An OMAAT reader shared an experience he had on a recent flight, and asked for my take. I think this is a topic that’s worth discussing (in a respectful way, of course).
In this post:
Seat mate can’t fit into seat… what does one do?
An anonymous OMAAT reader recently encountered a frustrating situation on a United flight. Here’s part of the message:
Although I read many of your business/first class reviews, I tend to fly economy. Just wondering what would you do if you are sitting next to an overweight person who is encroaching on your space (i.e the seat handle/divider couldn’t be put down). I paid for an aisle seat and the plane was completely full so I couldn’t move to a different seat. I didn’t want to cause a disturbance as don’t want to be that person mentioned on a blog, but I believe airlines really should enforce their policy of making people purchase two seats. If it matters, this happened on a United flight.
What’s the correct way to handle this situation?
It goes without saying that this is a tricky, nuanced situation. Airlines publish passenger of size policies, but I think another consideration here is that you want to approach this in a way that shows respect for others, and doesn’t make anyone feel too uncomfortable.
United’s passenger of size policy is pretty clearly published, regarding needing to make extra arrangements in situations where the armrest can’t be lowered, or in situations where the passenger encroaches on the space of the person seated next to them. Here’s what would apply in this case, given that (seemingly) no additional arrangements had been made prior to the flight, and this was a full flight:
If an extra seat isn’t available, you’ll need to change your flight to one that has extra seats. If you’re not in your home city, state, or country, and your new flight requires you to stay overnight we can give you meal and hotel vouchers as well.
I totally agree with this traveler that the airline should enforce its policies, and not put other passengers in such an uncomfortable situation, especially if a flight has no extra seats.
The way I view it, there are realistically two best ways to go about handling this. One is just to suck it up and deal with it, which is obviously less than ideal, but also the path of least friction. The other is to just quietly get up and approach a flight attendant, and explain the situation.
Admittedly that’s easier said than done, and it likely will be a bit uncomfortable, even if handled with the most respect possible:
- What would then likely happen is either that the passenger of size would be removed from the plane, or perhaps you’d be given the option of taking a different flight
- There’s no denying that this has the potential to be a little awkward, because if you get up, talk to someone, and then the passenger of size is approached later, it’s clear who was behind that
- So while I have a lot of compassion toward the middle seat passenger in this situation, I also think it’s shameful the airline puts the passenger in the position of having to ask the carrier to enforce its own policy
As an introvert who tries to avoid conflict and doesn’t want to make people feel uncomfortable, I’ve gotta be honest — I’d probably just suck it up and take one for the team. That’s not to say that I think it’s the right solution, though it’s the passive type of person that I am in these situations.
I do think that as long as you handle it in a sensitive way and take it up with a flight attendant or gate agent rather than somehow directly shaming the passenger, you’re going about it as well as you can. And I think it’s worth emphasizing that the one wrong approach you can take here is to directly confront the passenger, or express anger toward them.
Bottom line
It’s always awkward when there’s a situation where one passenger can’t fully fit into their seat, the flight is full, and no prior arrangements have been made. Each airline has a published passenger of size policy. Ideally this would be dealt with prior to passengers getting onto an aircraft, but at that point, you have a limited number of options.
If you don’t want to just deal with it, the best option is to discreetly confront a flight attendant, explain the situation, and ask them to enforce the company’s policy. It’s likely still going to be a little awkward, but it’s a completely fair ask, and it’s not something you should feel bad about, in my opinion.
What do you think the best approach is to take in such a situation?
If an overly huge person doesn’t have enough sense to understand I want to be comfortable too, why should I be compassionate? I’m not saying you yell to the FA to remove the land whale, but I’m not going to sit there like a pud while an extra large person encroaches on my freedom.
The passenger was FAT!!! They knew they were FAT. They knew that they were too fat to fit in their seat. I don't see any reason why the aggrieved passenger should be kind to tmem
I fly a couple times a year. I have had this problem a few times. Im not an overweight person but i am a large man. I am able to fit into my seat with no problem but with no wiggle room so when i have an overweight person try to sit next to me and they lift the armrest. i immediately put it back down. I have no extra room for them to ooze...
I fly a couple times a year. I have had this problem a few times. Im not an overweight person but i am a large man. I am able to fit into my seat with no problem but with no wiggle room so when i have an overweight person try to sit next to me and they lift the armrest. i immediately put it back down. I have no extra room for them to ooze into my seat. I buy my ticket early and pay the extra money to choose my seat, So when i have someone squeezing into their seat and into mine, i have a problem with that. I paid for the whole seat and not one to share with someone. I do agree that if they are oversized that they need to either buy 2 tickets or pay for first class. Its not fair to force people to share their seat that they paid good money for.
There should be two armrests between seats with some space for arms and each has a its own divider. Shoulders should not touch unless someone wrongfully struggles to sleep on a peer - that is correctable. And the "brace position" should be safe to do with at least 35 inches seat pitch, longer for tall people. There should also be some wider seats reserved for bookings and availability priority to people needing them as with longer seat pitching.
No passenger should ever have to take the "path to least resistance" inside of an area partially occupied by someone else. That's inhumane, as is the option of brining up the matter.
Airlines always needed some wider seats reserved priority for some people. But instead, they made the standard seats thinner, putting people's hips arms and shoulders onto two seats. They were always cheap on some things including with single armrests between seats, now, they...
No passenger should ever have to take the "path to least resistance" inside of an area partially occupied by someone else. That's inhumane, as is the option of brining up the matter.
Airlines always needed some wider seats reserved priority for some people. But instead, they made the standard seats thinner, putting people's hips arms and shoulders onto two seats. They were always cheap on some things including with single armrests between seats, now, they don't even have the dividers to contain the hips and shoulders are on each other.
