02-16-2010
07:35 AM
This is a great story unfolding. Apologies if this is covered on pages 2-7 of the comments, but I don't want to forget what I want to say.
To all of you who think that the only test SWA has for a "person of size" (fatty) is the arm-rest test I say HA! and OMG. All that test shows is that your hips and thighs are small enough (or can be squeezed enough) to fit in the 17 or so inches. I you carry most of your extra weight around your mid-section, your love-handles could still make the person in the next seat *VERY* uncomfortable. Same with the seat belt extender. "Fasten low across your lap by inserting the buckle in the clasp..." as the instructions go and you might not be able to see the buckle when it's time to get out if your belly fat hangs over it (sometimes known as dunlap's disease).
Also, for those of you who keep mentioning that the ladies in the seats next to Kevin said that they were comfortable: where did you get this information. I listened to his entire smodcast and in it he admits that neither said that. According to Kevin, one said that it's only an hour flight and the other was very non-committal and had trouble understanding what he was asking. After several attempts he got her to say she wasn't squished (his word).
My only problem with the outcome is that SWA even gave him anything, but I guess the squeaky wheel gets the grease. He flew home on the flight he booked, and that was all they really owed him.
I do think that all (or at least most) airlines could benefit from making more space available to all passengers, possibly by changing the seating layout and putting in wider seats. This is true especially in the USA, but obesity is becoming a world-wide problem. I'm a tall man and I have (on some flights) the choice to buy a seat that has more leg room. It might be reasonable for the airlines to make some seating to accommodate fatties or anyone else who wants to pay for extra room. They could put two seats where there were three previously and charge 50% extra rather than have someone buy two seats.
Just my two cents worth.
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