Man removed from flight 'for being too fat'

A Southwest Airlines passenger has told how he was asked to step off a flight - because he is overweight.

Matthew Harper, 34, had boarded a flight on Sunday from Midway Airport, Chicago, to Denver, but says he was approached by a cabin crew member 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, according to the Metro.

Harper, who weighs 340lbs, said he was aware of it, but that there was an empty seat right next to him.

He was let back on the plane after about 30 minutes, but said he was left "humiliated" by the experience.

According to My Fox Chicago, he said: "I'm 34 years old and I've never been humiliated like this in my life. I mean, when I got back on the plane only thing I could do is just put my head down."

Harper complained about his treatment and was offered $100, but turned it down, and may launch legal action.

The Daily Mail reports that 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, according to MSNBC.

Southwest's "customers of size" policy clearly states passengers who cannot fit between the 17-inch armrests must purchase a second seat.

According to Southwest, they are usually discreet with their concerns and take customers into a private area to test out the seating before boarding.

But Tiggeman and her mother, Joan Charpentier, claimed they had a 45-minute confrontation with a Southwest employee in front of a crowd of people.

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Think that's bad? Take a look at these in-flight fiascos:

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