02-16-2010
09:43 AM
Having been on both sides of this situation, I agree it is a very delicate one at best. I used to fly SWA as a business passenger. There were several times when someone seated next to me "infringed" on my "space". After a 3 hour flight, my back was sore! Just because the armrests can be lowered (sometimes not even all of the way) does not mean that the person next to me "fits comfortably into their seat". They may have very broad shoulders, or lean over the armrests into my "space".
Now, as a flight attendant for SWA, I am on the other side of the coin, so to speak. I don't like addressing this issue, or others, like a child that will not stay in a seatbelt, etc. The flight attendants are onboard for the SAFETY of EVERYONE on that plane. It is a judgement call, and everyone may not agree with it. You should rely on our experience and not question it. We are trained to make sure that the safety of everyone onboard is of the utmost importance. I feel that we provide outrageous customer service and I always strive to do that.
Why doesn't the FAA get involved - it IS a safety issue. If there is an emergency evacuation, the person seated by the window may have a difficult time exiting that row, as well as the person that had to lower the armrests to "fit" into that middle seat.
Everyone seems very quick to criticize but not provide a solution. How can this "policy" be remedied to the satisfaction of EVERY passenger? This sure would make my job easier! EVERY passenger matters, and we can not exclude the safety and comfort of some for others.
I have faith in SWA and I am sure that they would be receptive to prospective solutions. NO ONE at corporate headquarters had anything to do with my post. These are strictly my personal opinions.
Proud to be a SWA Flight Attendant and Employee
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