Ursula Reutin agrees with Southwest’s plus-size policy but rips ‘ridiculous’ seat sizes

Southwest Airlines passengers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seat will have to buy an additional one, The Associated Press reported Monday. Plus-size passengers are currently able to purchase an extra seat and get a refund, but the new rule will make the refund harder to get.

“I was surprised that Southwest had this policy in the first place, and I am very sympathetic,” KIRO host Ursula Reutin said on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio. “I think that the seats have just gotten smaller and smaller, and I think they’re ridiculous.”

Ursula said she understands people who are plus-size feeling like “it’s already so hard for us to travel, and it’s so humiliating if I can’t fit into a seat, or I can’t put the seat belt on,” but sees why the airline made the decision.

“I mean, it’s a business, it’s a for-profit company,” she added.

KIRO host Gee Scott chimed in: “So you agree with it?”

“Yes, even though I’m being sympathetic,” Ursula responded. “The reality is, they’re losing a seat.”

Gee also favored Southwest Airlines’ new policy.

“I’m getting ready to fly from Seattle to Chicago on Southwest, and this person is all over me in that seat—this is not disrespect, but this messes up your flight,” Gee said. “So what ends up happening is people will choose not to fly Southwest. So with that being said, I totally understand Southwest doing it, and I agree with it.”

Southwest Airlines’ new policy starts January 27

Next year, for plus-size passengers to secure a refund: the flight has to not be fully booked at the time of departure, the ticket needs to be purchased in the same booking class, and the passenger must request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

“I think that is a good compromise,” Ursula said.

If the plus-size passenger does not purchase a ticket ahead of time, they will have to buy one at the airport, and if the flight is full, they will be rebooked onto a new flight.

The new policy goes into effect the same day the airline switches to assigned seating on January 27.

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.