Southwest Airlines Rolls Back Controversial Seating Policy for Overweight Passengers
*Southwest Airlines has reversed course on a seating policy that drew widespread criticism after it was introduced earlier this year for passengers who require extra space on board, Inc. reports. Southwest’s now-revised policy was introduced in January and required travelers described as customers who “encroach upon neighboring seats” to secure an additional seat before boarding. […] The post Southwest Airlines Rolls Back Controversial Seating Policy for Overweight Passengers appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.
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*Southwest Airlines has reversed course on a seating policy that drew widespread criticism after it was introduced earlier this year for passengers who require extra space on board, Inc. reports.
Southwest’s now-revised policy was introduced in January and required travelers described as customers who “encroach upon neighboring seats” to secure an additional seat before boarding. The change gained widespread attention online and drew criticism from plus-sized passengers, some of whom said the policy left them feeling alienated and fat-shamed.
Under the revised policy, Southwest is changing how it handles situations where travelers need more than one seat. The airline now allows airport staff to provide an adjacent seat at no additional cost when available.
“Southwest is working to create a more consistent and seamless experience for customers who require an additional seat. On flights where adjacent seats are available, our agents at the airport are empowered to provide an additional seat at no extra cost to customers who require one,” a spokesperson for Southwest told Inc.
When a flight does not have enough open seating to accommodate the request, the airline said it will adjust plans for the affected passenger.
“If another seat is not available, we will work to accommodate the customer on a later flight,” they noted. “We continue to encourage customers who need an additional seat to book it in advance to help alleviate any last-minute inconvenience at the airport.”
Southwest also continues to offer a refund option for passengers who purchase an extra seat ahead of travel. According to the airline’s website, travelers can request reimbursement within 90 days after completing their trip.
The airline notes that refunds for extra seats are not automatic and depend on specific eligibility requirements, including availability of open seating at departure and consistency in fare class across both tickets.
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The post Southwest Airlines Rolls Back Controversial Seating Policy for Overweight Passengers appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.
