Southwest Airlines Community

I agree no one should ever be embarrassed because they are a customer of size, but Southwest made the right move in not letting him board the flight. People book seats, and should be allowed to own the whole seat. Why should good paying customers suffer because someone is of size and "spilling" over into their seat? Just because the arm rests are down doesn't mean that the passenger is totally confined within his seat. I have seen many instances where customers of size can get the arm rests down, but the rest of their body "spills" into the seats next to them. Southwest has had this policy for many years and just because this guy is famous and decided to cause a riot doesn't mean it should change. The only part where Southwest blundered was that this man should of not been allowed to board the plane in the first place. He was on standby and there was only one seat. Since he normally requires two seats and purchases them, he should of never been let down the jet way for the standby flight . He should of been bypassed to the next standby passenger. His situation should also have been addressed by customer service in private letting him know he was considered a customer of size and that he couldn't make the standby flight because there was only one seat available. Maybe Southwest may have not handled the situation correctly, but they adhered to their policy to protect those sitting next to him. Was it embarrassing to Kevin Smith? Probably, but he is no different than the thousands of passengers everyday who travel being a customer of size. Most of them are understanding and agree to purchase the extra seat so they don't have to be discomforting to the fellow passenger. Plus Southwest offers a full refund of the second seat if the plane is not full. It is a win-win situation for everyone. I'm sorry if Kevin Smith felt he was violated flying on Southwest, but just like everyone has the freedom to move across the country, Kevin Smith also has the freedom to book first class on another airline for a larger seat. ... View more

Hey Brian, I was wondering how many 300 series planes have been scrapped/retired/lease returned this year and what is going to happen in the next year. Also, have we been replacing them one-for-one with a 700 or is the perfect time to retire them due to the economy and non-growth within the company right now. Thanks! Justin - CSA BUF ... View more

As much as I was excited to see my company try to expand and make a bigger presence in Denver, I am very pleased that the company put the employee's considerations first. It was and always will be the culture that makes Southwest Airlines thrive. Kudos to Gary Kelly and his staff for trying not to force a marriage that would of ended up in disaster for all the unions and employees involved with both airlines. ... View more

I commend these changes. With the baggage fee, it helps protect the employees of Southwest from lifting overweight bags at the ticket counter and in the belly of the aircraft. It happens too frequently when an employee throws their back out trying to load an overweight bag in the bin. The UM fee is still cheaper than most other unaccompanied minor fees on other airlines. I can assure you though that no airline does a better job at handling UM's than we do. The PAWS program is also a good idea. I read that people are worried about this program. First off, the pet has to be small enough to fit under the seat and they can't roam the cabin. Secondly, the air in the aircraft is constantly filtered so allergies shouldn't be a problem. If we can offer a service that people are willing to pay for without disrupting the majority of the flying public, I'm all for it. Good Job Gary! ... View more

I love hearing about stories like this. It brings me back to my childhood when I wanted to learn everything there is to know about aviation. My grandfather was a private pilot, which influenced my love for aviation. He bought me books, took me on flights, and since he lived in Tampa and I lived in Buffalo, we always flew down so it was always a treat to board a jetliner. Now that I'm in my twenty's and work for Southwest, I still feel that adrenaline rush every time I get on one of our 737's. I always wanted to be a pilot, but working on the ramp in BUF I still feel like I am an important part of the flight process. As much as passengers depend on the pilot doing a great job in the skies, the pilots depend on the ramp to get the aircraft in tip top shape for flight. One piece of advice I can give to anyone who wants to work in this industry...don't give up the dream. Some people were born to fly...LIVE IT! ... View more

Being a Southwest ramper here in Buffalo, I just want to express my sadness and sorrow for the families who had loved ones aboard Continental 3407. For Buffalo being a small operations airport, you would never expect an air disaster to happen in your own backyard. Even though Continental is a competitor of ours, out there on the ramp we all look out for one another and are supportive of one another to make sure the passengers our are number one priority. May God Bless every family that had loved ones on that plane and God Bless the Continental crew in BUF, because it will be a few challenging days ahead. ... View more

Great topic! If our operations in Buffalo were the size of Chicago Midway, hands down we would be the leader of de-icing fluid usage in the system especially this winter. Although we use a lot of fluid, we take pride that every Boeing is a goin' with a clean red belly to safely transport our customers. ... View more

This announcement could be bigger than the Malice in Dallas, Bigger than New York itself. The commander in chief of my great company, Southwest, has decided to take on the Big Apple. Personally, I think it's a great move. Even though initally they will only offer 7 flights a day, WE GOT OUR FOOT IN THE DOOR. Just imagine what could happen if the Southwest effect occurs in NYC? Cheap fares for everyone!!!! ... View more

That costume is awesome!! ... View more

I honestly think that some people are complaining way too much. First, when you fill out the application, you know what you are getting yourself into. They tell you what you will be making and the kind of work you will be getting involved in. I'll be honest, I just quit a 30,000 a year job to come work here and I don't care. The pay may be only 10.18 to start, but the benefits are FABULOUS and CHEAP which make the difference in pay easier to withstand. Raises are given every year and I have the chance to work as much OT if needed. Being a salary employee, I was never given breaks, a lunch break, and worked pretty much every week-end for the last 5 years. OT is not a word in a salary dictionary. I wish some of you knew how good you have it working for a company like this. I looked on here and I see regular joe schmoes being able to talk to the company president. I don't know where else that is possible. I think the lines of communication between managers and employees are wonderful and I haven't even worked a day here yet. I think someone said it best above, people who complain make the workplace toxic and if you don't LUV it, LEAVE it. That will make room for more people who have a true passion to work with planes and LUV their job. ... View more

Great Post! I just recently got my foot "in the door" and my first day will be spent in Baltimore on October 17th!!! I think the key to getting hired here is being yourself. I think everyone tries to be someone they are not when they go for job interviews. If your a goofy and fun loving person, don't change it, especially for this company. I told them at my interview I'm known for dancing Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" at my current employer's Christmas party and I think that was one of the reasons I believe I was called back. I honestly can't wait to see whats in store working for Southwest, because I know Southwest will give me the freedom to have fun and be productive at the same time. ... View more