A few years ago, I had weight loss surgery, so I have been on both "sides" of this issue.

Obesity is a very complicated issue... one that is far to much so to make "flash" judgements or decisions.

With the population getting bigger and bigger, the airlines run the risk is shrinking their customer pool if they enact stringent "obesity rules". Also, the airlines don't help the matter any when they keep shrinking the seats and leg room.

My home airport, Nashville, is primarily a Southwest "hub". When I was bigger, I refused to fly them because of their obesity rule. It wasn't so much an issue of discrimination, but the arbitrary way the rule is enforced. I might fly to my destination on a single ticket, but be required to purchase a second ticket to get home. Many of us would have a problem coughing up the extra fare on the spur of the moment... possibly hundred of dollars.

I saw a couple of episode on "Airline" where Southwest staff determined whether a passenger of size had to purchase a second ticket by having them attempt to sit in an airplane seat with the arms "down". If they couldn't, a second seat had to be purchased.

by Tom on Friday, August 01, 2008

Bravo to all the politically IN-correct airlines. I'm all for equality, but when another person's situation infringes on my personal space (blowing smoke in a restaurant, overflowing into my seat) I feel I have just as many rights as the other person. As long as it's declared upfront and administered evenly, I think a policy such as JetBlue's is commendable.

by Ken on Friday, August 01, 2008

I agree that there should be such an established policy. This policy should be upfront and consistenly applied. I shouldn't have to share the space I have paid for with someone else. We have to pay extra if we want upgraded or to bring on extra luggage. So I don't think that it is unfair that the airlines want to charge someone who needs the extra space!

by Kristy on Friday, August 01, 2008

So, does Jet Blue require wide-shouldered men to buy two seats? I once had a very uncomfortable flight next to a very large man. He was not obese, but his shoulders were so wide that they spread into my seat. He wasn't too happy, either, as he was continually bumped by people in the aisle (he was in the aisle seat). If they're forcing obese passengers to pay, then anyone who doesn't fit in their seats must pay, too.

Or, they could treat passengers like actual people and increase the seat size (and ticket price) for everyone.

by Margaret on Friday, August 01, 2008

I personally measure 300 lbs and 6"5 so i know what i am talking about i guess.
Let's get real, airlines seats are actually SMALLER than they were 20 years ago. In that time, people have been getting longer and bigger, but the airlines keep ignoring demographics and continue to push as many seats as they can into a plane.

I personally always fly business-class, where there is no problem with seats whatsoever. But even not obese people, but anyone among us over 6"5 can not fit into a average economy seat without pushing his or her knees in the back of the poor fellow sitting in front of him.

There is only one solution and that is for airlinecompanies to acknowledge the fact that the population is increasing in size and weight and adjust the airplanes accordingly.

by jdv on Saturday, August 02, 2008

You know, I've been on both sides too. I'm 5'5" and have tipped the scales at around 265 lbs, and right now at around 105. I worked hard over two years to shed the weight and have maintained for ten years.

When I was overweight I was invisible yet uncomfortably visible as I wedged my way down the aisle of the plane as a road warrior, acutely aware that I was shoved into that window seat, not daring to drink anything during that flight lest I need to get up and use the restroom and disturb the people in my row.

At this size, I'm also invisible. I'm so tired of being sat on as though I don't exist by people who spill over into my seat. I'm ok if it's just flesh-to-flesh but when someone deliberately raises the armrest and is literally SITTING ON ME I get a little irritated. Yes, people like this need to pay for two seats, and GET them. Airlines shouldn't collect the fare and then book the next seat anyway. That's wrong. People of size, like I used to be, should book, pay for, and actually get two seats.

by kmd on Saturday, August 02, 2008

I travel enough to have MVP gold status. What irks me more than anything is to have a fatty next to me who spills into the area I've paid for. I don't want my thighs and arms to have to touch some gigantic person who's sweaty. YUCK! I think the airlines should unite and have a 2-seat policy.

by Travel Girl on Saturday, August 02, 2008

Personally, I have a very bad back & shoulders, and *have* to sit upright during a flight, or else end up in extreme pain. If someone of size spills over into my seat, it forces me to have to lean to the side, or lean forward, which will result in me being in pain. I absolutely do not think I should have to put up with this when I *paid* for my entire seat. If someone cannot fit (butt, shoulders, whatever) in one seat, they should be required to buy that seat they are infringing on.

by sayhello on Monday, August 04, 2008

In these days of narrow econnomy seats( unlike the 40's and 50's when I first travelled) they need to expect to buy an adjoining seat or travel business class seat which is about the size of the seats when there were not any class differences.

by Lil' old lady on Monday, August 04, 2008

I for one am all for charging overweight passengers extra. As mentioned above, these days every pound counts. So, I propose that tickets now be sold "by the pound". Think of it-There would be an option to estimate your weight when you first purchase your ticket. Then, when you get to the airport, you step on a scale and pay extra for any "overages" or get a refund for "shortages". It could even be extended to baggage, making it "total weight" checked onto the airplane. As a larger flier myself, I think it would even out. During my trip to Ireland, I wouldn't have had to pay that 10% for my 3 month old daughter sharing my seat. No more would those outrageously sized carry-ons get to sneak past the gate agents.

