Kevin Smith "2 Fat 2 Fly" Southwest Airlines

[Trekker4747]

A few observations:

1) Why was Kevin Smith, a presumably well-off successful Hollywood director, flying a budget carrier like Southwest in the first place? He could easily afford a first-class ticket on Delta, United, etc., where he's going to be more comfortable with a bigger, wider seat, more leg room and better service.

Maybe he doesn't spend like a drunken Beverly Hills socialite with no concept of saving for retirement?

2) Southwest's policy is that passengers "of size" can purchase the adjacement seat. Again, the presumably wealthy Kevin Smith could easily afford a second seat.

Kevin Smith had purchased an additional seat, his flight plans changed where the second seat could not be given to him.

3) Kevin Smith, nor anyone, has any "right" to fly on Southwest or any other airline. Under FAA rules, the captain has extraordinary authority to remove passengers if they feel safety is an issue, and it's likely this captain believed that Kevin Smith was either not safely secured in his seat or that his size caused discomfort and/or safety issues for the passengers next to him.

This is why Kevin isn't calling for any problems with his rights being violated. He's acting out as a pissed off consumer by attacking SW's reputation. It should also be pointed out Kevin Smith sat in the seat with the arm rests down, suggesting his size wasn't posing a comfort issue for him or other passengers and Kevin is able-bodied enough I'm sure he wasn't posing any safety issues either.

[4) I've been on flights wedged next to passengers "of size" and it's an incredibly uncomfortable experience. I welcome the airline's policy that requires anyone who can't fit into a seat to purchase an additional seat, because at that point they're infringing on my rights as a fellow passenger to the seat I purchased.

The bolded segment here and the point above are in conflict with one another. You have no rights as a fellow passenger, and as the arm-rests were both down Kevin Smith wouldn't pose any safety or comfort risks. Me? Even if he caused both I would gladly suffer them to sit next to Kevin Smith.

 

[Mistral]

KS was mainly pissed off because they waited until he was properly seated and the plane was full of people before they told him to get off. Do you have any idea how humiliating something like that would be? Its not like the other passengers wouldn't be aware-those planes aren't concert-hall sized, y'know? I'm with KS. And TBaio-didn't appreciate your tone. I fly SW because there isn't any way for me to fly with 4 seats at my income level, period. My family makes less than 100,000 a year and we have 2 kids-United is a joke when it comes to airfare, ditto most of the rest and Jet Blue doesn't service my airport. I'd boycott if I could-God knows, I haven't bought Mobile/Exxon gas since the Valdez incident and I won't unless I'm out completely and that's all I can find. So far-so good. No Exxon.

 

[Dusty Ayres]

This is exactly why high-speed rail should be developed in the USA on a national scale. It's time for all Americans to be able to travel where they want to without bullshit like this.

 

[Trekker4747]

This is exactly why high-speed rail should be developed in the USA on a national scale. It's time for all Americans to be able to travel where they want to without bullshit like this.

So they could tell Kevin Smith to ride in the cattle car?

And because people have the better part of the week to travel across the country?

 

[Data Holmes]

This is exactly why high-speed rail should be developed in the USA on a national scale. It's time for all Americans to be able to travel where they want to without bullshit like this.

That and it really just makes sense to have a HSR system here.

 

[Jax]

So what if he can afford ther options he doesn't have to buy expensive and its nice to see rich people fly with us common mongrels. It seems that Kevin Smith buys 2 seats most of the times so why the Airline felt the need to kick him off is maybe Smith bitch slapped the pilot in one of his convention apperances

 

[Bad Bishop]

This is exactly why high-speed rail should be developed in the USA on a national scale. It's time for all Americans to be able to travel where they want to without bullshit like this.

Southwest is guilty of bad customer service, so we need an hugely expensive high-speed rail project? We're talking about billions of dollars up front and endless taxpayer subsidies later. No thanks.

 

[Reverend]

More to the point, I don't think seats on trains are significantly bigger than the ones on passenger jets.

 

[Dusty Ayres]

This is exactly why high-speed rail should be developed in the USA on a national scale. It's time for all Americans to be able to travel where they want to without bullshit like this.

So they could tell Kevin Smith to ride in the cattle car?

And because people have the better part of the week to travel across the country?

No, because on a high-speed train, you get to relax, or sit as you want to, without any bullshit about your weight size coming into play And on a high-speed train, you'll get there in plenty of time just as you would on a plane.

Don't believe me? Look at this:

Acela Express

Boston - New York - Philadelphia - Washington, DC

Enjoy superior comfort, upscale amenities, and polished professional service — at speeds up to 150 mph — aboard Acela Express.

Acela Express offers hourly service downtown to downtown during peak morning and afternoon rush hours between New York, Washington, DC and intermediate cities, as well as many convenient round-trips between New York and Boston.

