A&e's New Series Airline

[skycruiser]

Well I have spoken with some airport folks and in general the issue is usually not pushed (mainly due to the ADA issue). Me personally, I would, and have, drop the armrest and put the ball back in the other persons court. Now if they want to make and issue of the situation then it is their business. The folks I spoke with also said that over he years they have never really had someone that large to warrant forcing them into buying seat number two. They have had large passengers request first class upgrades that were paid for as well as some customers that purchase two seats on their own. The question of who's right and who's wrong has been beaten to death here. What it boils down to is basic human dignity and I make a concerted effort to look at situations like this. Put into the other persons shoes how would I feel about being treated like that. I don't claim my opinion is right or wrong, I am just saying it seems like the dignified thing not to do to a person that has, most likely, suffered enough humiliation in their life due to a weight problem.

 

[spanky]

I am just saying it seems like the dignified thing not to do to a person that has, most likely, suffered enough humiliation in their life due to a weight problem.

Actually, they suffer less embarrassment having it discretely handled at the counter than on a plane with everyone watching. This policy only applies to those that are extremely obese. I'm not sure if you sat next to a very large person, but it's very frustrating and uncomfortable for both involved. Having witnessed a situation on a full flight when a large couple literally took up an entire row. As I mentioned, it was a full flight. One young teenager "spinned" in the aisle looking for an open seat, with none to be found. I kid you not, there was no way anyone could squeeze into that middle seat. To make a long story short, the flight was delayed a half hour and dealing with this situation while the large couple suffered tremendous embarrasment in front of 135 fellow passengers.

 

[capeman]

The title of this thread should be Monday morning Quaterback. In this business things happen very quickly and one has to improvise. Saying what one person should have done is not the question. It is great that some of these people that make decisions have the flexibility to control a situation that most people outside of this industry wouldn't have. Dealing with reality is a lot differant than posting on this forum after the facts.

 

[KCFlyer]

Well I have spoken with some airport folks and in general the issue is usually not pushed (mainly due to the ADA issue). Me personally, I would, and have, drop the armrest and put the ball back in the other persons court. Now if they want to make and issue of the situation then it is their business. The folks I spoke with also said that over he years they have never really had someone that large to warrant forcing them into buying seat number two. They have had large passengers request first class upgrades that were paid for as well as some customers that purchase two seats on their own. The question of who's right and who's wrong has been beaten to death here. What it boils down to is basic human dignity and I make a concerted effort to look at situations like this. Put into the other persons shoes how would I feel about being treated like that. I don't claim my opinion is right or wrong, I am just saying it seems like the dignified thing not to do to a person that has, most likely, suffered enough humiliation in their life due to a weight problem.

skycruiser - I couldn't help but notice that you were on the boards yesterday morning, but didn't post this until today...this is the best you can come up with after thinking about it all day? And the Southwest folks had 5 minutes. And you didn't really answer the question at all. I was asking what YOU as an employee of the airline would do when a customer came to you and complained that a person was taking up part of their seat. YOur respones - tell him to put the arm down and let the other guy complain. Or maybe launch into a dissertation that it's attitudes like that that are ruining this country...and that I am a bad influence on the children growing up. Neither are what I would call "good customer service".

The size issue has nothing to do with the ADA - if it did, the two lawsuits that were filed against SWA would have been won rather than dismissed.

You do however mention something that hits the nail on the head...you have heard of people buying two seats on their own. That is called considerate. Is it any less of a slap at my dignity for not wanting to have a portion of someone elses body on mine for a flight? And rather than have those people do the right thing in buying a second seat, we should "respect their dignity".

 

[chase]

The show re-airs this Saturday, 11:00 PM EST, 10:00 PM CST. Two episodes back to back. The show re-airs at differently each week it appears. Last week it was on Sunday at 3:00 PM EST.

Just as a side note describing what type of passengers we have.

Last week I flew LBB-LAS & on the flight we had a passenger get on board with a plastic bag that contained plastic plates, utensils, napkis and a Chocolate Cream Pie which was homemade. She gave it to the "A" FA & stated she wanted our crew to have this as a way to say thanks to SWA for all the flights she had taken on the airline over the years & how much she appreciated us getting her to her destination safely. Honest story.

