There’s no denying it’s a weighty issue. What should airlines do with passengers who don’t fit comfortably into their assigned seat?
Many coach seats measure a mere 17 inches wide, which doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room for larger fliers. When overweight passengers spill into their neighbor’s seat, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable for both parties — and a safety hazard to boot. And with nearly one-third of U.S. adults meeting the definition of obesity, this is a situation airlines — and travelers — face daily.
As noted in the latest Middle Seat column by The Wall Street Journal’s Scott McCartney, many carriers have instituted formal policies to deal with “passengers of size.” The rules may make people who don’t fit into one seat buy an extra ticket, or wait for another flight that has two empty seats next to each other. But simply using two seats rather than one might not be a good solution either, says a spokeswoman for the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance; she notes in the article that issues with seatbelts and armrests may compromise safety and comfort, and that most people don’t need two full seats anyway.
One potential solution that some have suggested is wider seats that would cost more: Airlines could include a few rows of wider seats on their planes and charge extra for them, as many carriers do for seats with additional legroom.
That’s just one idea for accommodating larger passengers. What ideas do you have for resolving this issue? What have been your experiences flying as a “passenger of size” or sitting next to one? Share your thoughts with other travelers in the comments section.
I was flying on a small commuted jet that had two rows of two seats on each side of the aircraft with an aisle down the center. I was in a seat by the window when a “couple of size” (really big size) boarded. They each took an aisle seat across from each other, one in the seat next to me. They were both comfortable and continued to add to their size during the flight while I was crushed against the bulkhead. I felt that it was rude that they did not take seats next to each other but it was evident that they only cared for their own comfort.
I feel that “people of size” should be restricted to first class, where the seats are larger, on planes that offer those accommodations, or be required to purchase two seats if only standard seating is offered. Perhaps the second seat can be offered at a discount for “bulk” purchases.
We've all been in the situation where we see the fat person get on the plane, and can't help but think, "goddamn, I hope that person doesn't sit next to me." And of course, they walk down the isle, put their *** in the overhead bin, and plop down next to you. It's the worst experience anyone can have while flying, sitting next to someone of large circumference, touching the whole time, smelling them, being crushed by them. It sucks, and the airlines have to deal with it. What are they supposed to do? make the seats bigger because 50% of americans can't fit? NO! that's the worst thing they can do, if that happens they are just giving in, and encouraging those people to stay they way they are, it may be unethical, but the best thing for them is to feel embarrassed, to feel fat and gross. Let's go through the thought process of a fat person while flying. situation 1: "What?!?! I have to pay for two seats because I'm over the seat weight limit? Ok, I guess i'll do it this time, but apparently I need to lose some weight before I fly again." Situation 2: "this is so uncomfortable, I'm making life for this person miserable, 5 hours of taking up their seat, Do I smell? probably I haven't put deodorant on in the last 30 minuets and it's kinda hot in here. Maybe I should lose some weight before I fly again, I feel so embarrassed"
WoW! look at that, two situations where weight is lost!!!!!!! We're doing these people a favor by making them pay for two seats!!!!!
This is so easy!!! Airlines are in the customer service and transportation industry. They need to look at their client base and design seat space accordingly. Some smart airline will figure this out and become the preferred provider. That is how capitalism works! This argument is a ridiculous as a shoe company saying that they are only going to make shoes in size seven. If you need a size nine, stuff your foot or buy two pair. It is no more reasonable for a small person to have all that extra room than it is for a large person to have insufficient room. The idea is what does it take to move people from point A to point B. efficiently.
