Now that AirTran is a subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, it looks like the carrier will be adopting Southwest’s controversial policy of requiring that “customers of size” purchase a second seat.

Until now, AirTran has had no specific policy regarding passengers whose size makes it difficult or uncomfortable for passengers in neighboring seats to fly comfortably, though gate agents would occasionally offer these passengers the option to purchase a second seat or upgrade to a slightly wider business class seat.

Reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

As of March 1, AirTran will require the purchase of more than one seat for a passenger who “in the carrier’s sole discretion, encroaches on an adjacent seat and/or is unable to sit in a single seat with the armrest lowered,” according to the AirTran contract of carriage.

Like Southwest’s policy, if the flight does not oversell, the passenger can request a refund for the cost of the second seat.

AirTran adopts Southwest policy for large passengers [AJC.com]

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