Customer of Size

With the recent headlines of Kevin Smith, a popular director of Superbad and other comedy-related movies had made me think twice about flying with Southwest Airlines.

Smith, who was traveling on board a Southwest Airlines was asked to get off the plane after the flight attendants told him he didn't fit in the seats.
In all truth, the famous director had situated himself in his seat and had actually lowered the arm rests. It was argued however (as he Tweeted about this) that he "spilled" too much over into the next seat that he was taking up unnecessary room for the passenger seated beside him.
A big no-no for those that decided to kick him off the plane after he threw a fit (naturally). Who knew this would get so much publicity. If you look at his Tweeter he was quite graphic and crude in nature in defense to his situation. Now Southwest Airlines looks like the bad guy for being considerate to other passengers.
That being said we all know that by far America is fat. Well, most of us. We walk around Wal-Mart and see a large portion (no pun intended) of bigger-than-normal folks. They already suffer enough humiliation for their larger than life size.
For some older folk you can recall the days where flying you used to be fun and relaxing. Now with all our recent terrorist events as one lady put it "it became a herding of cattle." By the time you make it through 15 security points you finally get on your plan, tired from being at the airport two hours early not to mention hungry and thirsty. Then what do you get? A cup of water, not one drop of food (unless you pay $15 for a bag of dried fruit) and you get off hot, tired, and grumpy.
Go a step further and feel for the fat person. They get on the plane, all squished to begin with, and have to sit next to people who are generally smaller than you and you have to go above your pride and ask for the seatbelt extender. God forbid you actually have to sit in the middle seat....no using the bathroom for you, hope you can hold it.

In Southwest Airlines defense the policy for "Customers of Size" is pretty clear:
"Customers who are unable to lower both armrests and/or who compromise any portion of adjacent seating should proactively book the number of seats needed prior to travel. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats and measures 17 inches in width. This purchase serves as a notification of a special seating need and allows us to process a refund of the additional seating cost after travel (provided the flight doesn’t oversell). Most importantly, it ensures that all onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating. "

What do you do when the majority their customers are unable to or can barely fit their seat? Accomodate to their size and create larger seats? Lets face the facts, America isn't getting any smaller and whether or not Southwest Airline admits it, they will eventually have to address the issue otherwise people will have to start buying two seats no matter what or they will kick everyone off the plane.

Smith did Tweet that he usually buys two seats, not because he's too big, but because he likes having the seat next to him empty. Can't say as I blame him. Flying is far from a pleasurable experience anymore.