The only accommodation I recall, was a demo seatbelt which functioned as a seatbelt extension, if requested, that was offered after it was used to show its buckle function. Now, it is said people have generally gotten bigger, even without extra weight while most people do not fit the new seats.
Airlines need to bring back the old seats which can suffice and install wider seats to be priced in line with single ticket purchasing. Then, it's more on the passengers, buy the seats which fit, book early enough, choose flights with wider seats if needed and pay for two seats if trying to cram into what isn't fitting. It needs to be the passengers' responsibilities to plan and book according to their needs and desires with seating built for the population, not people having to be crammed into daycare seating regardless of their sizes.
Airlines can start by taking out those humungus seats in first class and such. I'm sure the population can get along with fair seating meant for individual spacing and the airlines will find more people flying with comfort and loyalty to aviation as a viable travel source.
To the formerly large commenter who said their company would not allow them to purchase two seats or better than economy on the company’s dime, that company should know they are violating airline policy, but also, when I flew for work, I still bought the ticket, so I would buy the economy seat for the expense report or with the company card, and then pay for the upgrade with my own card. May not work...
To the formerly large commenter who said their company would not allow them to purchase two seats or better than economy on the company’s dime, that company should know they are violating airline policy, but also, when I flew for work, I still bought the ticket, so I would buy the economy seat for the expense report or with the company card, and then pay for the upgrade with my own card. May not work if the company schedules your travel for you, but then you need to explain the situation to them - via HR if necessary.
Southwest used to be the champion here.
You could buy two seats and get refunded for one after the flight. Moving forward, they will only refund you if the flight is not sold out. But that's still better than all the competition.
I'm fat and I simply buy an extra seat or pay for first class. But not everyone can afford that. And fat poor people should be able to visit family, attend...
Southwest used to be the champion here.
You could buy two seats and get refunded for one after the flight. Moving forward, they will only refund you if the flight is not sold out. But that's still better than all the competition.
I'm fat and I simply buy an extra seat or pay for first class. But not everyone can afford that. And fat poor people should be able to visit family, attend our of town funerals, or go on occasional vacations too. Demanding every fat person buy two full priced seats or a premium cabin seat is classist and we can and should do better as a society.
As someone else pointed out, seats have gotten narrower. And leg room has disappeared... All to cram more and more seats into planes.
At the very least, passengers of size could be offered a discount rate on their second seat. And frankly, I think every airline should do like southwest does and offer a refund for the second seat if the flight isn't sold out.
The airlines really do use a political system of divide and conquer, by making us angry at each other instead of at them.
Yes, the seats are tiny, so at the moment plus size passengers should buy their own second seat, however let's not forget these airlines are placing highly stressed individuals (from travelling alone) and packing them in each other's faces like sardines with no regards for how comfortable they are. It's only natural...
The airlines really do use a political system of divide and conquer, by making us angry at each other instead of at them.
Yes, the seats are tiny, so at the moment plus size passengers should buy their own second seat, however let's not forget these airlines are placing highly stressed individuals (from travelling alone) and packing them in each other's faces like sardines with no regards for how comfortable they are. It's only natural that some people will boil over once all these factors compound.
Seat sizes and comfort should be regulated more.
Each passenger should be weighed along with their luggage, similar to a jockey plus saddle. Why should I be charged for every kilo over the limit for baggage when the person next to me weighs twice as much as I do. Grossly unfair.
Absolutely. So if you have ever been part of an aircrew on helos or small planes, the smallest amount of extra weight is the difference between taking off and not taking off.
The problem is have is you don't know you have a supervised passenger until you are at your seat. I usually board in group 2 or 3 so get to my seat before it is occupied. I keep the armrest down and if the person tries to raise it I push it right down again. I paid for a seat and don't want to be pushed out
It seems to happen to me every other time I fly the person next to me not only can't get the divider down but oozes their fat over onto my body it's disgusting to have to sit with somebody else's body pressing into mine I say approach the flight attendant why should I have to put up with it I pay for my 21 inches and I want all 21 of them
As seat width gets tighter more people fall into this category. 17.3 inches has become a wide economy seat.
Well they should be ashamed! It's a shameful thing to be so fat you can't fit it your seat. The more shaming you do, the less obesity you get, see Korea and Japan.
It has happened to me twice and once to my wife (Japanese 110 Lbs, 5.2 Ft), for me first I was on the exit row window and they placed a 350 plus Lb guy, he would have not fit thru the emergency exit hole, in case of an emergency, and plugged it and everyone would have died. The guy was so big that he had trouble breathing, I mentioned to the flight attendant and her...
It has happened to me twice and once to my wife (Japanese 110 Lbs, 5.2 Ft), for me first I was on the exit row window and they placed a 350 plus Lb guy, he would have not fit thru the emergency exit hole, in case of an emergency, and plugged it and everyone would have died. The guy was so big that he had trouble breathing, I mentioned to the flight attendant and her reply was, so sorry,but we are taking off shortly and we are running late, plane is full, so sorry, that was it, I sent a note of the even as well as a picture to United, no response up to today, this was 6 months ago. Who's fault is it?, The airline as well as the passenger, Airline for not getting the pax, and the passenger for not booking 2 seats, THEY KNOW they are big, they know the issues, they just don't have the decency to say, NOT FAIR for me to impose myself over others, and the airline for making seats smaller and smaller.......Second time, about the same, this was an female who felt ENTITLED to lift the armrest and make herself comfortable, to the expense of myself and the next guy, she was in the middle, again, same thing, I had to be at a meeting and endured her massive thighs next to my leg ( sweating) for 3.5 hours, told the flight attendant, all she could do was to allow me to stand in the back at intervals, the entitled large woman got her wishes.......SHE KNEW, and lastly, my wife was moved from her seat to exchange for a seat NEXT TO A HUGE guy, remember she is tiny, and there were 32 but gus and a large woman on the row, again,A letter to United and no response.....We are seriously.considering moving to Asia....lol, not really.....
