02-15-2010
02:03 PM
Southwest has a very reasonable policy on dealing with overweight passengers, the problem here is that that policy was not followed. This passenger, famous or not, was singled out and a new policy was made up on the spot by someone from Southwest.
From your website: "Customers who are unable to lower both armrests and/or who compromise any portion of adjacent seating should proactively book the number of seats needed prior to travel."
According to Smith, he was able to lower both armrests and buckle the restraint even without the need for a belt extender. I don't see how this does not meet the guidelines so its hard to see this as anything other than arbitrary decision making on the part of the Southwest staff either at the gate, jetway or on the aircraft.
... View more
