Southwest Airlines is facing renewed attention and discussions surrounding its longstanding "customer of size" policy, as viral TikTok videos and media coverage push for greater seating accommodations for passengers who do not fit comfortably in today's narrow airline seats. The policy, which has been in place for over 30 years, allows passengers to purchase additional seats in advance and receive a refund for the cost of those seats after travel.

Southwest encourages passengers to purchase extra seats ahead of time to assist with seating arrangements and ensure that all customers can be accommodated without inconveniencing others. Additionally, passengers have the option to request complimentary additional seating at the departure gate, without purchasing more space in advance.

A TikTok video posted by user @Kimmystyled, featuring a passenger utilizing Southwest's policy, has garnered nearly a million views since its posting in October. The video emphasizes the need for inclusivity and comfort, stating that flying should be accessible for all, including individuals who are plus-size or disabled. While @Kimmystyled could not be reached for comment, the video has received both support and inquiries from viewers. Some commenters suggested a lower fee for extra seat accommodations, while others highlighted the need for additional legroom.

Jae'lynn Chaney, a plus-size travel expert and content creator based in Vancouver, Washington, has been advocating for greater inclusivity in the travel industry. Chaney initiated a petition in April calling for a federal mandate that would require all airlines to implement comprehensive customer-of-size policies, prioritizing the comfort and well-being of all passengers. The recent attention drawn to Southwest's policy through TikTok videos has resulted in approximately 3,000 new signatures for Chaney's petition, which has already gathered around 40,000 signatures.

According to Chaney, many individuals have shared stories of refraining from traveling due to concerns about how they would be treated based on their size. She believes that policies like Southwest's customer of size policy should be adopted by all airlines. Chaney has been engaging with US lawmakers' teams to advocate for legislation that would mandate customer of size policies nationwide.

While Alaska Airlines is the only other US carrier that comes close to Southwest's policy by requiring the purchase of additional refundable seats, Chaney aims for a system similar to Canada's "one person, one fare" requirement, which supports passengers who are "functionally disabled by obesity." At the very least, Chaney calls for airlines to publicly display their customer of size policies on their websites to provide individuals with the necessary information when making travel arrangements. In order to accommodate larger individuals and those with mobility challenges, Chaney and her partner organize trips and retreats tailored to their needs.

Chaney acknowledges that her advocacy has drawn mixed reactions, attributing some of the resistance to the societal perception that overweight individuals do not deserve to travel. Her goal is to challenge the exclusivity and discomfort experienced by larger individuals within the travel industry, working towards a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all passengers.

As discussions surrounding Southwest's "customer of size" policy continue to generate attention, it remains to be seen whether other airlines will follow suit and implement similar measures to prioritize the comfort of all passengers, regardless of their size or mobility.