Boarding a plane can bring about a variety of emotions, but for “Clerks” director Kevin Smith, Southwest Airlines served up humiliation when he was asked to leave a flight due to his size. On Feb. 13, Smith settled comfortably into his seat, ready to fly to Burbank, Calif. Moments later, flight attendants escorted him off the plane, claiming his size marked him as a danger to others.

Smith took to sarcastically attacking Southwest Airlines on Twitter, letting his million-plus followers know that the “wall of the plane was opened, and I was airlifted out while Richard Simmons supervised.”

The event itself has infuriated those who find the Airlines’ behavior unacceptable. Southwest Airlines’ PR officials offered Smith numerous public apologies and a $100 travel voucher in an attempt to cover the situation, but none of their measures have improved their image.

Smith is not the first person to be asked to leave a plane because of size, and he won’t be the last. His situation has momentarily brought the issue to attention. Even though the ordeal’s spotlight will fade, overweight people being removed from flights will continue.

Comfort is an important priority for employees and passengers of a flight. Most airlines’ size policies are outlined to avoid problems, but ensuring that issues such as these are addressed in private saves negativity for all parties involved. Perhaps Smith’s followers will help in his “mission” to prevent further undue embarrassment.

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