Airlines should locate a seat-width doorway at the gate and then everyone has to walk thru it. Same idea as the way they check carry-on sizes: If it doesn't fit in the cage, it won't fit in the overhead bin and it needs to be gate-checked.
While I tend to agree with most people that the airlines should enforce the two seat rule i have witnessed two people on different flights where the bought the second seat and the airline decided to sell the second seat so they can make more money. Not only did they resell the second seat, they didn't reimburse them the lost cost. So my thought is that if the airline enforced the rule there should be...
While I tend to agree with most people that the airlines should enforce the two seat rule i have witnessed two people on different flights where the bought the second seat and the airline decided to sell the second seat so they can make more money. Not only did they resell the second seat, they didn't reimburse them the lost cost. So my thought is that if the airline enforced the rule there should be a rule where they can't resell either.
Also, seat size is getting ridiculous . They average size person sometime has problems. The airlines should do better.
I had a HUGE passenger try to sit in the middle seat while I was in the window seat. First she didn’t fit so she wanted to raise the armrest. I told her absolutely not. She couldn’t squeeze into the seat so the flight attendant got in involved and I told them “I paid for this seat and I’m using all of it. It’s her fault she fat so put her somewhere else or remove her from the plane.” They eventually moved her to two empty seats at the very back row.
This is definitely a bigger issue in the US than elsewhere...
You don't travel much do ya? The world's catching up with the US in every way.
No, not really. Unfortunately. On every continent.
This happened to me, the window seat was occupied by a very overweight person and I had the middle seat. I didn't know what to do, so I just suffered for 4 hours with the awful experience of being pressed against me by there body.
We tend to have a mental image of Homer Simpson who thinking of persons of size. I have been stuck between He-Men and She-Ras during Olympia bodybuilding and fitness events in Vegas and it is equally uncomfortable. Airlines should enforce their policy.
I agree that the airline should enforce their policy, and that it shouldn't be on the smaller passenger to enforce this. If you've become large enough that you need an extra seat, that's your responsibility.
Having said that, there's a lot of unfair, dehumanising language in these comments. Just because somebody is bigger it doesn't mean they deserve less of our respect or dignity.
Sometimes it's actually the airline's fault. I've heard countless stories of passengers of size who do the right thing and purchase a second seat, only for the airline to give the seat away to a standby passenger so that the flight is completely full. What exactly do you suggest people do in that situation?
Thank you …. One is suitably amused this morning to note that the organ grinders monkey has spawned an infant. The infant is however, is a monkey of very little brain, as it can only ’ape’ words of its mentor.
Now that RFK Jr and Trump are making “Vitamin O” cheaper (for the health of America of course), this problem will go away… right?
If you can control yourself and lay off the need to fill your body with literal garbage then yes. Otherwise, NO!
If the flight is full and my seat is being encroached upon by a glutenous mass, then the seat I paid for is not available, and no others are available. I'd consider that an involuntary denied boarding situation, and should be entitled to all such compensation.
It's not "no arrangements have been made." It's "The big passenger didn't bother to make arrangements and dumped the sitch on the innocent seatmate." So why all the worry about "shaming?" Why be miserable and unable to use the seat for which you paid? Talk to an FA and either the biggie goes or you do. Compensated for your inconvenience. The two villains are the big pax and the airline. Don't dump it on a passenger. If enough of us stand up it will stop happening.
The length of the flight also matters. If a short flight then going with it is probably better
Iamhere. Though that's not even okay on a city bus with tight seating, being squeezed in and hips sat on. I sat partway on a bus seat and nearly fell off due to precarious seating and an excelleration, the person taking up part of my seat grabbed me by the material and I was relieved. But I still didn't get my whole seat and had to spread my feet out like outriggers to prevent that...
Iamhere. Though that's not even okay on a city bus with tight seating, being squeezed in and hips sat on. I sat partway on a bus seat and nearly fell off due to precarious seating and an excelleration, the person taking up part of my seat grabbed me by the material and I was relieved. But I still didn't get my whole seat and had to spread my feet out like outriggers to prevent that happening again, while having to attend to moving my feet inwards to prevent tripping people. I have also been sat on by people squeezing in.
imhere. Though that's not even okay on a city bus with tight seating, being squeezed in and hips sat on. I sat partway on a bus seat and nearly fell off due to precarious seating and an excelleration, the person taking up part of my seat grabbed me by the material and I was relieved. But I still didn't get my whole seat and had to spread my feet out like outriggers to prevent that...
imhere. Though that's not even okay on a city bus with tight seating, being squeezed in and hips sat on. I sat partway on a bus seat and nearly fell off due to precarious seating and an excelleration, the person taking up part of my seat grabbed me by the material and I was relieved. But I still didn't get my whole seat and had to spread my feet out like outriggers to prevent that happening again, while having to attend to moving my feet inwards to prevent tripping people. I have also been sat on by people squeezing in.
It has happened to me, and I told the airline that I had paid for a whole seat not half of one…… they receded me and then stuck some poor skinny little woman next to the passenger of size who glared at me as I moved to my next seat…… but at least I didn’t have their body parts resting in my lap.
Put a kid next to the huge person. They need the least space and it's also a valuable life-lesson about healthy eating and exercise that they learn early and carry into a slim and happy adulthood.
Some flights have wider seats than others. The 17.3in seats I don't fit in but the 18.5 while tight are ok. Airline seat sizes are all over the place. I just went thru several seat maps of various airlines. Most people don't know the size of the seat so they might have fit on a previous flight but not the current one. But one thing is clear being fat is the worst possible thing there...
