Action Item: Tell Southwest to prioritize accessibility for all bodies
A message from NAAFA:
For years, fat people have utilized and celebrated Southwest Airlines for having the most equitable seating policy of any major airline. Last summer, they announced that they’ll be shifting to assigned seating. At their most recent shareholders meeting, they announced more details about their plans to change their planes and their boarding procedures. But they still made no mention at all of how these changes will impact their Customer of Size policy.
The Customer of Size policy at Southwest hinges on people being able to choose their own seats. Without information about how changes will specifically impact those who need an additional seat, we cannot rest assured that the policy will continue to work. We are also concerned that reconfiguring planes for premium (more expensive) seating with extra legroom will eliminate affordable seating in the front rows, which can be essential to accessibility for larger fat flyers and some disabled passengers.
Southwest needs to commit to working with advocates from fat community and disabled community to ensure that we remain welcome and accommodated on their planes.
We have tried to make Southwest executives aware of our need for clarity and information through social media, petitions and media outreach. We will continue to put pressure on Southwest and request a meeting with executives in hopes that they will eventually address this issue and continue with a best in the industry passenger of size policy as they roll out their assigned seating program next year.
Join us in urging Southwest to make a public commitment to keep flying accessible for Customers of Size and for disabled passengers. Sign the petition today!
Extra links:
Learn more about #FlyingWhileFat
Fat travel resources
Campaign for Size Freedom
