I made Southwest's Fatlist

I flew to Vegas and back for a 40 hour donation to the casino's this weekend. The flight out was not full and my buddy and I sat fine in a three across row. The flight home yesterday was totally full and while I ususally get a skinny person to volunteer to sit next to me that didn't happen yesterday. So after almost everyone is seated a Southwest Airline employee comes up to me and demands my flight information which I don't have (they take the boarding pass and all) then proceeds to remind me that I need to purchase two tickets in the future because of my size and then they'll refund the money later ( I highly doubt it's that simple). Long story short, my buddy finally sat next to me and they let the last person on the plane and we took off fine. I didn't talk to or make eye contact with anyone on the flight. I can't remember the last time I was so publicly humiliated and made to feel like a freak. It really ****** me off too because I've been feeling so good about myself lately. Just another reminder that 71 pounds lost or not I'm still too fat to fly. Guess I won't try again for awhile. I understand Southwest's position, I do, I just wish they could have handled it better/more discreetly. Oh, and the next time I purchase a ticket I wonder if Southwest will sell me one or make me buy two?

Daniel I am so sorry that you had such a horrible experience.I agree it should have been handled privately.I would write a letter to Southwest and explain what happened and how you were made to feel and tell them off.Chances are they may give you a free ride next time, Daniel do NOT let this get you down!you are doing fantastic and should be very proud of your accomplishments to date,don't let that B**** get the best of you,if you do she wins again,it won't we long and you will get on that plane with no problem and then you can tell them all to kiss your A@@.Sorry I get so pissed off whe I hear this crap happens. You keep going and doing what you are doing!!!!! ((hugs)) Nancy

I agree.. Public humiliation is not and an acceptable business practice. I bet you would get compensation for that. This to shall pass. It really bugs me cause i have a child that sat next to me and I impose on noone but her. I believe that southwest is the only airline that does that???? And it's so inconsistently enforces...hugs...g

I really hate that happened to you Daniel, some people are so insensitive.

You know, I wonder if they would have yelled at a person in a wheelchair the same way. It's so sad to me that publically humiliating overweight people has become socially exceptable. Heres and idea, why doesn't Southwest just make their seats a little bigger. my hubby is not heavy and even he says they are snug!

That is just absolutely aweful! Please contact SW and let them know which flight you were on and what the person looked like (or name if you have it). That person needs to be reprimanded or at the very least, sent to sensitivity training. There is no excuse for that kind of rudeness. SW needs to know so it won't happen again. I'm so sorry this happened to you.

Thanks for the support y'all! I'm feeling better about things today. I still my write a missive to SWA, but for now I'm focusing again on me. Met with a personal trainer yesterday at the gym and I may be able to lift my arms over my head again sometime next week. It's like they say: No pain...Must not have been at the gym! -Daniel

Awe Daniel I am so glad you are feeling better and focusing on You! that is what is important! keep going you are doing awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nanc

Daniel, Don't people just suck sometimes!!! I recently got a new job and wanted to buy a couple pairs of new pants and when I went to go check out the lady at the register said "these are nice pants, You can even wear them after your pregnancy." Now first of all they were not maternity pants and second I'm not pregnant!! I don't even carry weight in my stomach, more in my legs and thighs. I was so mad because of I've lost 50 pounds in two months and only have 50 more to go. Congratulations on your weight loss so far, keep up the good work!! Karen

Just a reminder once again that fat is the only acceptable prejudice. I have a new therapist, a nice Jewish man from NY,I am from NY also. He is the doctor who gave me my Psych evaluation for the surgery. I mention his religion for one reason only, he shared with me how society tends to think about big black women, explaining to me that it is "presumed" we will be pushy, damanding, agressive...etc. He also shared how being a "Jewish male" painted a picture too. Thats when I knew I wanted this doctor to be there for me before and after my surgery. I think now that this stupid prejudiced persona has sheilded me from public humiliation regarding my size, and from consequential imprisonment and fines. Good for you for moving on Daniel. Personally, and please do not tell anyone, I would have blown the b**** a new one! I am working on my spirituality, I admire you for being a gentleman.