Needless to say we were all overwhelmed & thanked her immensely. The vast majority of our customers are simply happy with our service, not over enthusiastic but pleased. A small number like this lady take the time to do something special, write a letter, or do some other act as a way for saying thanks & a very small miniority act up like some of the folks on the TV. I wouldn't trade our pax for any other paxs in the world, they are the best, thanks for flying SWA!! The critics will never be appeased, oh well, unlucky.

cheers,

chase

 

[bigbusdrvr]

The show re-airs this Saturday, 11:00 PM EST, 10:00 PM CST. Two episodes back to back. The show re-airs at differently each week it appears. Last week it was on Sunday at 3:00 PM EST.

Just as a side note describing what type of passengers we have.

Last week I flew LBB-LAS & on the flight we had a passenger get on board with a plastic bag that contained plastic plates, utensils, napkis and a Chocolate Cream Pie which was homemade. She gave it to the "A" FA & stated she wanted our crew to have this as a way to say thanks to SWA for all the flights she had taken on the airline over the years & how much she appreciated us getting her to her destination safely. Honest story.

Needless to say we were all overwhelmed & thanked her immensely. The vast majority of our customers are simply happy with our service, not over enthusiastic but pleased. A small number like this lady take the time to do something special, write a letter, or do some other act as a way for saying thanks & a very small miniority act up like some of the folks on the TV. I wouldn't trade our pax for any other paxs in the world, they are the best, thanks for flying SWA!! The critics will never be appeased, oh well, unlucky.

cheers,

chase

If your crew ate any of the passenger provided "goodies" I would have to question their mental state!! After flunking the drug test , all I can say is "what were you thinking??"

 

[Whadayano]

Quite a nice gesture, though I might have hesitated to eat it too.

 

[LoveFieldFlyer]

Nice gesture and if it was a friend of one of the crewmembers then I'd say ok, otherwise I'd have to pass.

 

[mga707]

Nice gesture and if it was a friend of one of the crewmembers then I'd say ok, otherwise I'd have to pass.

C'mon, gang. This was LUBBOCK. If you're worried about a chocolate cream pie from Lubbock, you're being just a little paranoid!

 

[ELP_WN_Psgr]

Thanks, Mga707, you basically took the words right out of my mouth.

While there is meanness throughout the world, I would say that the risk of being poisoned by a passenger flying out of Lubbock TX is pretty low.

I think you could also safely eat citrus fruit given to you by a passenger from HRL, and if you are in the mood, eating tamales offered by someone out of ELP would probably be a safe bet.

In fact, that (the chocolate pie) was such a nice gesture that I might have to have the wife whip up a couple of dozen tamales to take with me next trip over to Love Field.

It's a shame that you can't barter food for tickets, especially with a crew that's been flying/subsisting on airport food all day.

 

[WNrforlife]

The first episode in last night’s broadcast was a little troubling. I didn’t think it was very professional of the supervisor to say “doodieâ€￾ while being filmed, especially in light of the fact that the poor guy had Alzheimer’s disease.

 

[diverboy]

The first episode in last night’s broadcast was a little troubling. I didn’t think it was very professional of the supervisor to say “doodieâ€￾ while being filmed, especially in light of the fact that the poor guy had Alzheimer’s disease.

He said the word DUTY. Totally different.

 

[WNrforlife]

I beg to differ. If you look at the situation in context, he definitely said "doodie" <_<

 

[mrdion]

I just want to say that I love "Airline"

I had the joy of working for an airline during my college years, because I have always loved commercial aviation since a young child. Unfortunately the airline I worked for pulled out of the city I went to school in, and I had to take employment elsewhere. Working for the airline made me go into debt pretty bad, but I was happy. I now have a decent job with great pay-- but I miss the airline industry so bad!
I watch 'Airline' every week and get goose-bumps and watch in awe at the SWA employees. I have sent in my resume to SWA but so far no answer... anyone want to hire me? (Management degree) hint hint Email me.

email- [email protected]

Anyways, the point I'm making is Airline reminds me of what it’s like, the good and the bad. I love the show and can't wait to fly on SWA!!!!!

 

[mga707]

I beg to differ. If you look at the situation in context, he definitely said "doodie" <_<

Geez, give the guy a break! I was going to post an "attaboy" for him on here anyway--he's the kind of great PR you can't buy. The man's performance was stellar, both in this situation and in the one in the following episode involving the weirdo (loved the outfit--his "girlfriend" dropped him off? R-i-g-h-t...) who tried to slip by with an invalid ticket. I was extremely impressed with "Mike" at LAX.

...and just remember, "It's a VERY expensive bag!"
(what a couple of losers those two were!)