milwaukee – Southwest Airlines has garnered attention for its “inclusion policy” toward plus-size passengers.
Major airlines say customers whose bodies “encroach” on the armrests will be granted an extra seat or row free of charge.
The airline says the system has been in place for decades. This policy allows larger passengers to occupy adjacent seats for free.
It’s been gaining attention on social media, with several plus-size influencers praising the company.
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But reactions from travelers at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport were mixed.
“Anything to make flying more comfortable for more people,” said Katie Dauchotas, who was heading to Florida from the Southwest. “Traveling can be very stressful. If it helps someone, why not travel?”
“If you want more space, you have to pay,” said a man named Tong who was traveling to Las Vegas.
According to the airline’s website, passengers of a certain size can purchase a seat and get a refund later, or they can book it in advance with an agent.
“If it’s available to them, they should know about it,” said Summer Manke, who was flying to Las Vegas. “And props to Southwest.”
There’s one thing most people who travel by air agree on.
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“We could probably make the seat a little bit bigger to reduce the pressure,” Dauchotas said.
This policy states that passengers of a certain size may receive a free seat, but it does not necessarily guarantee an empty seat. It all depends on the flight.