What would you do: obese flier taking up half your seat?

[Go Big D!]

I'm just curious how others would handle this situation if it happened to you.

The flier was seated next to an obese man who spilled over his own seat requiring that the arm rests be lifted and in doing so took over half of the other man's seat.

The man was unable to fasten his seatbelt due to the other man occupying his seat. So he had to stand for 7 hours.

The airline's response was:

“The way to ensure you have space available next to you — whether you are a person of size, or you would simply like to ensure you have more personal space to relax on a long flight — is to purchase that additional seat, or First Class, in advance.”

What would you do?

Full article

[tupperware]

Originally Posted by Go Big D!

I'm just curious how others would handle this situation if it happened to you.

The flier was seated next to an obese man who spilled over his own seat requiring that the arm rests be lifted and in doing so took over half of the other man's seat.

The man was unable to fasten his seatbelt due to the other man occupying his seat. So he had to stand for 7 hours.

The airline's response was:

“The way to ensure you have space available next to you — whether you are a person of size, or you would simply like to ensure you have more personal space to relax on a long flight — is to purchase that additional seat, or First Class, in advance.”

What would you do?

Full article

I wouldn't fly with them anymore?

Stupid policy imo.

EDIT: Okay I actually read it, not sure what you're asking though. I had assumed this policy of theirs was to require the guy pushed out of his seat to purchase 2 seats. That should be the requirement for the guy taking up more than one seat, but whatever. The airline should have handled this before it ever became a problem.

[KJJ]

Originally Posted by Go Big D!

I'm just curious how others would handle this situation if it happened to you.

The flier was seated next to an obese man who spilled over his own seat requiring that the arm rests be lifted and in doing so took over half of the other man's seat.

The man was unable to fasten his seatbelt due to the other man occupying his seat. So he had to stand for 7 hours.

The airline's response was:

“The way to ensure you have space available next to you — whether you are a person of size, or you would simply like to ensure you have more personal space to relax on a long flight — is to purchase that additional seat, or First Class, in advance.”

What would you do?

Full article

If I was sitting next to this guy I would have suggested he fly cargo next time.

[Go Big D!]

Originally Posted by tupperware

I wouldn't fly with them anymore?

Stupid policy imo.

EDIT: Okay I actually read it, not sure what you're asking though. I had assumed this policy of theirs was to require the guy pushed out of his seat to purchase 2 seats. That should be the requirement for the guy taking up more than one seat, but whatever. The airline should have handled this before it ever became a problem.

Not sure what's so confusing for you. What would you do if you found yourself in this situation.

Would you demand that they remove the man taking up your seat since you paid for it? Or would you cave and just stand for 7 hours?

Additionally, would you insist on a refund of a seat you were not allowed to use that you paid for?

And yes, that was the airlines response. Basically if you're worried that an overweight person will force you out of your seat, you should purchase two seats.

[Go Big D!]

Originally Posted by KJJ

If I was sitting next to this guy I would have suggested he fly cargo next time.

I can't even see how they would allow him to sit there and block the aisle. I would assume it would be against some safety regulation.

At the very least they wouldn't be able to move the beverage cart down the aisle

[Hostile]

I would have stood too and let the man sit down.

[Risen Star]

I would have realized that my uncomfortable flight pales in comparison to what that guy is going through with his weight problem.

I'd have cut him some slack.

[Go Big D!]

Originally Posted by Hostile

I would have stood too and let the man sit down.

Would you look into being compensated for the loss of your seat?

I honestly don't know how I'd handle it. I've given it some thought after reading the article. I generally don't like to make waves and sometimes put myself out for the benefit of others. But I also don't have the money just to throw away so that somebody else can take my seat, that I paid for, so that they can be more comfortable.

If I gave up my seat, I would definitely see about a refund of some sort.

[Go Big D!]

Originally Posted by Risen Star

I would have realized that my uncomfortable flight pales in comparison to what that guy is going through with his weight problem.

I'd have cut him some slack.

So you're fine with paying for his extra seat?

[rickwil61]

I may have ended up standing but I would have to go back to the airliner for some kind of a refund. I have no way of knowing how big the person I'm sitting next to is going to be and to ask me to buy an extra ticket just in case is stupid. I think I would notify the flight attended and make sure I got their name as a witness.

[Idgit]

I'd wedge myself in there and cuddle up.

[Bigdog]

I would have stand but make sure that I was not happy. On the brighter side of things, if the window broke next to you, the large man could plug it and you would not be sucked out due to the pressure. I saw that on a show once that it was scientificallly done and proven.

[JonJon]

I would stand. But then I would get a refund and also request an additional free flight for my inconvenience.

[speedkilz88]

Originally Posted by Bigdog

I would have stand but make sure that I was not happy. On the brighter side of things, if the window broke next to you, the large man could plug it and you would not be sucked out due to the pressure. I saw that on a show once that it was scientificallly done and proven.

Your lightweight butt would just get sucked out first!

[Sam I Am]

Originally Posted by Idgit

I'd wedge myself in there and cuddle up.