Some flights have wider seats than others. The 17.3in seats I don't fit in but the 18.5 while tight are ok. Airline seat sizes are all over the place. I just went thru several seat maps of various airlines. Most people don't know the size of the seat so they might have fit on a previous flight but not the current one. But one thing is clear being fat is the worst possible thing there is zero compassion for fat people. The assumption are horrible. I hope I never encounter any of you entitled assholes when I fly.
It's entitled to expect to be able to use your own seat? Wow. I've had a passenger of size next to me twice. I am not 110 lbs, am normal size and use most of my seat - without overflowing - and surely it's not entitled to not want someone using 1/3 of my seat, that I paid 100% of? Even with the arm down, my seat was partially used. Uncomfortable for them but me...
It's entitled to expect to be able to use your own seat? Wow. I've had a passenger of size next to me twice. I am not 110 lbs, am normal size and use most of my seat - without overflowing - and surely it's not entitled to not want someone using 1/3 of my seat, that I paid 100% of? Even with the arm down, my seat was partially used. Uncomfortable for them but me as well - because they did not follow rules (as many don't nowadays). Luckily one of those times I was moved as there was room on the plane. For the other, it was a 4 hour miserable flight.
I wonder how 2 very large persons seated next to each other would react? Which one would be the entitled one if there's no one smaller to label "entitled"?
I would force the armrest down and keep it there using a shoelace, or a belt or something to tie it in place. It should be down anyway unless the large person paid for two seats.
This has happened to me twice that I can recall. One of the flights was not a full flight and after the door was closed, a flight attendant voluntarily moved me to a different row. The other was a full flight on a small all economy class CRJ and I just ended up talking to the guy and we bought drinks for each other and had a great conversation on the short 1 hour flight.
ABC said that the passenger was in an exit row. An oversized person in an exit row is dangerous. They would impede an emergency evacuation. A picture of this sent to the faa would trigger an investigation that united doesn't want.
I fly two or three flights a week every week and have never had this problem. Sorry it happened to you.
On a business trip from Chicago to Cleveland on SouthWest there was a slim teenager in the window seat, an empty middle seat, and me (a small female) in the aisle seat. A late-boarding woman of at least 300 pounds came down the aisle and burst into a grin when she saw us. She squeezed into the middle seat and raised the arm rest. I spend the entire flight in full-body contact with her from...
On a business trip from Chicago to Cleveland on SouthWest there was a slim teenager in the window seat, an empty middle seat, and me (a small female) in the aisle seat. A late-boarding woman of at least 300 pounds came down the aisle and burst into a grin when she saw us. She squeezed into the middle seat and raised the arm rest. I spend the entire flight in full-body contact with her from my knee to my shoulder. I vowed to never fly Southwest again. And in over twenty years, I have not.
To this question I have another question... What if the passenger isn't overweight, but has an augmented rear end that's touching you under the armrest? I experienced this on a flight to Miami. I was in the window seat and a young lady with obvious plastic surgery was seated in the middle seat. Her butt and leg was rubbing mine the entire time. I felt uncomfortable.
Happened to me on JetBlue due to the F/A. Person of tremendous size was seated in a 3 seat row in non-Y+ plus seats. I had paid for Y+ . The other people in the original row complained loudly and the F/A put the Heifer in the middle seat in my Y+ row.
I told the F/A absolutely not. I had paid for the seat, and she did not. I was prepared to deplane...
Happened to me on JetBlue due to the F/A. Person of tremendous size was seated in a 3 seat row in non-Y+ plus seats. I had paid for Y+ . The other people in the original row complained loudly and the F/A put the Heifer in the middle seat in my Y+ row.
I told the F/A absolutely not. I had paid for the seat, and she did not. I was prepared to deplane if necessary, I was not going to sit there for 5 hours on a transcon.
F/A reseated me forward and all worked out. I complimented the F/A on how she handled it.
Incidentally, the heifer made at least 5 trips to mid-cabin snack bar where you can take packaged snacks for no charge.
I am 6'5" and will not stand for these hijinks.
I'd say she dodged a bullet not having to sit near you. Name calling is so juvenile and clearly speaks to your maturity or lack their off.
Sometimes it's self-inflicted! On an Alaska Air charter to my Prudhoe Bay job years ago, when paper tickets were used, I grabbed the wrong ticket (we were all heading to Mexico for a vacation- same airline- on the next rotation home) and had to rush home by taxi to grab the correct ticket. Made the flight by a nanosecond, but the only seat available was a middle between Paul Bunyan himself and a female not...
Sometimes it's self-inflicted! On an Alaska Air charter to my Prudhoe Bay job years ago, when paper tickets were used, I grabbed the wrong ticket (we were all heading to Mexico for a vacation- same airline- on the next rotation home) and had to rush home by taxi to grab the correct ticket. Made the flight by a nanosecond, but the only seat available was a middle between Paul Bunyan himself and a female not allergic to desserts, apparently. The airline probably arranged their seats on purpose, aisle and window, so they would each have room, with the five or six inch space between them preventing any untoward intimacies. We all had a good laugh and a good flight anyway.
I am thin but 78” tall. I almost always buy an extra legroom seat in order to solve my own problem. Yet an extra-wide passenger almost always seeks a no extra cost solution to the detriment of others. Gate agents put the burden on FAs, and FAs expect gate agents to be the enforcers. Neither are paid to solve the problem. The complaining passenger all of a sudden is made to be the bad guy....
I am thin but 78” tall. I almost always buy an extra legroom seat in order to solve my own problem. Yet an extra-wide passenger almost always seeks a no extra cost solution to the detriment of others. Gate agents put the burden on FAs, and FAs expect gate agents to be the enforcers. Neither are paid to solve the problem. The complaining passenger all of a sudden is made to be the bad guy.
