Plus-size travelers amplify Southwest Airlines' 'customer of size' policy on TikTok
Southwest Airlines' customer of size policy is gaining significant attention on TikTok and in the media These viral videos have sparked a debate about seating policies for plus-size travelers and efforts to push other airlines for more comfortable accommodations
Southwest Airlines' long-standing "customer of size" policy is gaining attention once again due to viral TikTok videos and media coverage. This has sparked efforts to encourage other airlines to offer seating policies for passengers who may not fit comfortably into today's narrow airline seats.
The policy, in place for over 30 years, allows passengers to buy extra seats before travel and receive a refund for the cost of those additional seats after their trip is completed.
Southwest urges passengers to buy additional seats beforehand to assist the airline in seat planning and to "guarantee that we can accommodate all Customers on their booked flight and prevent the need for Customers to give up their seats for unexpected arrangements," as stated in the policy.
Passengers may also approach a customer service agent at the departure gate and request complimentary extra seating without having to purchase it in advance.
User @Kimmystyled's TikTok video of a passenger requesting to use the policy at a departure gate has garnered nearly a million views since its October posting. Southwest's policy sets it apart from other US carriers.
The post advocates for this policy to become the industry norm, stating that flying is a form of public transportation and should be made more comfortable and accessible for all individuals, including those who are overweight and disabled. CNN made an attempt to contact @Kimmystyled but has not received a response at this time.
An advocate for policy change
The poster received a lot of support and gratitude for sharing the policy, but some people also raised questions about the free seat. One commenter expressed the opinion that a lower fee should be charged for a seat, mentioning that despite being 67 years old, they still pay extra for leg room.
Jae'lynn Chaney wants all US carriers to "prioritize the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers."
Jacob Ard
Jaelynn Chaney believes that the travel industry should be more accommodating to plus-size travelers. As a plus-size travel expert and content creator in Vancouver, Washington, she launched a petition in April urging for a federal mandate that would ensure all airlines have a comprehensive policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers, regardless of size.
Chaney informed CNN Travel that this week, the petition has gained approximately 3,000 new signatures, coinciding with the increased attention garnered by recent TikTok videos highlighting Southwest's policy. As of midday Friday, about 40,000 signatures had been collected.
According to Chaney, numerous individuals have shared their experiences of abstaining from travel due to concerns about being mistreated because of their size.
Chaney expressed her desire for widespread adoption of policies similar to Southwest Airlines' customer of size policy, stating that she has been in talks with US lawmakers to advocate for legislation mandating such policies for all airlines. She noted that while some airlines do have policies in place, Alaska Airlines is the only other US carrier with a policy comparable to Southwest's. Alaska's policy also requires the purchase of additional seats, with the option of a refund if all flights depart with an available seat.
Chaney is advocating for a "one person, one fare" rule similar to Canada's, which applies to passengers who are "functionally disabled by obesity," to be implemented in the United States. At the very least, she believes that every airline should be mandated to display a customer of size policy on their website. She clarified that this doesn't necessarily imply that they must all provide free second seats, but rather that passengers need access to information to navigate different airlines. Chaney, who is working with her partner to organize trips and retreats tailored to accommodate individuals in larger bodies and those with mobility challenges, expressed these sentiments.
Chaney said reaction has been mixed to her advocacy.
"I think theres just a societal perception that fat people dont deserve to travel," Chaney said.
"The travel industry has been very, you know, exclusive and not inclusive to us and its been a space where we havent felt comfortable, and now Im really trying to change that."