But seriously, why stop there. If we're going to charge for all inconveniences, there should be a charge for talking on your cell after landing. Or having your laptop on the tray table making passengers have to wait for you to put it away before shimmying past. Or an extra charge for people not sitting on the aisle if they need to use the restroom more than once every 3 hours. Perfume charges, body odor charges, loud talker charges, overheard headphone charges, snoring charges, the list could be endless.

by Bruce on Monday, August 04, 2008

I have sympathy towards overweight persons, but there is a limit as to how much others have to sacrifice in order to be respectable to these types of people. I think it would depend upon how far they are travelling. I certainly would not want to be seated next to an overweight person who should really be occupying two seats on a flight of 3 or more hours.

by Nanny on Monday, August 04, 2008

As cruel as it sounds, I'm all for charging obese people for an extra seat (or two) on an aircraft. I fly often and many times I'm been squashed by someone and had my personal space invaded by someone else's flabby, over-sized arms, stomach, and legs.

One flight was horrible from Chicago to Los Angeles. This very large woman boarded the plane and I turned to my mom and said, "You watch...she'll be sitting next to me." I was right. I had the middle seat; the woman had the window.

It was bad enough that she had to raise the armrest to fit into the seat while part of her thigh was on my seat; it was worse that she decided to knit the entire flight back home. Her flabby arms were constantly hitting me and she even knocked over my drink.

I wanted to turn to her and say, "Excuse YOU, would you please keep your fat to yourself?"

So yes, I believe that overweight people should be forced to purchase an extra seat. Airlines have those models at their gates to ensure that their passengers' carry-on luggage fits, why not have an actual economy class seat?

by Jerry on Monday, August 04, 2008

I am 6’4’ at 385lbs, I can understand where they are going. I remember on one flight a guy who must be pushing 500 had take his seat crowding the person next to him and spilling in to the isle. He should not been let on the plane. I do believe the two seat policy is needed. Form me the way to handle it is fist try to book flights that are not sold out. Go a ahead buy the second seat. Only travel first class or stick to driving or Amtrak or Cross Ocean freighters.

I do blame the airlines for narrowing the seats and pitch, not making the policy known or available until boarding. Like reschedule to a less packed flight.

by Richard B on Monday, August 04, 2008

Absolutely not. that is just another slap in their face, do you seriously think they are there by choice ?

by Patricia Bontrager-White on Monday, August 04, 2008

If you're too big, you're too big. For all those upset about the possibility of having to purchase two seats for your girth, imagine how you would feel if you ordered an entire cheeseburger only to find it arrived at your table with two bites out of it. Then being told that you're a "foodist" if you get upset for not getting everything you paid for.

I would also like to know where people are getting the information that the seats are getting smaller. I've been a frequent flier for over 15 years and the seats haven't magically shrunk for me. Perhaps it's not the seats that shrink, but rather your size has expanded. Since I know that many of the "fat activists" out there refuse to step on a scale.

I don't check any bags, ever, so they can charge all they want. I don't care. I don't trust airlines to get my things to the destination, so I mail everything ahead of time. Never had a problem. My carry-on, which is smaller than some women's purses, contains only a change of clothing and essentials should I arrive to my destination before my parcel does. It also doubles as my purse.

What I dislike most about flying are the screaming babies. If only they made kiddie Klonopin.

by luckycat on Monday, August 04, 2008

If I don't take up my entire seat, do I get a discounted price? And if the overweight people who sit next to me take up part of my seat, can I get a partial refund? Why does their arm or leg get to sit in part of my seat for free?

by Suzanne on Monday, August 04, 2008

I'm 6'4" and easily fit into an economy seat -- sideways but my knees are often within an inch of the seat in front of me. I resent nothing more than someone I don't know from Adam (or Eve) taking up my seat space--either width or length.

I think an excellent solution would be for the airlines to provide (for a fee of course!) passengers with a long, thin piece of strong material that would fit at the side of their seat for space preservation. I've done it with magazines and, while it made my seatmates irate, I had almost all the "comfort" I'd paid for!

by Doughco on Monday, August 04, 2008

Also, remember that not all overweight people are obese.

