I am a 36-year-old woman living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a condition that has significantly weakened the muscles I need to walk, breathe, swallow, and move. Despite this, I have never allowed my disability to prevent me from experiencing life to its fullest. I work, socialize with friends, and have a passion for travel. However, traveling is far more complicated for me than it is for an abled individual. Like many people with disabilities, I need an attendant to help me through life, so when I travel I have to plan and pay not only for myself but also for the person who will help me with literally every aspect of my daily life.

Southwest Airlines currently has a policy in place that allows passengers of size to purchase an additional seat and receive a refund after their flight. This policy recognizes their need for comfort and safety during air travel but unfortunately does not extend the same courtesy to disabled passengers like me who fly with an attendant.

The FAA requires that people with disabilities travel with an attendant if they can't understand or physically act in an emergency. While we may not physically occupy two seats like plus-sized passengers do, our need for an additional seat is just as valid. This lack of inclusivity in Southwest's policies creates unnecessary financial burdens on disabled individuals who already face countless challenges daily.

I applaud Southwest Airlines for their commitment to inclusion for passengers of size and have long considered them to be a leader in accommodating passengers with disabilities, but their work isn't done. For those of us who are most disabled, who need an attendant to travel through life at our side, I ask Southwest Airlines to expand their seat refund policy by including disabled passengers who must legally fly with an attendant. It's time they recognize the needs of all their customers and make air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of ability or size.

Please join us in urging Southwest Airlines towards inclusivity by signing this petition today.