KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Headlines are emerging across the country about passengers having to buy extra tickets due to the impact on airlines.
A frequent flyer experienced this at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) less than a week ago.
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“Just remember, you’re always responsible for defending yourself,” Kenny Slack said. “Then do it.”
Slack is a frequent traveler from Houston who regularly travels to train other hairstylists like him, but recently, he had an unexpected interaction at KCI.
“I handed her my bag and ID, and she looked at the computer, looked at me and said, ‘Hey! We think you need to buy an extra seat for this flight,” he said.
The interaction occurred less than a week ago when Slack was on an early morning flight at KCI.
Southwest staff told Slack that he was in their system as someone who needed an extra seat. He weighs nearly 400 pounds. last year but have lost 100 lbs since then. So, he figured he no longer needed that accommodation. He said the armrests can be lowered all the way down.
He posted his response to the interaction on TikTok, and 2.3 million people viewed Kenny’s related video. Over 300,000 people liked it.
Slack said the interaction occurred in front of other customers and was inappropriate.
“Now we have a huge major player [Southwest]”He’s sitting here saying, we’re going to support employees who want to discriminate, no matter how they feel that day,” Slack said.
Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines all have passenger size policies. Along with other airlines.
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson said on the issue:
“The policy states that airline staff have the authority to require customers to purchase additional seats if they determine they meet the criteria. As assigned seating becomes available, we are working hard to ensure the comfort and safety of all customers.”
This includes ensuring armrests on airline seats can be fully lowered. FOX4 asked other flyers how they feel.
“I think it’s a little fussy in that regard, but just making sure everyone is comfortable,” passenger Shelly Fox said.
“I think airlines need to standardize on this,” said Martin Cowick, another passenger.
Slack said he has not been contacted by Southwest despite being tagged multiple times in posts. Eventually, they let him board without paying for the extra seat.
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His message to the Southwest was:
“Be more tactful, respectful and courteous to all of us who support your aircraft services.”
If you want a list of these top airlines’ policies, click on the link below:
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