Dozens of comments here, yet not a single viable solution. With virtually no passenger rights (contract of carriage obviously being purposely ignored), there is no solution.
I'm only 6'3" and 240lbs but my shoulders are wider than the seats. So I purchase window seats every time so I can lean against the window to not take up the next seat space.
If I'm given a middle seat, with my arms down, neither person on either side can use the arm rest.
Probably 1/2 of the male population technically don't fit an economy seat because of the width of the shoulders + arms, and the Mansplaying of the legs. Keep your legs in your own space please.
Fly first class. You will be more comfortable and so will the skiiny minnies
Exactly. These 6'5" men are proud to take up the space of everyone next to them. I am 5'3" and will not stand for these hijinks. If you are 6'5" and you know you will take up the space of the people next to you with your manspreading bulk, buy 2 seats or fly business. Or stay home, nobody wants to see 6'5" men anyway.
I only had one experience many years ago (when there was more room on airplanes) where the passenger next to me was significantly large and we were touching the entire flight. I didn't particularly enjoy it and I'm sure he didn't either, but it wasn't that terrible. But now the airlines are SO restrictive on what is a personal item vs what is a carry-on (for a fee) item AND have a little metal box...
I only had one experience many years ago (when there was more room on airplanes) where the passenger next to me was significantly large and we were touching the entire flight. I didn't particularly enjoy it and I'm sure he didn't either, but it wasn't that terrible. But now the airlines are SO restrictive on what is a personal item vs what is a carry-on (for a fee) item AND have a little metal box to measure what you have. Why can't they have a similar policy, up front before you buy your ticket, that says here are the size limits for a passenger to fit into a single seat and this is how we will determine if you are too large? It doesn't make sense for this to be resolved once people are on the plane. Just like the metal box in the check-in area - take care of it then.
This happened to me on my way back from Maui going to Denver on United on a 7 hour Flight. I was in Economy Plus Aisle Seat in a Four Seat Section. I was happy because the Seating Chart showed no one sitting next to me....until the last minute before takeoff a large man probably 350+ pounds said excuse me and sat next to me. It was a very uncomfortable flight and he coughed the...
This happened to me on my way back from Maui going to Denver on United on a 7 hour Flight. I was in Economy Plus Aisle Seat in a Four Seat Section. I was happy because the Seating Chart showed no one sitting next to me....until the last minute before takeoff a large man probably 350+ pounds said excuse me and sat next to me. It was a very uncomfortable flight and he coughed the entire time. The Flight was Full. I did not no the Policy You reference he but I said nothing and just had a very uncomfortable flight and could not even sleep much. I just kept thinking this won't last forever....
These plane seats keep shrinking, is there no regulation or standardization? Do passengers just have no rights at all? I dont care about entertainment screens or food. Having free internet can be optional. But clean the plane, clean the nasty water tank, clean the disgusting bathrooms, and give me a seat where my neighbor is not right on top of me. That should be BASIC. Sell the bells and whistles to the rich, sure. Not...
These plane seats keep shrinking, is there no regulation or standardization? Do passengers just have no rights at all? I dont care about entertainment screens or food. Having free internet can be optional. But clean the plane, clean the nasty water tank, clean the disgusting bathrooms, and give me a seat where my neighbor is not right on top of me. That should be BASIC. Sell the bells and whistles to the rich, sure. Not being packed in like sardines is not a luxury. Its just being treated like human beings.
Put your money where your mouth is, hun!
Are you saying I need to purchase an airline, Ma'am?
Immediately.
Passengers only have rights if you elect people who care for their constituents more than the carriers who always upgrade them to FC.
The last administration was about to implement US261, similar to EU 261. Then the citizenry in their infinite wisdom decided not to give you rights, and killed it. It is proven in EU that fares did not increase because of EU261.
So, now the airlines profit by killing it and your Congressmen...
Passengers only have rights if you elect people who care for their constituents more than the carriers who always upgrade them to FC.
The last administration was about to implement US261, similar to EU 261. Then the citizenry in their infinite wisdom decided not to give you rights, and killed it. It is proven in EU that fares did not increase because of EU261.
So, now the airlines profit by killing it and your Congressmen and Senators still get free upgrade to FC.
The moral of the story is you often get what you vote for. As for me, I now live in EU, and I benefit from EU261.
Alan... the current head of DOT recommended that the flying public act more civil to each other . He got chewed on by the libs for telling people how to dress when that wasn't the message. If fatties acted more civil to others, they would get 2 seats or spring for F.C. Just factor that in.
I would probably suggest that the person of size be upgraded because this would address both their own discomfort as well as that of potentially both neighbors.
Sure. I'll upgrade them right now. Palletize them and haul 'em on a UPS 747-8F. Perfect!!
I have had this happen, I sucked it up and I will never do it again. Later, I had a plus size passenger lift the arm rest. I pushed it back down and insisted it needed to stay down. Finally, on another flight the plus size passenger across from me could not buckle in. Instead of asking for an extender, they just held the belt when the flight attendant came by. I kick myself for...
I have had this happen, I sucked it up and I will never do it again. Later, I had a plus size passenger lift the arm rest. I pushed it back down and insisted it needed to stay down. Finally, on another flight the plus size passenger across from me could not buckle in. Instead of asking for an extender, they just held the belt when the flight attendant came by. I kick myself for not saying anything. I was the only one who noticed and if there had been an issue on takeoff, they and others could have gotten hurt.
The plus size person knew before they got on the plane that they couldn't fit. In my opinion, large customers are hoping the person next to them accepts the encroachment. As for the FAs, they saw the size of the customer before he sat down.
