Southwest will charge large fliers extra fare

Wash Times ^ | 19 jun 02 | Mary Beaudette

[white trash redneck]

Southwest Airlines will start charging larger passengers for two seats on its 2,800 daily flights starting June 26.

The airline, which operates out of 58 U.S. cities and is the largest carrier at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, will begin charging "persons of size" for two seats if they think they may not fit comfortably in one.

[Hunble]

Throw um in with the cargo,strap um to a pallet.

Tempting, very tempting. But the FAA will not allow that.

Oh well, I still like the hooker idea....

[homeschool mama]

That was inconsiderate of her, imho.

[codebreaker]

Politically incorrect LOL!

I will have to tune into Jay Leno and Letterman tonight..

[Sloth]

Airline seats are ludicrously small, at least on certain carriers.

[NittanyLion]

You think overweight people are going to stand too long for being punished simply because they happen to weigh a bit more?

Southwest is under no obligation to accommodate everyone. They can sell to whomever they choose, if they perceive it will be beneficial to their business. Other airlines may perceive a benefit to catering to fat people. Point is, the market will adjust to suit everyone's needs, so long as nosey busybodies stay out of its way.

[Salgak]

Here's what's likely going to happen:

The Surgeon General has ALREADY defined Obesity as a "disease". Hence, someone will file, and likely successfully win, an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit agains Southwest, for discriminating against their disability.

Then again, I **STILL** think seats in Cattle/Sheeple class are too small. . .

[maximus@Nashville]

As Dear Abby is wont to say, "No one can take advantage of you without your permission." The proper response to her question would be "Yes, I do mind" while firmly putting the armrest back in place.

A few years back I was flying with the window seat in a DC-9 which had only 2 seats on my side. The aisle seat was taken by a huge woman carrying what looked like a garbage bag of dirty clothes. She asked if I minded if she put that under my seat (thus seriously compromising my leg room) I replied yes I do. I was treated to much grumbling under her breath for the rest of my flight. Half-way thru, having heard enough and having no other seat to move to, I decided I should visit the john every 15 minutes. The grunting and wheezing she displayed everytime she was forced to move (always with my sincerest apologies) would have been pathetic had I not been angry at the abuse she had been giving me.

I have found that everyone is easy to get along with as long as you do as they would like you. Be polite, be firm and be untrampled.

[Salgak]

Actually, as a public carrier, they ARE under an obligation to accomidate everyone. . . .

[homeschool mama]

We fly Southwest almost exclusively and more often than not they'll do everything they can to accodate him if it's a longer flight. We get there early and after obtaining our bording pass we get in line right away. That way we have a better chance at the exit row seat. My daughter (12 years old) isn't allowed to sit in that row so we sit a row ahead. The problem is the many people who claim the need to board early...walking just fine through the concourse then when it's time to board they're limping. grrrrr

I'm 5'2" so the need for extra leg space isn't necessary. :o)

[cibco]

First they came for the smokers...

[Hunble]

The Surgeon General has ALREADY defined Obesity as a "disease". Hence, someone will file, and likely successfully win, an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit agains Southwest, for discriminating against their disability. Then again, I **STILL** think seats in Cattle/Sheeple class are too small. . .

B I N G O

My wife is very FAT, but also disabled after an auto accident. Personally, I am looking forward to this lawsuit.

[homeschool mama]

If a person needs two seats to accomodate their size then they should pay for two seats. I'm sorry your wife is overweight...I'm sure it's troubling for her as much as it is for you.

[skateman]

Actually, as a public carrier, they ARE under an obligation to accomidate everyone. . . .

Can you cite your authority on this?

[kemathen7]

This reminds me of a meeting I went to last week. A speaker from another no-frills airline spoke at this meeting. She told us that after Sept. 11, Southwest only had to fill something like 25% of their seats to break even. United had to fill 91% of their seats. This makes me curious if the major airlines, like United, will follow suit.

[peteram]

Jet Blue - Wider seats

[DocCincy]

And to make matter worse, she probably ripped one or two during the flight. Always happens to me.

[homeschool mama]

I don't think it's necessary for all people to be rail thin...the societal reasoning of that is gross...but being overweight enough to require two seats is extreme. You need two seats then you pay for two seats.

[NittanyLion]

Actually, as a public carrier, they ARE under an obligation to accomidate everyone. . . .

And they are. A person who takes up two seats will be accommodated, but they must pay for both.

[Hunble]

No problem, after the 9-11 airline security stupidity, I refuse to fly any airline.

As a pilot, if we can not drive, we will fly our own airplane.

Unfortunatly, there are some places that I must use the airlines for. Each year, my wife and I go scuba diving in Cozumel Mexico.

If the airlines pull this on us next year, I WILL take them to court.

On second thought, I still like that skinny bimbo idea....

[Freebird Forever]

This Southwest Airlines RAPID REWARDS cardholder wholeheartedly applauds this policy change.

Fly 8 Roundtrips, Get 1 Free bump