I have to travel on business and am a person of "size" and believe me... I stress over where my seat is for weeks before I fly. I am very concerned and will make myself uncomfortable to make sure who I am sitting next to is comfortable. Not all large people are rude. To Wedman, you are apparently a fool. I do not smell and do not apply deodorant any more often than you do. I do not spill over onto your seat because I am going to lean against the wall and actually pick my "roll" up and put it over the armrest going against the wall. I will be bruised when i get up but you are more comfortable and to me, that is all that matters - I dont want to be embarassed, you probably make fun of your children when they get hurt thinking that will make them change their behavior. It does not, all it does do is breed hostility and hate. For the most part, I have not had any incidents flying. I have been asked if I had my seat belt fastened and I always do - I bought my own extender and take it on the plane. I try to get on the plane early so I can get buckled up and then I am down until the plane lands. So if I have to use the bathroom - I hold it, whereas you dont have to. I wont ask for a drink because I can't put the tray down completely and I am embarassed by that. So, I have to stay thirsty. My experiences are mine, I dont know about anyone else. I do fit into the seat but it is tight. I probably could buckle my seatbelt without an extender but I would have to recline and then struggle to get it buckled and that would cause a scene. I simply buckle and pull my shirt over one of the "buckles" so it looks like I have a normal seatbelt without the extender. I think something as simple as a few rows with wider seats for an extra $15 per flight segment is reasonable. I would pay it. OR, just remove the armrest on the side of the plane on the window seat - that would be perfect for me.
Wedman, your comment makes me throw up! how in this world can be people so rude, nasty, cold and ignorant like you?
Shame on you! your mother should be embarrased to have a son like you, so discriminatory person!
I don't see a problem here. All airlines should enforce a rule mandating that "passengers of size" must be seated next to each other!
What could be more appropo?
Well, i dont want to step on anyone's toes but i have had a flight where i was in between two "persons of size". This was the most uncomfortable flight i have ever taken. I was placed on a full flight, so there wasnt any place for me to move to. Both of the rather "full-figured gentlemen" were physically in their seats and in my seat. I didnt want to say something that would hurt their feelings, but it became so hot in between the two of them, i swear i got close. The overhead air didnt work. I began to sweat pretty bad and they were sweating also. We were touching the entire way acroos the country. From the north eastern seaboard to the south west. Now, i am paranoid about boarding a plane that if very full and i see someone of size in line. After landing i have to go to the washroom and change clothes.
I do beleive that they should charge plane tickets according to weight. We are on heavy weight restrictions for luggage, liquids and everything else to help save feul. I think that personal weight should be included in that.
It is but fair and righteous that both passengers of heavy set and regular size be justly charge differently. Like add 1/2 price for people travelling longer to be relaxed either fat or slim according to their comfortability. Airlines should have a weighing scale once you step inside the door plane it will automatically tell your weight in which you have to buy a bigger seat if you exceed a weight level mandatory to Airline rules. And if you are normal weight and want more space and legroom you could buy the 1 1/2 seat too. In which this is all a win, win situation for the heavy/normal weight and for the Airlines too. And for the Airlines not to be sued by the heavy weights, they have to sign a waiver not to sue the Airline just in case of discrimination, in which some will do take advantage of it. There are nice overweight people and some rude and don't care attitudes just like other normal weight people too. People who are normal weight should be thankful to God, that they do not have the obesity genes in them like some do. And should not be so discrimatory. You should know that obese people have a hard time cleaning themselves due to their weight and unreachable parts. So count your blessings if you are not and pray for a medicine that they will discover for obesity. I am not an obese person, I am slim and pleasing to the eyes of a lot of people, but I never look down on peoples mishape or hardship. So do likewise, cause some day it might bite you.
I suggest airlines have at least 2 rows of Wider Seats to accomodate heavier passengers, just like Funeral Parlors have over-sized coffins for obese people. There should be seating available, not just in airplanes, but everywhere, for the unfortunate obese, as there is for the disabled and impaired and not charged extra. Obesity is an impairment!!!
each plane should have 6 to 8 seats for obese people @1.5 times cost
I think the airline needs to make some rows of seats bigger and charge more for them. If you cannot fit in your seat and you spill over to mine, it is not fair to me. I paid for my seat too and I want my whole seat. Or, put all obese people in the same row. They can be miserable together.
Wow, there really are a lot of weird assholes out there.