For this discussion, I believe that all OVERWEIGHT people should be considered to be obese!

by Doughco on Monday, August 04, 2008

I dread flying now because of this issue . I have always felt guilty, being "of size", that I infringe into other peoples space a bit and hate to bother them though no one has ever said anything to me. I am afraid I will be embarrassed and that may seem silly to others but it really hurts. I have my own personal seatbelt extender but when I use it it really isn't tight enough and I can usually just barely jam the regular seatbelt on instead. My bulk is my butt and thighs, not my gut!! LOL I do not feel I need a whole extra seat and if I was required to purchase one, I simply could not afford to fly. Can't afford business or first class and the extra room there is in the legs, not seat. I would pay more for just a bit extra seat, as in butt, room. That won't happen with fuel prices the way they are airlines won't want less passengers nor do they want to spend money reconfiguring seats and planes.. I do fly Southwest and they have never said a thing though it is a squeeze. Jet Blue and Virgin seem more comfy to me and they also have not asked me anything and I have weighed more than 260 on their flights. If airlines ever published a 250 pound passenger weight limit per seat, it would be very interesting to see what happens to the numbers traveling because many people weigh more than they appear. I know, the best solution would be for us all to be thin and healthy but for some of us that just isn't gonna happen no matter how hard we try. And I dearly need travel in my life!! Maybe I should start a club for fat travellers and we could at least share the cost of ONE extra seat, or charter our own planes.

by G. on Monday, August 04, 2008

This issue is entirely spurious. Airlines carry horses, for God's sake, and all kinds of parcels and freight. There is no reason to discriminate about the weight of passengers. Where would it end? Pay by the pound? Getting greedy about carrying luggage is also ridiculous. If you are traveling to Europe for 5 weeks you can't carry a mere 20 pounds of clothing and personal items. And don't you want to bring things back home? Tourists will start booking tickets on non-American airlines for better prices and fewer restrictions. Nobody needs this kind of hassle. American airlines are stooping to the status of bus line carriers. And, by the by, has anyone noticed that most Americans are in the larger size category? How many ticket buyers wear size 9? Stop trying to take away seat sizes by inches, preventing reclining seats and full meals.

by Gail on Monday, August 04, 2008

In most cases obesity is not a disability for which all should be expected to make reasonable accommodation. It was a choice which yielded the size of the would be passenger seeking relief from additional airfare. The weight of several of my recent seat mates forced me to occupy one half a seat in order for them to make the journey on crowded aircraft. I "weigh in" on the heavy weights purchasing an extra seat to provide some comfort not only for him/herself, but to the leaner ones who are quite often are next to them and innocently subjected to their weight. Famous last words: "Oh, I think I will come in here next to you because you are so nice and small."

by Linda L Eustice on Monday, August 04, 2008

I took a flight home during the red eye flight, and only had use of half a seat, at times I even put my arm over his body. Nice gentleman, however, I tore my back ligaments, and was in extreme pain for 3 months for it to heal. And I was taking supplements especially for this condition and I went to the chiropractor every day for about 3 weeks, before tapering off. I ran out of insurance, but thankfully, I used to work for the doctor, and he continued helping me. A friend who is a flight attendant said I should have gotten up and talked to the flight attendant and found another seat.

by Peggi Starkey on Monday, August 04, 2008

I have to tell you, I sat next to a very obese woman one flight and she simply flowed over into my seat, forcing me to scrunch up, keep my legs together and my body in a tight uncomfortable position. I was really angry, that this person's problem affected my trip, not to mention grossing me out. She should have had to buy too seats, instead of causing the person next to her to be squished further and more tightly into an already small travel chair.

by Cindy on Monday, August 04, 2008

Who decides what is "obese", and should ultra thin people pay less? After all , it would only be fair.

by Leslie Dunn on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Who owns the problem of airline seat infringement? I do not feel that the paying customer should have to "share " their seat with someone of size. That being said, should an obese person be asked to purchase another seat to fly. Just like a person in first class makes a choice to pay extra to fly, if you are obese, I believe the airline owns the problem of offering seats 1-1/2 times the size of the "average" seat, and obese people should be charged 1-1/2 times whatever it costs to fly in a seat they fit in. I also believe that people who are very tall should not be squeezed into seats where their knees are pressed to the back of the seat in front of them. So, I feel, the airline owns the problem of providing adequately-sized seating and the
"larger" person needs to pay their fair share to fly. If there is a surcharge for the weight of baggage, there should be a surcharge for the weight of "oversized" people. It's time that we hold the airline accountable for putting seats in the plane to accommodate the size of the individual.
Part of the ticketing process should be to identify excessive size so that the airline can accommodate these individuals and let them make an "informed" decision as to whether to pay their fair share or not fly.

by Eileen on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I am 6'4" and weigh 250... I easily fit into a seat and can buckle the seat belt... my shoulders may go beyond the limits of "my assigned space" Don't feel I should have to pay for an extra seat... I like a combination of Southwest and another's policy... If the plane is not full, assign the obese person next to an empty seat. If it is full, require the extra seat purchase... If a person cannot buckle the seat (a safety regulation) an accomodation needs to be made (a seat belt extention) the cost to use the extention should be the same as the extra seat.