Neither the large customer nor the FAs designed the plane's seating. They are both just trying to deal with the sardine seating arrangement of the greedy airline's plane. In fact, one is overpaying the airline for their plane ticket, and the other is an underpaid employee of the airline. Address your complaints to the greedy airline.
Some years ago I was on a Delta MD-87 exit row, 2 seat side. The passenger on the window was of extreme size to the point of not being able to exit the window escape hatch. On the 3 seat side were 3 Japanese passengers conversing in Japanese. I called this (discretely) to the lead F/A and they where horrified ! the Japanese passengers in fact did not speak English and the gentleman on my...
Some years ago I was on a Delta MD-87 exit row, 2 seat side. The passenger on the window was of extreme size to the point of not being able to exit the window escape hatch. On the 3 seat side were 3 Japanese passengers conversing in Japanese. I called this (discretely) to the lead F/A and they where horrified ! the Japanese passengers in fact did not speak English and the gentleman on my window was re-seated. This was clearly a safety issue and kudos to Delta for dealing with it in a sensitive and professional manner.
You don't need to speak English. You only need to be able to say "Yes".
Works every time. From Tokyo to Osaka, I just smiled and said yes before she started to ask. She said arigato and moved on
Happened to me. Full flight, passenger in the middle seat, exit row, was so large that when they sat down, the fixed armrests - incorporating the meal trays - splayed outwards in a ‘V’ shape on either side of the passenger.
The top half of the passenger also encroached about a third to a half of my seat.
Suck it up? Maybe, but apart from having to sit on an angle, I could...
Happened to me. Full flight, passenger in the middle seat, exit row, was so large that when they sat down, the fixed armrests - incorporating the meal trays - splayed outwards in a ‘V’ shape on either side of the passenger.
The top half of the passenger also encroached about a third to a half of my seat.
Suck it up? Maybe, but apart from having to sit on an angle, I could not physically adopt the brace position in the event of an emergency… and that’s my ‘test’. ‘Does it impact on my safety?’
I tried to have a discrete word with the crew, who were completely unsympathetic. I even mentioned exit row requirements, to which the reply was ‘we asked if they were willing to assist and they said “yes” so there’s nothing more we can do’.
In the end a first class passenger, hearing that the flight might be delayed, offered their seat to the passenger next to me. Even in the first class seat the passenger was overhanging into the aisle.
I got serious side-eye from the crew, the original passenger, the passenger next to me, and those around me.
But if it affects safety, not sure what else you can do? I was connecting US domestic to international, so me taking a later flight was not possible.
To be fair to the original passenger, they explained as they left their seat to go to first class, that they had purchased first class on their original flight, but that had been cancelled and the airline reaccommodated them in an exit row on this flight. So these things can be out of the passenger’s control, but that can’t be at the expense of safety.
I had a similar experience on Delta years ago with a person of size in the exit row with me...2 seat side MD-88 who could not possibly fit thought the exit door. I discretely brought this to the F/A's attention and the passenger was re-seated.
I had this happen to me about a decade ago when I was stuck on the Devil's Chariot (a CRJ-200 with no F class). I did discretely approach the FA (admittedly, a SkyWest employee as this was a United Express flight), and she did absolutely nothing. The flight was full. And I had to sit at nearly a 45 degree angle leaning into the aisle because the morbidly obese passenger at the window seat took...
I had this happen to me about a decade ago when I was stuck on the Devil's Chariot (a CRJ-200 with no F class). I did discretely approach the FA (admittedly, a SkyWest employee as this was a United Express flight), and she did absolutely nothing. The flight was full. And I had to sit at nearly a 45 degree angle leaning into the aisle because the morbidly obese passenger at the window seat took over half of my space. (I'm 5'8" and about 155#). The airlines need to do better with enforcing this policy. They have sizers at the gate for carry-on bags, so why not have sizers at the gate for larger gluteus maximi?
They could have sizes at the gate for everyone to pass thru. But when a large person just barely passes thru, dont forget...when they sit down their body is going to spread out big time.
I had this situation back in 2008 on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Melbourne. It was a 767 with 2-4-2, I had the window seat. The guy needed a belt extension and sat half on my seat. I went to the crew and they made me the bad guy and threatened me to remove me as an unruly passenger. I went back to my seat as I had onward flights in business to Europe...
I had this situation back in 2008 on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Melbourne. It was a 767 with 2-4-2, I had the window seat. The guy needed a belt extension and sat half on my seat. I went to the crew and they made me the bad guy and threatened me to remove me as an unruly passenger. I went back to my seat as I had onward flights in business to Europe and thought it’ll be over soon. Due to a dust storm we had to wait 3hrs in the plane on the apron then fly an hour, in total almost 5hrs. The crew did ignore me the entire time didn’t serve me anything. I filed complaint to Qantas and never got a response. I never flew Qantas again. I was young at that time and inexperienced. Today I’d not fly like this for sure.
Absurd. The fatty should have been hauled off the aircraft to let people be comfortable. Nobody wants to see it anyways. Also a 767 in 2-4-2 is unacceptable.
I rather doubt the 767 was 2-4-2 instead of the standard 2-3-2. What else did you not remember accurately?
Actually, I remember everything perfectly and have pictures to provide the 2-4-2 configuration. Sod off.
Airlines should do mandatory weigh-ins at boarding. If someone looks too fat, jam them in a seat-sized baggage sizer and if they don't fit, send the porker packing! Perhaps a UPS Boeing 747-8F is more appropriate!
Totally easy. Here is the process:
1) FATTY identified.
2) remove metal ruler from seatback pocket.
3) poke all offending FAT, tucking securely behind armrest.
4) remove all food from FATTY's seatback pocket, dispose of.
5) conduct food audit into FATTY's baggage, dispose of all items found.
6) command flight attendant to give FATTY shot of Ozempic in lieu of meals and snack services.
