America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - Large customer policy?

Does HP have a large customer policy?

Yesterday I sat next to a very large man who weighed 450 easily. He could not get up or sit down without assistance. His wife (also plump) and this passenger had the aisle and middle, I had the window. Of course, they preboarded, being 'handicapped,' so by the time they called Elites I had to wade through their massive rolls to get to my seat by the window.

If there had been an emergency, I doubt this man could have gotten up and I would have been trapped.

They also spent the entire flight moaning and b*****ng because the 737 was a 'small puddle jumper' and he felt they should have been upgraded to F ahead of everybody else because of their very large size.

I'm going to write a brief email to HP about this, suggesting they consider a policy similar to other airlines (very hefty passenger = buy 2 tickets). But, before I do, does anybody know if they have one, and it was simply not enforced in this case?

I don't want to take up a agent's time responding to my question if it is already covered.

Thanks.

I probably would have somehow meantioned how they should book the aisle and window seats as there's always the chance that no-one will sit there, then pray it doesn't come back to haunt me. I'm curious why you didn't pre-book an exit or bulkhead seat. That would have reduced the chances that someone like him would be seated next to you.

Does HP have a large customer policy?

Thanks.


I believe Southwest is the only airline with the large customer policy.
It sure isn't posted anywhere on HP's website.

I'd be interested in knowing the response you get from HP about this.
Be sure and post it here.

I'm curious why you didn't pre-book an exit or bulkhead seat. That would have reduced the chances that someone like him would be seated next to you.

Sorry, should have explained this. I was bumped to a flight the next morning mid-itinerary so the seats were assigned by the GA. The flight was relatively full hence the lack of choices and non-upgrade. :(

Sorry, should have explained this. I was bumped to a flight the next morning mid-itinerary so the seats were assigned by the GA. The flight was relatively full hence the lack of choices and non-upgrade. :(

Ughhh, I hate when they do that. It reminds me of when I was bumped back to coach due to a broken seat. I had 10c originally on the LAS-JFK flight and got stuck in a regular seat all the way back. I wrote a nasty letter to HP and they apologized with a discount coupon. ^

Yes, policy does exist. Same as WN, if pax advises they need an extra seat for comfort, they have the option to purchase one. If they do not advise the res agent and check in at the airport, agents will try to keep the seat empty next to them, but never any guarantee.
As a large person myself (and a nonrev), I cringe when I get cleared and see seat 14E...ughhhh! I have actually passed on that flight and taken a later one where better seats are available. I am very conscience of my size and hate to infringe on paying passengers.
Hope that helps!

I believe Southwest is the only airline with the large customer policy.
It sure isn't posted anywhere on HP's website.

I'd be interested in knowing the response you get from HP about this.
Be sure and post it here.

Just received it a few minutes ago!

Here you go:

"Dear Mr. AgtMulder:

Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience while
traveling with America West between Newark and Salt Lake City. I sincerely
apologize for the disappointing situation you encountered.

I regret your discomfort in sitting next to a person whose size exceeded the
width of the airline seat. Our large travelers sometimes offer to purchase
two seats, for they realize their size may disturb those sitting next to
them. As a matter of information, carriers are not required to provide two
seats to a large individual if only one seat is purchased. A second seat may
be purchased by our customers for their--and your--comfort. As you can
imagine, this is a difficult issue which our employees are expected to
handle in a sensitive manner. Our agents are expected to use good judgment
when seating customers under these circumstances. We are sorry this didn't
occur on this occasion.

We appreciate the opportunity you have given us to learn where and how we
can improve our service. We are confident your next trip will be more
satisfying and hope to see you back onboard another America West flight,
enjoying the level of service we know we can provide.

Sincerely,

Lucy ******
Customer Relations"

I wonder if the last paragraph is some generic response to all comments. I specifically stated I was not complaining, and plan to continue to travel with them regularly. I would not let a small (no pun intended) problem like this affect my choice of airline.