by Tom Wallon on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

This is a horribly petty issue both on the part of the airlines and some readers. Of course I wish that airplanes offered more space for the money. But airline travel is uncomfortable for nearly everyone, even those of us who are quite petite. My boyfriend is 6'2", 250 and a broad-shouldered veteran. Yes, he takes up some of my space. But he disturbs my comfort far less than a screaming, airsick child. Mind you, the child can rarely help it any more than the larger person - my point is that an expectation of comfort in the budget section on a public conveyance is wishful thinking.

by Valerie on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I flew United cross country. I paid for a full seat. That isn't what I received!. There were two overly obese people, one on each side of my seat. They were travelling together and proceeded to lift their armrests in order to accommodate their FAT, which hung over into my seat on both sides. This was an arrogant move on the part of both fat bodied people. I asked to be moved and was told there were no other seats available, so I traveled like a sardine cross country. The whole flight was disgusting and obnoxious made so by arrogant fat people.
EVERYONE AND THEIR BAGS should be weighed together at the airport. Why should I pay for luggage when these fat ones, who weigh two and three times as much as me get a free lunch.

by bonnie on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Personal responsibility, man. If you're fat, be an adult and deal with it. Buy an extra seat......

by ross on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Have you ever had to sit next to an obese person who is too big to even put down the arm rest down? I have, luckily my boyfriend was on the other side of me. I had to lean on him the whole trip. It was very very uncomfortable. These obese people should consider other peoples space and feelings. I'm not one to make an issue but the next time you bet I will. The rule should state anyone over 250 pounds is required to purchase a first class seat or buy 2 economy seats. PERIOD.

by Kim Rauber on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Are we planning to ask all pregnant persons to pay for the extra seat (weight and number of persons occupying 1 seat) and the inconvenience of dealing with that bulk? Seems like we could all use a little bit of compassion for human conditions even though we aren't currently experiencing them. Shall we charge for nosiness or snotty behavior from those who don't like us as seatmates. Shall we charge for fashion faux pas? We can all find things that are offensive about our neighbors. Can we manage to find the good in any one else?

by formerly a heavyweight on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I agree with the comment that expecting comfort in economy is wishful thinking. I thought I would suggest something that I saw on Maersk Airlines . When you bought your seat you were asked if you wanted a small, medium, or large seat. I am 6'2" and 220 lbs and bought the small and fit well enough. What I liked was that the medium and large seats just cost proportionately more. They were not business class-like, they were just a bit bigger, you didnt get better service or anything.

Another thought: I think an airlines which caterd to the needs of bigger folk would get loyal business from them. SO let the market adapt.

by Andrew on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I think that obese people should be required to buy an extra seat. Maybe they could determine who needs an extra seat by whether or not you can fit in the regular seatbelt. if you need an extension than you need to buy an extra seat. Or maybe they could buy a first class or business class ticket. I think determining who needs to buy an extra seat by weight is deceiving. Height also plays a factor in weight. If you are over 6 feet tall, you could easily reach 250 and not really be obese.

by Bonnie on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Okay, now this is coming from a small person. I am 5' tall and weigh 120 when I am running daily and dripping wet. I am an athetically built person and very compact. I, do, however have very long legs. I have never been "trapped" next to someone of size, but I think it would be hard for me as I am claustrophobic and get pissed off when people invade my space.

I have friends that are "people of size". One of them literally can't help it much. She eats less than me and works out, but her whole family is overweight and the doctors think there is something with their metabolism that won't allow them to be very slim. I couldn't imagine telling her, "no, you may not fly unless you purchase another seat". The airlines don't tell me I can't fly because I am at risk for having an asthma attack in the air. It's not like she can do much more to control it.

I think that people of size should NOT infringe. However, I think they should just be given two seats. They paid just like I did. I think at least they should be offered a less populated flight where they will not have to pay first. Perhaps it is unrealistic, but I think it would be more humane.

by colorisnteverything on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Last year a really overweight person sat in the middle seat next to me on a full, short flight from Denver to Oklahoma City on United. Although I was able to wedge in behind his back bacon and lean into the aisle for the take-off and landing, I had to stand at the back of the plane during the (luckily) smooth flight. I complained to United and they sent me a $100 coupon - I thought this was basically reasonable, but I would've preferred it if they had some sort of set policy to deal with this sort of situation.

by Karl on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Aren't many of us just tired of paying for a seat and having someone who technically qualifies as a 1-seat passsanger-with the aid of a lapbelt extender-quite literally oozing over, under and around the armrest and into our space. Can't be comfortable for them, is definitely not for me! Here's a thought: maybe reward those of us who fit in the seat. Bonus points for wearing ample deodorant...

by Sandi on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I was very interested in your "heavy" poll and tried on several occasions via your "read the post", take "our poll", & "poll" links and all I got were the poll results. I never reached any place to take the "poll". HOW DOES ONE "TAKE THE POLL"? It makes me suspicious that the "poll" is just a figment to get interest in your website.

by Brian Maginness on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

If my suitcase and I weigh well under 200 pounds why should I have to pay the same as a heavy person who still has luggage? Maybe the airlines should take an average of person and luggage weight and charge for the number of pounds over a certain weight.

by Susan on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

You may have to click on "View Survey" to vote in the poll.

by George Hobica on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

If the obese person does not pay extra for their seat I should pay less because with an obese person next to me I have less space and comfort.

by p. len on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

My family is full of clinically obese people, and virtually all of them whine when advised by docs or friends to simply cut down their portion sizes. One of them recently outgrew the EXTENDED seat belts that the airlines (and rental cars) provide, & expected the companies to come up with LARGER extended seat belts so that HE would not be inconvenienced.