7) verbally discipline FATTY whenever FAT pokes out from behind armrest.
Are Walter Mitty-type delusions becoming a bit of a thing with you, 1990?
Whether I involve a FA depends on 2 factors: 1. how much space I'm losing + how long the flight is and 2. how apologetic the other person is. If the armrest needs to come up and I'm losing 1/3 of my seat, then I'm probably going to have to invole a FA regardless of how polite or apologetic the other person is. If it's just a bit of space or elbow room for a...
Whether I involve a FA depends on 2 factors: 1. how much space I'm losing + how long the flight is and 2. how apologetic the other person is. If the armrest needs to come up and I'm losing 1/3 of my seat, then I'm probably going to have to invole a FA regardless of how polite or apologetic the other person is. If it's just a bit of space or elbow room for a relatively short flight I'll probably suck it up, especially if the other person is mindful and/or apologetic about the extra room they're taking up. If you're going to aggressively attempt to push into me, then yeah I'm going to need to get an FA involved.
I escalate directly to the Base Manager, In-Flight Service Operations.
Course ya do, 1990! LOL.
I've read comments on this topic on other forums and there has been a couple posts where the person-of size DID purchase the seat next to them, but for some reason on an oversold flight that seat was given to someone else. I can't imagine that person being shamed for doing the right thing but then the situation changing to one that is now out of their hands.
If the person-of-size bought the seat next to them, and still didn't get the seat they paid for, then further got bumped from the flight for encroaching someone else's seat, then I feel like they have a very good lawsuit potential on their hands.
"Person-of-Size"?
Fatty
Thanks Bill, appreciate the clarification. I had just never heard this "PERSON-OF-SIZE" term before - call a FATTY a FATTY.
I try to always be kind and compassionate. But at the same time, I hate the normalization of obesity and the fact that you can't call things like this out without be accused of fat-shaming.
And uldguy makes a great point, that maybe they shouldn't be shrinking seats at the same time the population is growing.
I guess at least there are rules about people having to buy 2 seats, that's a relatively...
I try to always be kind and compassionate. But at the same time, I hate the normalization of obesity and the fact that you can't call things like this out without be accused of fat-shaming.
And uldguy makes a great point, that maybe they shouldn't be shrinking seats at the same time the population is growing.
I guess at least there are rules about people having to buy 2 seats, that's a relatively recent change I believe? So hopefully the methods of implementation will improve over time.
This has happened to me on a full flight. My seat mate was apologetic and a embarrassed. I told them it was going to be a cozy trip and not to worry about it. Both of us were going to be a bit uncomfortable physically so I didn't want to make it more uncomfortable than it had to be. We ended up chatting a bit and it wasn't too bad. Having a kid kick the...
This has happened to me on a full flight. My seat mate was apologetic and a embarrassed. I told them it was going to be a cozy trip and not to worry about it. Both of us were going to be a bit uncomfortable physically so I didn't want to make it more uncomfortable than it had to be. We ended up chatting a bit and it wasn't too bad. Having a kid kick the back of my seat while their parents do nothing or sitting next to someone who hasn't showered in a week is much worse IMO. That being said I love having a whole row to myself
I used to be a plus-sized passenger who couldn't fit into the standard economy seat with the armrest down and needed a seat belt extension. While I am no longer as large as I once was and can now comfortably fit in an economy seat, I know first hand what's its like to be that passenger that nobody wants to sit next to. Frankly its very embarrassing and the looks I would get were extremely...
I used to be a plus-sized passenger who couldn't fit into the standard economy seat with the armrest down and needed a seat belt extension. While I am no longer as large as I once was and can now comfortably fit in an economy seat, I know first hand what's its like to be that passenger that nobody wants to sit next to. Frankly its very embarrassing and the looks I would get were extremely hurtful. But I was between a rock and a hard place. For personal travel, I would usually purchase first class as it was often cheaper than two economy tickets. But when traveling on business, which was usually the case, my company would not allow me to purchase two seats, nor would they allow me to purchase business or first class on a flight that was less than eight hours. Before boarding I would ask the agent if by chance they had had two open seats together. Sometimes they did, and that was great. But on a full flight I was stuck, literally and figuratively, in a single seat. There's no denying that the population as a whole is larger-sized now than in the 60's. Even people who are considered to be normal size and weight are bigger now than they were back then. Airplane seats have gotten somewhat more narrower than back in the 60's because federal regulations mandated wider aisles to facilitate evacuations. And when the 747 and DC-10 first came out they were 9-abreast and 8-abreast in economy, respectively. But airlines changed the layout to 10-abreast on the 747 and 9-abreast on the DC-10 to cram more passengers in. So, people overall have gotten larger, and the seats have gotten smaller. Unfortunately there are no easy answers. The traveling public has made it abundantly clear, not by their words, but by their pocketbooks, the level of comfort they're willing to pay for. As a former plus-sized passenger, when faced with the situation where the person next to me is plus-sized I, like Ben, tend to just grin and bear it. I've been there, and I know what it's like to be "that passenger".
I appreciate you sharing your experience and that you took some steps to alleviate other passengers' discomfort. However, saying you had no other options while on business travel is a cop-out. Companies cannot prohibit you from using your money or miles to upgrade the economy class seat they purchased you to first class.
@RealTaylor: Actually they can. Believe it or not, but my company (financial services) has a CO2 budget. Since travel is booked via egencia (Amex business travel agency), the company gets the CO2 amount based on the actual seat flown. Upgrades are visible in the booking that the business travel agency obviously has access to. So if I upgrade from economy to business via miles / personal credit card, the 'CO2 budget' is affected and my...
