K-Netizens Speak Out On New Airline Policy For Plus-Size Passengers

Recently, Southwest Airlines went viral for its new policy regarding plus-size passengers.

The new rule requires travelers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seats to pay in advance for an extra seat.

Currently, plus-size passengers can either pay in advance for an extra seat and get their money back or request a free extra seat at the airport. With the new policy, a refund is still possible but no longer guaranteed.

Southwest also stated that it will still refund the extra ticket under its new policy for additional seating if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure.

News of the new policy reached Korea and went viral on online community posts.

• “This is how it should be…this is the reality of obesity in the U.S.”
• “The person sitting next to the plus-size passenger should get a discount for how uncomfortable they are.”
• “If they are going over to the next seat, it’s only right that they pay more.”
• “But if they are going over on both sides, shouldn’t they pay for three seats instead of two?”
• “Honestly, if it’s that bad, they must pay more. They must pay if one person is going over two or more seats.”
• “This is how it should be.”
• “This is only right…I mean, we even pay extra for additional baggage.”

Meanwhile, this policy will go into effect on January 27.