"Uncooperative Passenger Ignores Seatmate's Request for Space:", Oversized Female Traveler Away Due to Disregard by Fellow Flier Regarding Armrest Space
In a recent incident on a United flight, a passenger found themselves in a uncomfortable situation due to an obese couple requesting to use their armrest space. The incident, which was vented on Reddit, sparked frustration over the lack of clear policies on seating issues involving larger passengers.
The passenger, seated in a window seat, was enjoying the flight with the armrest down, while the couple found the flight uncomfortable for the rest of the 3-hour journey. The passenger declined the couple's request and the matter was escalated to a flight attendant, who explained that no passenger is required to give up the space they paid for.
This incident has led to a call for change, with the passenger demanding that airlines find solutions for larger passengers. Some airlines are already taking steps to address this issue. For instance, Southwest Airlines has a generous policy regarding "Customers of Size," allowing larger passengers to buy an extra seat and receive a refund later. Air France offers a 25% discount on extra seats for larger-bodied passengers if the seat width is not sufficient.
In a bid to improve accommodation, some airlines have moved from free seat selection to assigned seating, and airports and airlines also implement automated services like self bag drop and electronic boarding gates to enhance passenger comfort. Dutch-Turkish carrier Corendon Airlines even announced in 2024 that it would offer child-free cabin space for an extra fee on its flights between Amsterdam and Curacao.
However, most airlines do not prioritize improving the travel experience for economy class travelers. Readers praised the passenger in the original post for holding their ground and one offered a practical solution involving refunds or upgrades for being inconvenienced.
A poll question was posed to readers about the effectiveness of airlines in handling seating issues involving larger passengers. The article emphasizes the importance of airlines addressing this issue, not just for the comfort of larger passengers, but for the overall well-being of all travelers.
Image credits: Pascal Borener / Pexels, EyeEm / Freepik, NotSureAnyway, and freepik / Freepik.
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