Why should they do this?

Yesterday I flew on airline (not Southwest) and the person in the seat next to mine was a big person. It was an awkward situation. I was was physically uncomfortable for the entire flight. She appeared uncomfortable as well. While I am sensitive to her situation, I believe the burden falls to the airline and the overweight flyer to resolve the situation. I don't think that, I as a non-overweight customer should be (by default) asked to seek assistance after boarding the plane in order to address the situation. I know it's awkward and not easy, but regardless of the cause, airline staff and the overweight flyer have to accept the responsibility for dealing with the situation professionally and before boarding.

yep! in future may be we have to maintain a 30" waste to get in any places like restaurents, movie theaters etc. you have to give mandatory TIPs for getting served. what else? in future may be we have to be perfect to live in this world like some robots- not some innocent human beings.

Why should ANYONE have to pay for this guys PORK

Obese people need to incur the additional costs of a second seat. I have had several flights where large people just take over the arm rest and my seat, without any consideration for my comfort. They put themselves in this situation by overeating, and should pay the additional cost. Good for Southwest!

Better yet why didnt they see if there was a child on the flight (parent nearby of course) who would allow him to sit there. How about asking the other people on the flight if one person would might being a bit "closer" to someone who really needed to get to their destination. This is why i NEVER fly SW airlines...they really dont have ANY flexability in their "friendly" rules. Do they ask the person who smells to get off? No cause i sit next to those folks every day. Fat folks are an easy target. Bet they would not do that to a pro football player!

Do what? Bar him from a flight? Because he's huge. He made the decision to not do anything about his weight, now he's paying the price for his actions. Put down the fork and get on the treadmill, because Southwest has every right to make you buy an extra seat for your massive ass.