Female passengers slam major US airline over 'discriminatory' new policy
The airline is facing backlash over the controversial new seating policy
A US-based airline has been accused of discriminating against plus-sized passengers over its new seat policy.
According to a new policy by Southwest Airlines, passengers who are 'of size' must proactively buy themselves an extra plane seat if they are unable to fit between armrests.
The so-called 'Customer of size' policy was first introduced in January of this year, and defines a single seat as the space between two lowered armrests.
This means that anyone who cannot comfortably fit within this space will be forced to purchase an extra seat before stepping foot on the plane.
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However, if a passenger turns up at the airport without having purchased an extra seat, and staff deem them in need of a second seat, they could find themselves being bumped off the flight due to a lack of spare seats.
Understandably, the controversial new rule has stirred up a fair bit of frustration on social media, with a number of women coming forward to accuse the airline of discrimination.
One passenger has shared her embarrassment online after being asked by check in and gate staff to buy an extra seat before boarding the aircraft.
Erika, who posts from the handle @erikawithak27 on TikTok, revealed what she described as 'predatory' behaviour from airline staff when she flew to Las Vegas last month.
According to the hairdresser, she arrived at the airport and made her way to check in as usual to drop off her luggage, but when she got to the counter, she was confused when a member of staff asked her if she 'wanted to try' to book an extra seat.
Erika, who describes herself as plus sized, turned down the offer and asked if she had been specifically picked on because of her weight.
The agent is then said to have told her the request was 'for the safety and comfort of other passengers.'
"What is the process for you deciding that... just by looking at me?" Erika asked the agent, as per her video. "You have no clue if I can fit in this seat or not."
A supervisor was then called to help the agent, and allegedly told Erika that if she wanted to fly on the flight, she would be required to purchase the extra seat.
After an awkward back and forth, she ended up paying an additional $176 (£131) for the extra seat.
She has since called the policy 'absolutely disgusting, discriminatory and predatory.'
Topics: Travel, Plane Etiquette, US News
Emma Rosemurgey