And it's not until after these relatives reached clinical obesity size that they claimed the reason they couldn't lose weight NOW is because exercising hurts their knees. Guess they're grateful they can still exercise their elbows and wrists, all day long. Oh, and their jaws, too.

I'm not an obese traveler, but am a frequent one--I have well over a million miles on one airline, and close to it on several others, and have been seated next to what seems like far more than my share of them. The worst time, which was 30 years ago but which I'll never forget, involved a middle seat between two sweaty obese people, each leaning toward me in their seats, on a Red Eye from LA to NYC. Oh my God, sometimes I still relive that interminable night.

I say this to the faces of obese family members and I'll say it here: I will NOT permit someone obese to raise the armrest in order to fit into a seat; that armrest is for MY convenience. I do NOT enjoy the odor that the obese folks frequently emit. I understand it is hard to keep lots of perspiration (& smelly bacteria) from accumulating in the fat folds, and I understand that you wish you didn't HAVE an odor problem--but you do, and your wishing otherwise doesn't mean I want to sit one inch away from you--for hours. I also find that, every time an obese seatmate has to swivel in any direction (like reaching forward to lower a tray or get a magazine, or turning to look out the window), a tremendous amount of grunting & groaning seems to take place, and that is extremely annoying.
Yes, I know those of you who are clinically obese would rather not have this problem . And, for SOME of you, it truly is not your fault (altho that's a minority, based on my own family). However, that does NOT mean I should get squished into my seat, forego what tiny amount of personal space I have in coach anyway, and be prisoner to your sounds and smells.

Very tall people, like pro basketball players, have to either sit in the bulkhead or buy a first class ticket to give them enough room for their legs--their vertical space. I don't see any reason why people who need extra horizontal space shouldn't have to buy two tickets, or a business or first class ticket in a larger area where the seats aren't attached to each other.
I'm suffering enough with what it costs to travel.

by Dana on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Why limit this to obese flyers? I have been on flights when I've sat next to a man who cannot sit with his knees together, but has to spread them out in both the aisle and window seats. Why not make them pay for two or even three seats? Or, the guys who take over the arm rests and stick their elbows into your side? Let's charge them for two seats too! Yes, if someone has to lift the armrest in order to fit in his or her seat, I think they should purchase another seat. It isn't fair to have someone have to lean or jockey for a comfortable position in the seat they paid for. But, I also think people like 6'4" Doughco, who has to sit with his legs to the side, should also need to purchase a second seat if he cannot keep his legs in his own seat area. If this is going to happen, let it be fair to everyone!

by jed on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I feel I don't just buy my seat but also the little bit of space around me. If someone takes up my space I end up paying for their space. I am also against people that insist on raising the arm rest between us. This is taking my space. Also people have fallen asleep on me, My Space!

by leah Giles on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Airlines could give you a free weight for you plus your luggage (up to 250 lbs for example) and then charge for every pound above that. I feel I have been subsidizing fat people and people who seem to need to bring an inordinate amount of luggage.

by Ron on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

You people honestly disgust me. As if overweight people (by your standards) aren't treated enough like cattle already by airlines, amusement parks, and the looks of every single one of you on the streets of this country, now some of you are actually suggesting "pay by the pound." Where would the scale be? Right at the gate, I'm sure, positioned perfectly for the ultimate humiliation. When will the 82% of people who feel like this realize that these sick tactics of humiliating people into losing weight only make those of us who are bigger see you for what you really are: a cruel, bigoted, over-entitled lot of cretins.

Humiliation doesn't serve anyone but the people who get off on watching it happen.

by hp on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I am a 5', 90 lbs. woman. An obese passenger sitting next to me always overflows the arm rest between us and the floor space, encroaching on my space and body. I end up being crushed and very uncomfortable for the duration of the flight. Where are my rights to an entire seat of my own when I have paid for it, and not just 2/3 of a seat. In fairness I should get a discount for occupying just 2/3 of a seat. As for luggage, why can a 350 lb. passenger get away with checking a 49 lb. bag while I would have to pay extra for a 51 lb. bag? To treat everyone fairly, shouldn't weight rules take into account the sum of body & luggage?

