Special-size Passenger Policies
It is no big secret that airline coach seats are not exactly spacious. Passengers often sit cramped and uncomfortable for the duration of their travels, as airline seats have shrunk significantly in the past few decades, making the process of flying less comfortable. Today, many passengers find that they have just enough space in their seat to buckle up and remain in virtually the same position during their flight.
However, there are some flyers who find they do not have enough space to even sit in their seat and buckle their seatbelt. These passengers are referred to as passengers of size, and many airlines require that these passengers pay an additional fee to have a second seat. In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane.
Special size passengers have little to no choice when it comes to this rule. Every airline has an overweight passenger policy, and passengers are required to accept the rule. Since each airline has its own policy, airline passengers of size need to become familiar with the policies of their airline prior to travel.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines emphasizes the safety and comfort of all its passengers. For customers who need additional space that extends beyond the confines of a single seat, the airline encourages proactively purchasing the necessary number of seats prior to travel. This approach ensures adequate planning for the number of occupied seats onboard and prevents unplanned accommodations that may cause inconvenience to other passengers. The armrest is considered the definitive boundary between seats.
The airline is considerate of such needs, and customers can request a refund of the cost of the additional seating post-travel. If a customer prefers not to pre-purchase an additional seat, they can opt for one seat and discuss their seating requirements with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate. If it is decided that more seating is necessary, a complimentary additional seat will be provided.
American Airlines
American Airlines advocates for customers' safety and comfort throughout their journey. If a customer needs more space that transcends a single seat, the airline requires the purchase of an additional seat. It urges customers to address their seating requirements when booking their tickets.
To ensure the comfort of all passengers, if customers didn’t pre-book an extra seat, they can ask an airport agent if two adjacent seats are available. There's also an option to be offered a seat in a higher class of service for more space, with the customer bearing the fare difference. If the desired seating accommodations can't be made on the originally planned AA flight, customers have the option to book seats on a different flight for the same price as their original seats.
United Airlines
United Airlines emphasizes that customers must be able to sit safely and comfortably in their seats. If a customer is unable to fit comfortably within a single seat in United Economy®, they are obliged to purchase an additional seat for each part of their journey. The fare for the second seat is the same as the original if both are purchased concurrently.
Should a customer fail to meet certain criteria, such as properly attaching and wearing the seat belt, staying seated with the armrest(s) down for the entire flight, and not significantly encroaching upon adjacent seating space, they must buy an additional seat or upgrade. If an additional seat isn't available on the confirmed United flight, the customer is obliged to rebook on the next United flight with sufficient seats. The baggage allowance is determined by the number of seats purchased. When two seats are bought by one customer, the checked baggage allowance is doubled, although the carry-on allowance isn’t.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is committed to ensuring the comfort of its passengers during travel. While it does not necessitate the purchase of an additional seat for passengers requiring a seatbelt extender or those unable to lower the armrest, the airline encourages such passengers to buy an extra seat for their comfort.
Delta emphasizes that any passenger whose physical dimensions extend into another passenger's space may be requested to move to another seat that offers more space or, in the event of a fully booked flight, be asked to opt for a later flight with available seating. To prevent such potential discomfort and inconvenience, the airline recommends that passengers consider purchasing an extra seat.
As an aviation enthusiast and expert with extensive knowledge in airline policies, particularly those related to passenger comfort and special-size passenger accommodations, I can confidently delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of the aviation industry, including the regulations and practices implemented by major airlines to address the needs of passengers of size.
The article discusses the challenges faced by passengers, particularly those requiring extra space due to their size, when traveling on commercial airlines. These individuals, often referred to as passengers of size, may find it difficult to fit comfortably in a single airline seat, leading to policies and guidelines set by airlines to ensure both safety and comfort for all passengers.
1. Passengers of Size and Special-Size Passenger Policies:
- Passengers of size are individuals who may require more space than a standard airline seat provides, making their travel experience uncomfortable.
- Special-size passenger policies are regulations implemented by airlines to address the needs of passengers of size and ensure their safety and comfort during flights.
2. Seatbelt Extenders and Armrests:
- Obese passengers who require a seatbelt extender and cannot lower the armrests between seats are typically subject to additional fees or required to purchase a second seat.
- The inability to use a standard seatbelt and armrests is a common criterion used by airlines to identify passengers who need extra accommodations.
3. Airline Policies for Passengers of Size:
- Each airline has its own policy regarding passengers of size, and these policies may vary.
- Passengers are required to adhere to the specific rules and regulations set by the airline they are flying with.
4. Southwest Airlines Policy:
- Southwest Airlines encourages passengers needing additional space to proactively purchase the necessary number of seats before travel.
- The armrest is considered the definitive boundary between seats, and customers can request a refund for the cost of additional seating post-travel.
5. American Airlines Policy:
- American Airlines advocates for customers' safety and comfort and requires the purchase of an additional seat if more space is needed.
- Customers can inquire about two adjacent seats at the airport or opt for a seat in a higher class of service, with the fare difference borne by the customer.
6. United Airlines Policy:
- United Airlines emphasizes the importance of customers being able to sit safely and comfortably in their seats.
- If a customer fails to meet certain criteria, such as not fitting comfortably in a single seat, they are obliged to purchase an additional seat or upgrade.
7. Delta Airlines Policy:
- Delta Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort during travel and encourages passengers requiring extra space to consider purchasing an additional seat.
- While Delta does not mandate the purchase of an extra seat, it may request passengers whose dimensions encroach into another passenger's space to move or consider an alternative flight.
In summary, the provided information highlights the various approaches taken by major airlines, including Southwest, American, United, and Delta, to address the needs of passengers of size and ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for all.
