I recall reading an article about pax of size and WN a couple of years back. It details WN's approach which was systematic, rational, and fair. The GAs identify a potential pax of size and they discretely and quietly determine if the pax can fit into a seat by taking them into the aircraft prior to boarding where they resolve the problem out of sight of others. Can't say that this is how it's presently being implemented, but that's what the article said.
As to policy disclosure issues, this link clearly details the
WN Customer of Size Policy. I do note that WN refers to overly large folks as "customers of size" (COS) rather than "pax of size" (POS) as the latter could become a rather abusive acronym in some folks' hands.
The main point here is that several other carriers do indeed have a size policy and in the case of WN, it's out there on the web site and easy to find and understand. Tempe does indeed miss the boat when it comes to being forthright both with employees and customers. Shame on them for a lack of will to put the words out there. Likewise US should demonstrate more regard for its employees as well.
I'm a little surprised with the dismissive attitude of some folks here. Size and "seat squash" is not a new issue, and it is indeed a problem for both parties involved. And many pax ( and some posters here ) make quite clear, if one pays for a seat, then they should indeed have a reasonable expectation that another pax is not going to overflow into their seat. This is not an issue of Big Mac Overlap and American obesity, nor is it a civil rights issue. It is about
common sense and
civility.
I for one hope that US steps up and makes the policy public, and in clear, easy to understand terms. Likewise, the employees had better enforce the policy as both pax involved in such a seating issue have legitimate interests which in truth are more
mutually connected than they are opposing.
The buck does indeed stop at the gate before folks get onto the plane. I don't want to have get on a plane a confront a moribund obese pax with their problem ( I too have sensitivity & empathy for their condition). But I'm a paying pax who has every expectation of being able to sit in my seat unimpaired. So neither I nor the moribund obese have to apologize, but things are what they are and must be dealt with accordingly -- in a discrete manner.
Barry