by Dot on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

I will admit that I am overwieght and do travel. I have stage IV cancer and am on high doses of steriods which makes you get bigger. I always travel with my daughter and we sit next to each other so no one is incovienced. I bought my own seat belt extension so I do not inconvience the staff of the plane. Do I want to be fat and embarrassed by other travelers and the airplane staff of course not. I do however have the right to travel to get to spend time with family with the little time I have left and to get treatment. When did we as a community lose empathy? Unless you know someones battle and are in their shoes, you do not have the right to pass judgement.

by Kiki on Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Have you ever sat next to someone who rolled over into your seat? I have! I weigh about 120 pounds and seriously have been placed next to more over weight people than I can count on flights. Some by chance other times probably on purpose. I end up sitting on the far side of my seat with their overflow into the remaining portion. I should get a partial refund for the half I don't get to use. The worse part is that the seats have become smaller and my portion is getting less and less. I think they should be put in two seats to relieve the rest of us of this discomfort. If they have to pay for it...so be it, or fly first class where the seats are bigger and more separate!

by Margaret on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Seat width have not necessarily shrunk, but seat pitch has, along with the edge of the seat cushion to the back of the seat in front. That is airlines are adding rows to a cabin to increase revenue. Althought exit window seat MUST comply with a F.A.R. standard (15 C.F.R. 121.585). With that being said, how do you feel about a larger person, barely making it in w/ a seat belt extension AT THE EXIT ROW?! As a cabin attendant, we are required to brief the exit row, then try to determine if the individual(s)are qualified to perform those duties to include quick mobility to remove the window/door and not to cause an obstruction for themselves or others at the said exit. If we challenge the passgr. we may be discriminating-thus a law suit. This happened recently and I determined that the large person could stay at the exit only because he was there alone-seats empty on both sides and exit row in front was empty. I briefed my crew that we should consider that particular window side exit should be considerd unusable. (I personally thought the individual would get stuck and plug up that window exit). How he was assigned that seat prior to boarding-I don't know. But I am getting tired of dealing with this problem and leaving the obese issue up to cabin attendants.

by flygirl on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Wouldn't it be nice if the airlines would have one or two larger seats for these unfortunate people and they could be requested when booking. I recently flew Southwest and thankfully there were a couple empty seats because when I sat on an isle seat, the window seat was taken by a heavy woman that there absolutely would not have been room for anyone in that middle seat except a 30 lb. child. I can't imagine what a person would do if that was the only seat left to take. One can only imagine a five or six hour trip squeezed into such a predicament!

by Dee on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

As a frequent flyer its tough to get into a situation where you have someone spilling over into your seat. However, I think that there may be a better/more cost effective solution than purchasing a second seat. How about business class, the seats are more roomy-is that less expensive but effective? The airlines that allow two seats when not sold out, or reimburse after the fact seem to be on the ball. I have an aversion to "punishing" those with weight issues, but this is a problem and those that need extra space need to be part of the solution.

by Judy on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

My Question is this-- where do you draw the line???

I am about 5'7", female, and about 300lbs. I work hard to lose weight, but I have a variety of health problems that make it extremely difficult.

With your standard 16"-17" wide airline seat, I can get the standard seatbelt, *without an extender*, fastened, but I am "hippy" and have a little trouble getting the armrest all the way down. (It's usually all the way down except for an inch.) I overflow maybe 2 inches to the side, and I go out of my way to scoot to the side and try to make my seatmates comfortable.

But I've been thin in past, and spent multiple flights hunched over & leaned forward due to large flyers-- not necessarily fat, but large.

I can see requiring people who need a seatbelt extender or are clearly far too large to buy an extra seat. God forbid I ever get that big, but if I do, I will accept the fact I need more room.

But the seats have shrunk, and people have gotten larger-- not just fatter, but larger.

Personally, I've always gone by the rule that if the seatbelt fits around me, then the seat should fit under me. But I've asked to move and gotten nasty comments right and left.

There is no one solution--the very large need to be prepared to pay for extra room, but the airlines need to give people a little more room in general. And everyone needs to be more understanding-- larger folks need to realize what an incovienence and discomfort they're causing other passengers, and do their best to make amends, but smaller passengers need to realise thaty is frequently very difficult to lose extra weight, and being nasty and rude isn't going to magically make us shrink. Anymore, I almost automatically apologise to anyone who has to sit next to me.

Ultimately, though, I favor my "standard" indicator, as I said above:

If the non-extended seatbelt fits around me then the seat should dang well fit under me.

by Alyson on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Listen to you people! Is this truly all you have to worry about? If it is, count yourself lucky. I think you should all be less concerned with how large Americans are getting, and more concerned with how hateful and self-serving they are getting. Oh my goodness, a heavy person sat next to you on an airplane. You should be granted sainthood.

Someplace on this earth today, a mother will watch her child die from a simple disease, or lack of food or clean water. Now there is something to be upset about.

