Originally Posted by
rickt86
Well if I were a large person and paid for two seats, then saw other people not paying and being large and sitting in one seat I would become frustrated that I paid for two seats. I might try only buying one seat, and might get away with it for some time. Then I might an agent who seems to just not like fat people, and in front of 140 people say oh your too fat you have to buy a second seat. Keep in mind if you did not buy one in advance and the flight is full you can not go.
I am just playing devils advocate, but I am not convinced she had good intent and came into it with a desire to play by the rules, just to get burned by inconsistency.
It is called "contract for carriage", the guidelines are in fact well documented, but most folks fail to read them. SWA policy allows you to pay for 2 seats if you are a "customer of size." The policy states you will be refunded the price of the second seat if the flight is not full.
Guidelines for Customers of Size
Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) should proactively book the needed number of seats prior to travel. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats and measures 17 inches in width. The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification to Southwest of a special seating need. Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating. You may contact us for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel, provided the flight does not oversell (which means having more confirmed Customers than seats on the aircraft).