually requires a low to mid 'A' boarding number.

    Of course, early bird check in is a must. It all but guarantees that I'll be able to get a seat where I'm not rubbing my shoulder against the passenger next to me.

    Getting a mid 'B' or any 'C' boarding number would screw me and the people sitting next to me.
     
  10. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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    Aye, Fat Boy....

    From my large size (6'4" 300+) and limited experience (10-16 flights) I say don't sweat it. Just remember to say excuse me as you smash the competition.

    :beer:Best of luck my friend.:beer:
     
  11. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Not sure what city you are flying from and therefore airline choices, but.... I have seen first class seats for a hundred or so above discounted coach seats a few times lately. You could then get a nice big wide seat and the other perks for less than buying two seats in coach.
     
  12. zamboni

    zamboni VIP Whale

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    I flew Delta from Vegas last week and the woman next to me overflowed into my seat. I didn't care about it. Only thing I didn't like was the armrest between us needed to stay up or else she couldn't fit.
     
  13. JDinTN

    JDinTN MIA

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    This is so true! I've been in airplanes and kind of sighed a little when I saw someone really overweight come over and sit next to me but every time its happened I would get the sense they were very conscious of it and would try to give me as much room as they could and I would be comfortable. On the other hand anytime I've sat next to a space hog its invariably been someone who is small or average but just feels entitled to take up as much room as humanly possible.

    All it comes down to is manners and class. If you're a space hog it doesn't matter if you're big or small, you're an azzhole either way.
     
  14. OKC Gal

    OKC Gal Low-Roller

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    I really appreciate this thread staying true to the topic and not turning into a rant about overweight people! This subject is very sensitive to me. To go to Las Vegas, I HAVE to fly Southwest (limited options where I'm from) and so I basically hold my breath every time I board the plane. I also know people hate to sit next to me so I try to not move and be still during the flight and sit by the window to not inconvenience anyone. I've not thought I was so big to be told to get off, but that happened to Kevin Smith and I didn't think he was that big...
     
  15. Mitkraft

    Mitkraft VIP Whale

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    I don't know when it was he was asked to get off but there was a stretch there where he was REALLY letting himself go. Of course if I had a chance to be on the plane with Kevin Smith and they kicked him off I'd be PISSED! That guys is so freakin funny!
     
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