Perhaps it is not the person next to you. Maybe you are just uncomfortable because you have to be in your own shallow company.

by Kelly on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Just a couple of notes:
Airlines sell seats based on volume of the seat, not the weight of the passenger, otherwise my 4 year old daughter would fly (nearly) free. Since she takes a seat, she is charged. However, if you require more than one seat, you should be charged for more than one seat. Since you cannot purchase a fraction of a second seat - two seats. Thats how it has to work. The alternative is to have a scale in the ticketing area and charge by the pound...think a lot of flights are late now?
Lastly, I agree that "people of size" have the right to not be discriminated against. However, if you need more than one seat, that is fact, not discrimination. Refusing a blind person a driver's license is not discrimination, merely facing reality.

by Jim on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

About 2 years ago I was on a trans-atlantic flight aboard British Airways. I had a window seat and the seat next to me was consumed by an extreme overweight woman. I am 5'3 and weight about 120 lbs. For 9.5 hours I could hardly move. I was pressed to my left side against the window and after my flight ended I was extremely sore and mad. This woman bulged over the top of the armrest into my space. I had about half the space I should have had. Believe me when I say that the seats are also getting smaller as the airlines try to cram more seating space in the aircraft. Some of these flights and this one was not much better, even I with my short legs, have a problem with the size and knee space in front of me. The first time I was able to get out of the seat I politely asked the flight attendant if I could be seated elsewhere, but unfortunately for me, the flight was full. I had to ask this person 2 times to let me out and it took approximately 3 to 4 minutes for her to exit the seat and into the aisle. Needless to say I stood up quite some time, at least until I was told to go back to my seat. Not only was this person large but also did not have a very good odor, it was suffocating! I feel that I should have been reimbursed for my fare. I made a formal complaint upon arrival, but all was to no avail.

I think that all larger persons should be required to purchase a second seat say at 50% of the 1st ticketed price. It is just not fare to us smaller folks to have our already limited space taken up by another body encroaching our space.

by Donna on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Gail - have you ever tried to ship a horse - do you have any idea what it costs - how many thousands ??? Please note you will also pay for all of his equipment, feed, etc. - his "luggage" - and you can bet it's not $25. So by your horse comparison, if you weight half as much as a horse, you should pay half as much as a horse does to fly. Please also note, if you are injured while on a trip and need more than one seat to accomodate you, your stretcher, your cast, whatever, you WILL pay for the extra seats. An airline ticket is a contract - the airline offers and you accept a seat of a certain size/space - they should deliver that space to EVERY passenger. If I go to ship something and it doesn't fill the shipping company's one size box, does that mean the shipping company has the right to put someone else's excess in my box because that customer wants to ship more than what will fit into their box and doesn't want to pay for the second box - I think not. It's a contract for carriage and should be dealt with as such.

by Horse owner on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

It is not only uncomfortable for the obese person to stuff themselves in a seat meant for an extra small human being (seat size being the point, here) but it is VERY uncomfortable for the passenger next to the extra large person! I have had two experinces with this type of situation. They were "in my space" as it were; one of them had a severe cold and was sneezing, wheezing and blowing his nose - M I S E R A B L E..... If he'd had more room, it may very well have been more comfortable for both of us.....
Certainly they didn't get in that condition without a clue - so, in keeping with hopefully persons not in denial, they should be allowed/required to purchase the seat next to them, unless the plane is not full.

by Janie Price on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

I shared my seat for 4-1/2 hours with my hubby because the person at the window was so large we could not put the arm rest down (thus no movie) nor could I use my tray. Something has to be put into place, please.

by F Dilliplaine on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

I think there should be a base price that everyone pays for a seat on an airplane. In addition to the base price, there should be a charge based on weight, using say increments of 25 lbs. The total cost of the flight for the passenger would then equal the base price plus the weight price. For instance, if the weight price were $25/25 lbs and the base price were $100, and the passenger and his/her belongings weighed 200 lbs the total travel cost would be: $100 + (8)($25) = $200.

by Nancy Miller on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

We fly Midwest Signature Service explicitly because of the room in coach that they provide (very large comfortable seats). I don't really need them (I'm 6'1" and relatively large, but I do fit in a normal coach seat without issues for neighboring passengers), but my wife does not.

If Midwest ends up not surviving, I suspect we simply won't fly.

by Prootwadl on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

I would be willing to sit next to an obese person with no comments rather than hurt the feelings of another human being. Never, never would I make a fuss about being next to a person who overflowed into my space. I hope that all of us would be that humane.

by Jann Williams on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Sensitive topic? Perhaps, but not a surprise to anyone. Why not charge? Or, maybe give the poor person next to the 'large' one a discount -- up to 100% -- for bearing the impact.