The Acela Express experience includes:
*A faster trip with fewer stops
*Reserved First class and Business class seating
*At-seat electrical outlets for your laptop or DVD player
*Adjustable lighting and large tray tables
*Conference tables
*Quiet Car
*Café Car
*At-seat Cart Service on select trains

And in First Class:
*At-seat meal and beverage service (hot breakfast, lunch and dinner selections)
*Newspaper
*Access to ClubAcela lounges

Credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, Visa, and Discover) are accepted for payment in Café cars on all Acela trains.

Acela Express

If Kevin or anybody else traveled like this, airlines would stop being DB's.

Southwest is guilty of bad customer service, so we need an hugely expensive high-speed rail project? We're talking about billions of dollars up front and endless taxpayer subsidies later. No thanks.

You're going to need HSR before long when peak oil runs out and train travel becomes the only way to get around the USA. Also, you pay subsidies for the airline industry through your taxes anyway, why not this?

 

[Trekker4747]

....you'll get there in plenty of time just as you would on a plane.

Maybe. Planes are still faster for long flights.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

How long does it take to get from NYC to Boston with that Amtrak route?

 

[Dusty Ayres]

....you'll get there in plenty of time just as you would on a plane.

Maybe. Planes are still faster for long flights.

But you won't be thrown off because of your weight when you've bought a ticket, and you'll be able to enjoy yourself more.

How long does it take to get from NYC to Boston with that Amtrak route?

Check the travel planner at the website, and you'll find out. You might be surprised.

 

[Professor Zoom]

....you'll get there in plenty of time just as you would on a plane.

Maybe. Planes are still faster for long flights.

But you won't be thrown off because of your weight when you've bought a ticket, and you'll be able to enjoy yourself more.

How long does it take to get from NYC to Boston with that Amtrak route?

Check the travel planner at the website, and you'll find out. You might be surprised.

Yes, but Boston isn't that far away from New York.

Even a trip from Chicago to New York takes about 18 hours by train.

High Speed trains might be great for a place like Europe, but, the US is geographically to large.

 

[JiNX-01]

Southwest Airlines' seats are 17" wide between arm rests. Kevin Smith looks pretty hefty to fit in that space.

 

[Data Holmes]

Maybe. Planes are still faster for long flights.

But you won't be thrown off because of your weight when you've bought a ticket, and you'll be able to enjoy yourself more.

How long does it take to get from NYC to Boston with that Amtrak route?

Check the travel planner at the website, and you'll find out. You might be surprised.

Yes, but Boston isn't that far away from New York.

Even a trip from Chicago to New York takes about 18 hours by train.

By traditional trains sure, but HSR would cut that down.

High Speed trains might be great for a place like Europe, but, the US is geographically to large.

No, Americans just foolishly refuse to accept anything but instantaneously as an answer for anything.

Would a NYC to LA trip by HSR be the fastest way to get there, no. Does that matter for most reasons to travel, no. Only instances where same day destination travel would be required would it matter. last second travel plans, emergencies, overnight deliveries... these all require air travel.

For things like a mid to long term relocation, a vacation, for an event weeks, months, or years down the line, it wouldn't make a difference to take an extra day for the travel by HSR.

Americans need to learn to relax, slow down, and realize that to enjoy the journey is far more important that to simply reach the destination as fast as possible. It's healthier for you, and it can be better for the enviroment as well.

 

[Nerys Myk]

Fly Fat Ass!! Fly!*




*too late?

 

[drychlick]

Go by train NO WAY i like flying to phoenix from ohio because it only 4 hour flight not 3 day! And Kevin when you can get kick off a plane because you LOOK like your fat maybe it time to cut down on your food intake just saiding love dr

 

[Obiwanshinobi]

Haha "Tiff Tiff," anyways that Smodcast was pretty informative of what took place (or at least his side of the story) I actually implore for those who haven't listened to it yet to do so, or if interested of course. I've never really been that much a fan of his as a film maker since I never really cared for his movies except for maybe Clerks and Dogma. Which were decent. And But anyways, once I started listening to his Smodcast, a while back I became a fan. actually think this is where he works best on a podcast type platform voicing all this. The funniest part of this particular Smodcast was the part where he locked eyes with an even bigger guy also sitting in a middle seat, as he was exiting the plane. And that guy was scared shittless thinking they were gonna give him the boot too. His comedy's not for everybody, but I think he had a right to be indignant and outraged over all this. $100 voucher for a next flight for what they did is certainly a slap in the face and an insult.

As car as a HSR system goes, didnt Obama mention in the state of the union that he's working on it? Makes me wonder where we'd be at in terms of mass commercial transit or transportation if Gore initially won the presidency and not Bush

 

[JonathonWally]

How long does it take to get from NYC to Boston with that Amtrak route?

$130 and it still takes 3.5 hours. Acela is expensive garbage.

NYC to DC is $220 and takes 3 hours. Cheaper and faster to fly it.

 

[marillion]

Another one that may be too late...

Further evidence that smoking too much pot can lead you to get really, really REALLY fat! - You know.. from all the munchies afterward..