02-16-2010
10:58 AM
I have to say I am very disappointed in the way this has been handled by Southwest. If the matter was simply one of a standby passenger giving up a seat for a ticketed passenger, then don't bring size into it at all.
There are many, many reasons why a person may be overweight, none of which are the business of the general public. Because Kevin Smith has a modicum of fame, people feel they can judge him and suggest this is an opportunity to live a healthier lifestyle. They may not realize that while public ridicule can be the catalyst for a lifestyle change, it can also be the trigger of shame and desperation some people cannot deal with in a healthy way.
The bottom line is this - Kevin Smith was in a seat. The buckle could be fastened without an extension. The armrests could be lowered fully. He had been allowed to fly in without a problem. He was put on another Southwest flight, where apparently his weight was not an issue.
Be honest, Southwest. If it's a matter of standby, say so. If it's a matter of an incorrect "judgment call" by your employees, then say so. But fully accept your blame. Let's not temper it with the PR spin to make it seem like it really wasn't your fault after all, or that somehow Kevin Smith is to blame. No one in the airline industry today is in a position to handle the negative publicity that asking an overweight individual to deplane to another plane for no reason brings.
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