Matthew Harper boarded a flight from Midway Airport, Chicago, to Denver, but says he was approached by a flight attendant after he had taken his seat.
He was asked to leave the plane, and was then allegedly questioned over whether he was aware of the airline's "customers of size" policy, which urges larger people to buy two seats. Southwest's "customers of size" policy clearly states passengers who cannot fit between the 17-inch armrests must purchase a second seat. Harper, who weighs 340lbs, said he was aware of it, but that there was an empty seat right next to him.
After about half an hour Harper was let back on the plane, but said he was left "humiliated" by the experience. Harper complained about his treatment and was offered $100, but turned it down, and may launch legal action.
A spokesman for Southwest said the company plans to investigate what happened.
It is not the first time Southwest Airlines has upset an overweight traveller. Back in March 2012, US passenger Kenlie Tiggeman was told by a Southwest Airlines employee that she and her mother were "too fat to fly" when they asked what the weight restrictions were on the flight.
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