I'm 6'-4" myself, currently going about 360lb but I was 300lb for a number of years before Covid, and never had that reaction.
I've also had the same issue, where the XS seat isn't always linked to the primary seat. I've only gotten my "Seat Reserved" doc a handful of times when I check my bags and print my BP; more often than not I get two standard BPs and I have to stop at the desk when I get to the gate and have it all fixed. Which is usually pretty easy, but once in a while either something glitches in the computer, or the person at the desk is unfamiliar with the process, and it takes a while. I'm in the habit of getting to the gate at least a half hour before boarding starts to take care of this.
How would I react? Hard to say; I think it would depend entirely on the attitude of whomever tries to tell me that I could squeeze my fat butt into a single SWA airplane seat. Um... NO. I absolutely do not fit in a single seat and haven't for about a hundred pounds. Since I put on the extra Covid weight I even need a belt extender now, which stinks but I deal with it.
Originally Posted by
lovefly88
Interesting thread. I’m a big boy too. Not too far off from your stats but 4” shorter. Have never booked an extra seat but most people would avoid sitting between my wife (window) and me (aisle). With the extra seat, you get your points / money back after the trip?
Yes, if you book the extra seat in advance, you get your money back after the flight. I've never done it with points, only with a CC, but the refund goes back to the card afterward. With a SWA gift card, the refund goes to TTF.
Trust me, if you're having trouble fitting in one seat, book the second seat in advance. I'd recommend paying for it rather than using points, though, because the refund process is easy for money, harder for gift cards, so I'd worry that getting your points refunded would be even more difficult.