Originally Posted by
Nirvana91
Too many inconsistent or unclear statements from OP. As previously asked, how did OP switch to the aisle when it was stated that both the COS passenger and their companion were already seated? Why didn't OP simply get up during boarding a move to a different seat in a different row?
As currently written, it sure sounds like OP is making a stink and looking for compensation over a complete non-issue. Also, IDB shouldn't apply in any shape or form here.
I'm sorry you were uncomfortable. I have been in a similar situation where a COS was literally the last person to get on the plane, and they sat in the last-available middle, which happened to be next to me. I was uncomfortable all the way from MDW-SAN, but I wouldn't have thought to complain to WN or ask for any compensation. I felt bad for the COS because I'm sure they were just as uncomfortable as I was.
OK lets set the facts straight.
I boarded at ABQ in Row 1A when we arrived LAX the Flight Attendant comes and does her count and I keep my 1A. Later into the boarding process when 90 percent of the rows were taken a COS passenger comes on. At this point bin space was limited. By the time boarding completed I went to the Flight Attendant at the front to explain the situation. The flight attendant reseats me to the aisle and the COS passenger is still in the middle seat talking with her traveling companion.
The COS passenger encroached into my space and we left the gate. I asked for a Duty Manager to meet me at SJC and the Duty Manger said I should contact Southwest but gave me $50 and I said to please document it. I wrote into Customer Service, plus had a kind 1800 representative document it as well along with the Duty Manager who noted my PNR.
I had to sit in an odd position against the arm rest that is fixed to the aisle. I literally had less than 1/2 of the seat I paid for. I would say a Quarter of my seat was mine to be fair but it felt less than that. I made the best out of the situation given how uncomfortable it was.
I am compassionate towards people of size however if they knew they would encroach upon a fellow passenger they could at least have bought a second seat with the potential of it being refunded. I am not just whining but I firmly believe the policy was not handled per Southwest's COS policy.
Rather than the Flight Attendant ask the Gate Agent Supervisor to come onboard he said"Oh just deal with it". Even if its a 1 hour flight or a 5 hour flight to be dismissed like this when they could see I had to sit in an abnormal position during the flight. I did not make a scene.
So please stop thinking I am asking for compensation just because. Lets say I reserved a Hotel Room and the hotel was full and they stuck a stranger in my room that I paid for. Same thing here I do not want a stranger coming into my personal space pushing me into the fixed arm rest.