by Tom on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

In the past, I would have said "no way".....did you see the scene in "Why Did I Get Married?" How humiliating. However, I do not fly often and I was on a flight this spring where I had reserved a window seat in advance. When I boarded the plane, a large man (who apparently did not speak English well) was sitting in my window seat. After commenting that I was in A5 (or whatever the seat was) and getting no response, I chose to let that go since it appeared he was probably better off in the window seat than in the middle (there were 3 seats together). I sat in the middle and he spilled over into about 1/4 of my seat. This forced me to lean uncomfortable close to the man on my other side and sit in a distorted, very uncomfortable position. Finally, I put the food tray down and leaned forward on it with my elbows and read for the duration of the flight. Therefore, I would have to say that, unfortunately, in some circumstances, there really should be some sort of rule in place because it is unfair to other passengers. I don't know that I think they should have to buy an entire extra ticket, but perhaps an additional fee charged for passengers over a certain weight.

by kharris on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

My wife was bumped out her reserved aisle seat to a center seat by the airline. When we saw the seatbelt extender in the vacant seat we knew we had a problem. The occupant was a very nice gentlleman but to say he encoachedd into the aisle and into my wife's space there was only one thing for me to do - sit as close as possible to rhe window..

by Daniel Morgan on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

If a person is obese and presents a problem for the passenger sitting besides him/her, yes, they should purchase and additional seat.

by Luisa Juska on Thursday, August 07, 2008

This is such a difficult question. I don't think passengers should have to be inconvenienced by someone spilling into their seat, but I also don't think it is kind to make someone who is overweight pay for two seats. We are on such a slope of intolerance in this country that is very discouraging to me. While I can hear the disagreement as I write this, I think the answer is to set it up similar to the insurance industry. The cost of those who are sick is spread among all. Thus someone who is healthy is partially paying for those who are sick. I propose having a row with larger seats designated for "large passengers," where the customer must be 250 lbs or greater to sit there. The airline would lose two seats for sale because of this that could be made up partly by the large passenger (say $50 more) and by each other passenger paying one or two more dollars. When purchasing the seats, the person must click that they are over 250 lbs. To keep people who are not "large" from abusing the system, similar to senior fares, if the person shows up at 120 lbs wanting the "bigger" seat, they will be denied unless the seat is either not needed or the flight isn't full. In that instance they run the risk of being put in a center seat if that is all that is left. I'd rather pay a couple of dollars more for us to remain emphathetic to one another.

by Susan on Thursday, August 07, 2008

I've always liked the motto "Your rights stop where mine begin". If I buy an airline seat, I expect to have that seat to myself. If your girth intrudes into my space, you are invading my rights. Either buy two seats in economy or one in Business/First Class.

by Vicki on Thursday, August 07, 2008

Exxcuuuse me! I really got weary from reading all these comments from both fatties and skinnies. My opinion: this problem should be owned by the airline. If the seat is too small for today's larger human - for gawd's sake enlarge the seats for the comfort of all! I would really like air travel a whole lot more if the seats were more comfortable. I'm "normal" sized and it's like a torture chamber travelling on a 5 or 6 hour flight. Hence - many trips to the rest room!

by Dandy's Mom on Thursday, August 07, 2008

BEING AN OVERWEIGHT PERSON, I AM VERY CONSCIOUS OF INFRINGING ON OTHER PEOPLES SPACE. IT IS EMBARASSING FOR THE OVERWEIGHT PERSON TO ASK FOR AN EXTENDER. THIS IS WHY I ONLY FLY JET BLUE. NOT ONLY ARE THEIR SEATS ACCOMMODATING, BUT SO ARE THEIR SEAT BELTS. THE LEGROOM IS AWESOME. NOT TO MENTION THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ARE THE MOST PLEASANT ANYWHERE. FLIGHTS ARE GETTING VERY EXPENSIVE AND IF THEY BEGIN TO CHARGE FOR TWO SEATS, THIS WILL MEAN NO TRAVEL FOR MANY. UNFORTUNATELY MANY PEOPLE HAVE HEALTH ISSUES THAT PREVENT THEM FROM LOSING WEIGHT. OH WHAT I WOULDN'T GIVE TO BE A TOOTHPICK.

by JK on Thursday, August 07, 2008

Obeasties ruin everything.
I don't want their body butter on me.
Instead of letting them fly, make them walk.

by obeasties suck on Friday, August 08, 2008

There are all kinds of discrimination, of which this is one. If the airlines would make seats fit the "majority" of people, instead of economizing to get more seats on a plane, than this would really be limited to very few. How embarrassing it is for those customers to be told they must buy another seat. Is this done in front of others? Sounds like all the airlines need to rethink this policy. What about crying children, if I have to sit next to one of those, should I get discounted for my "space" being compromised?

by Not an obese customer on Friday, August 08, 2008

As far as the overweight issue on planes.
I see both sides, but as a somewhat short woman, I have been pushed and had my space invaded by younger people of both sexes and by men who are [in general] larger. Some of these people were just rude and believed their right to space was greater than mine, but many - not fat people take up more than one economy seat. So should broad shouldered people and all others who overflow the seat also be charged?

by