Let’s face it…if you’re like most Americans, your behind is expanding faster than you’d like. Obesity is a growing epidemic (pun intended), and businesses are being forced to recognize the changing face...er…body of consumers. Airlines in particular are having to accommodate the needs of larger passengers, sometimes even resulting in a financial loss for an already crippled industry.
Southwest Airlines has a whole webpage dedicated to “customers of size,” those persons whose derriere measures greater than 17” (the width of their seats.) If you think you may be encroaching on that measurement, better read up on their FAQ’s before boarding. Southwest asks those persons who require extra room to purchase an additional seat prior to boarding, allowing the airline to know exactly how many seats are needed for a flight. (This will save embarrassment at the gate should the “customer of size” be approached by an agent and asked outright if seating accommodations are necessary.) Luckily (for now at least), the cost of the extra seat will always be refunded, even if the flight is full.