@RealTaylor: Actually they can. Believe it or not, but my company (financial services) has a CO2 budget. Since travel is booked via egencia (Amex business travel agency), the company gets the CO2 amount based on the actual seat flown. Upgrades are visible in the booking that the business travel agency obviously has access to. So if I upgrade from economy to business via miles / personal credit card, the 'CO2 budget' is affected and my own managers will get a slap for exceeding budget. Of course, as always, that only applies to regular folk, so forget about this being caused by ESG regulation. The CEO and board members still fly with the company private jet or in first class, "since it is more efficient" from a time perspective. Typical corporate bullshit and storylining, it's just getting more extreme every year, it seems.
Actually companies can prohibit you from upgrading. When I worked for a large multi-national corporation we were expressly forbidden from upgrading company paid tickets. I could have used my own money or miles to pay for a separate ticket on the flight but the company ticket was issued through our own travel department and could only be changed by the company or refunded back to the company.
If I have an oversized bag that does not safely fit in an overhead bin or under a seat, it is removed from the cabin. No questions.
Airline defines your seat as space between armrests. If you aren’t receiving that, seems it should be the airline’s responsibility to resolve.
I’m sorry but this passenger isn’t getting any compassion from me. What, they boarded the plane and it suddenly dawned on them they’re too fat for one seat? This passenger has likely flown before and should know better. They need to purchase two seats in advance. The other half of the blame goes to the gate agents and flight attendants. It gets me super worked up that they constantly look the other way and push...
I’m sorry but this passenger isn’t getting any compassion from me. What, they boarded the plane and it suddenly dawned on them they’re too fat for one seat? This passenger has likely flown before and should know better. They need to purchase two seats in advance. The other half of the blame goes to the gate agents and flight attendants. It gets me super worked up that they constantly look the other way and push the problem to the real victim here for them to hopefully either deal with it or suck it up and fly that way. They don’t want to be accused of fat shaming, so instead they don’t “shame”, like their policy says they have to.
I don’t care how big the person is in the seat next to me, that armrest is COMING DOWN!!!
I paid for 1/3 of a row and want my fair share.
And according to Gary, you, in middle is entitled to both armrests in the middle seat.
This should not be on the passenger to resolve. The airline's gate agents already monitor carry on luggage size so they are perfectly capable of determining when a passenger is in violation of the requirement to purchase two seats and resolve the situation before boarding.
I agree with you, but on some occasions the response to the gate agent would be "I'm no larger than you - do YOU buy two seats?"
I work for a travel agent and have been asked by corporate clients how to handle this situation for their employee travel. Often, the employee will ask for first class. I always suggest 2 coach seats, even if first class is less expensive, otherwise it creates resentment when their colleagues
How about asking the airlines to enforce their Contract of Carriage?
I can relate & sympathize with that. My Ex wife had become Obese, so I made her think she cannot Fly because if she did ,The Plane would crash and she has never Flown in the last 30 years. problem solved! "Just Kidding".
One main reason I buy upgrades. Extra legroom doesn't help with the real problem-a total stranger rubbing up against you. Back in the 1990s when I was in coach more but still had status and airlines had blankets in coach I'd take one of those flea bitten blankets and shove it under the arm rest. That stopped fat rolls from spilling on me.
I can totally see Spirit and/or Frontier having a passenger size template right next to their carry-on template. With an additional $5 fee for privacy curtains.
I believe smoking used to be treated the way obesity is now. People felt it was their basic freedom to smoke anywhere they wanted, including on a plane right next to you, and if you didn't like it - too bad, suck it up for the duration of the...
I can totally see Spirit and/or Frontier having a passenger size template right next to their carry-on template. With an additional $5 fee for privacy curtains.
I believe smoking used to be treated the way obesity is now. People felt it was their basic freedom to smoke anywhere they wanted, including on a plane right next to you, and if you didn't like it - too bad, suck it up for the duration of the flight.
Obesity and smoking have a lot in common - they are unhealthy, raise medical costs for everyone in a system with anything other than pure out-of-pocket payments, and directly affect other people in tight spaces such as economy seats. So they should be regulated in a similar way - how "sensitive" and "discreet" should you be if someone lights up a cigarette next to you?
Both require difficult behavior changes if someone really wants to deal with the problem - but first you need to acknowledge that a problem exists.
Those of us who suffered smoke on aircraft are indeed probably less squeamish about calling this out.
This has certainly happened to me. Perhaps a flight attendant can swap your seat with a non-rev.
Great suggestion - I will add that to my repertoire!
I was thinking that. Wouldn't the likely real-world outcome be that a nonrev has to deplane?
Wait, but imagine there are two passengers “of size” next to each other… How will this be managed?
What happens when an unstoppable force meet an immovable object?
New seat assignments and seat belt extenders, that's what happens.
Choose a world class airline and pay for an F Cabin seat …. no problem, yes?
Spoken as someone with an unlimited budget.
True, DavidW, the alternative is to 'just stay home,' peasant.
"a world class airline"
You won't approve actual leading airlines unless it's BA or Delta anyways.
In Japan it is criminal to be FAT.
@AeroB13a: quiet, piggy.
Can't recall this ever happening to me as it's probably been over a decade since I flew in economy. That being said, if someone is so obese that they can't stay contained in their personal seat, they should be required to purchase two tickets. If they don't, there's nothing wrong with shaming them since they obviously don't care about the comfort of their fellow passengers.
I'm trying to be respectful, and hope this comes out that way, but shouldn't a plus-size passenger be self-aware enough to know if they require two seats or not? Or shouldn't a gate agent be able to check to see if a plus-sized passenger has two seats purchased?
Yes and yes but since its not possible to ensure the first and given the airline's obligation to enforce the policy so as not to disadvantaged the person next to the plus-size individual the responsibility falls entirely on the airline.
In the majority of cases, if they were self-aware they would not be so obese.