I Bought The Whole Seat

[pearl]

I bought the whole seat shouldn't I get to use the whole seat?

I had to fly Horizon Air down to Southern Oregon this afternoon. Flight was full except the seat next to me. Then I see her walk in the door turn sideways and shuffle down the asile.
I have the out side seat and she the window. Lady wedges in, plops down and now I only have half a seat left to sit in . Her back side was like a small SUV and so big the arm rest couldn't be put down. She needed an extension on the lap belt. She was so big I thought we were having a solar eclipse when she sat in front of the window.

Seats were full and I didn't want to make a scene or embarass the lady so I made due for 45 minutes.

Bottom line is that paid a couple hundred bucks for the seat and I deserve to be able to sit in some what comfort while I travel.

What responsibility should the airline have for ensuring the comfort of all passengers. People buy tickets on line so you can't size them up a point of purchase. Should they deny her on board on a full flight? Charge for two seats? Should I just suck it up? I bought the seat and want to use the seat.

Sticky issue I know and I'm no 150 pounder by any means but come on!!!

P.S. I won't even go into the little sticky faced yard ape that sat behind me and kicked the back of my half seat all the way down. Think I'll drive home tomorrow.

[Big TULE]

I feel your pain brother...
I am the same size as you, as you know...
If they deny her, or him. I have seen both, they will be slapped with a lawsuit. So they will not say anything...
I think the woman should have paid for the other half of your seat...

[fish_on]

When that happens I make sure the arm rest in down. If you can't fit between the arm rests buy 2 seats or drive.

[fishboys]

Pearl buddy, tough draw man, I don't think I would of let that slide. You paid for a seat not a half of a seat. Oh by the way I might be able to help you a little on your grand slam on the Columbia or at least 2 legs of it. Like I have told you before when you have room for a dough ball let me know. I just happen to know one who likes to fish every now and then . And maybe we could trade beverages or sumtin.

[StickFish]

Oh, boy - oh man! Have I been there.

Way over a million miles in the air - mine all transcon. Had the exact thing happen several times and 3+ hours just wasn't. I'd ring the call button, steward(ess) would come to see what was up and I'd just point. They would inspect tickets and all - eventually I got moved, once to first class.

it sucked, but sorry, I just wasn't ging to be that uncomfortable for that long. Pearl you are a better man than me!

[Ryan Pultz]

Being a Big boy when we fly we make sure all three of our seats are next to each other that way its all in the Family. As for being that well I am not I can fit between the armrest I thought Alaska/ Horizons had a rule about that some place sorry about your inconvenience but hey at least it was only 45 minutes rp

[Joe Schwab]

I hate to date myself but I flew commercial from Portland to Denver on a DC3. There was so much room in those old seats it was like a Lazyboy. But times have changed and airlines have to make money. I'm 6"6" and tip it at 300+. I can still fit between the armrests but it is getting ridiculously tight. It really hacks me when they give bulkhead seats to some little mother and her rugrats who don't stay in their seats anyway. Several times on Alaska trips they slipped me into first class for nothing.

I really have to feel for those who are larger than me.

[RogueFishr]

Originally Posted by pearl

She was so big I thought we were having a solar eclipse when she sat in front of the window.

I would have complained. Probably not in front of the lady, and made a scene, but after the flight at least. I don't think it should violate anyones rights for the ticket agent to ask if you weigh more than most household appliances. If you can't reasonably fit between the arm rests, you should either have to pay for 2 seats, or at least the airline should not seat (squeeze) someone right beside them. I was on a flight to Vegas once, and got sandwiched (literally) between two people. I went up and asked the flight attendant if I could get another seat, which they promptly gave me, but the flight was not full.

I would at least call the airline. My opinion on this is probably not politically correct though........


RF

[goodkarma]

I have a very similar story and a conclusion. I was flying back from San Jose and the plane was full. I ended up with a middle seat and when I arrived to my row, there was a very large woman in the isle seat. She had the arm rest up and was consuming both seats, hers and mine. I politely told her that was my seat and she managed to get up. I sat down, put the arm rest down, and put my seat belt on. She proceded to pull the arm rest UP and start to sit down. "I'm sorry mam, but the arm rest is basically our property line and I own everything on this side of it." she protested a bit but sensing I would not relent, she wedged herself into her seat. She completely consumed the arm rest and her stomach was touching the seat in front of her. Soon enough, her.....um, body had completely consumed the arm rest and she was now hanging 1/2 way over my leg and shoulder. Honestly, take a minute to visualize this.....she's now melting over me. Even the extended seat belt would barely fit.
I didn't want to be mean or make a scene and I knew there were no other seats so I made a deal with the stewart to give me free drinks, he smiled and accomadated.
When I got home, I wrote a letter to Alaska airlines outlining the whole story. I included dates, seat numbers, and flight info. I basically told them just what you said, "I paid for a full seat and didn't get it"....they sent me a full fare free ticket anywhere in the US.
Honestly, it pays to make your case. Make it in a professional manner and I think you should expect something in return. You might point out that the airline staff had an opportunity at several points to prevent this situation, the ticket counter, the gate check-in, and the on flight staff should have easily seen the problem.
good luck.

[ampersat]

I was on a small commuter flight once and one of the passengers was a rather hefty lady. Embarrassing as it was for her, they actually had to rearrange the luggage under the plane and a few of the folks in the cabin to get the plane to balance out (they actually told us that). They sold her a seat on a plane, just like they did me. No one told her that the seat she was being sold wasn't going to fit her rather large proportions.

Do you suppose the same way there's that box along the check-in line for your carry-on bags, there should be a seat along the same line and folks get surcharged for how much they extend beyond the armrest? I'm all for what's fair; maybe they should index the price of the seats for the skinniest of our population and surcharge everyone who isn't skinny. What about genetic disorders? If a person is large because they choose to eat McDonalds for breakfast, lunch and dinner, that's one thing; but if someone has a thyroid or pituitary condition, is it fair to charge them more for a seat on a plane? That's verging on discrimination based on a medical condition.

As a side note to this discussion, I believe that clothes should be sold by weight. The guy who pulls an X-small off the rack pays the same as the guy who pulls XX-large off the same rack. It's twice the material and almost twice the stitching but the price is the same. What's up with that? I can't get twice the food at a restaurant for the same price simply because I'm hungrier than the next guy. I don't get gas at half price because I drive a v8 pickup while the next guy has a Prius.

[Danno]

I'll add to the story to show how powerless the airlines are. I had the same type of lady come down the ilse. There were few seats left but I was in the emergency exit row so I figured I was safe. That's when she pointed to the middle seat and asked me to let her in. I was in the isle seat.

Now, I'm a big guy but I realize my size and make sure I stay within my seat with the arm rest down even if it means I keep my arms crossed for the entire flight in order to keep from impressing myself on someone else.

She had me by at least 50 pounds and couldn't fold her arms across her because of her size (guess where they ended up?). She needed the extension seat belt. I got up and walked back to the back and pointed out to the attendant that there was no way this lady could get out of her seat, open the emergency door, lift it out of the way (not due to strength but due to room) and then there was little likelyhood that she could fit out the emergency exit door. The Alaska attendant said she'd make a pass and check it out. Eventually another attendant came by and asked each of us in the isle if we could preform the duties expected on us for being in those seats. The attendant looked the fat lady right in the eye letting her know with body language that others were we concerned. The big lady acknowledged that she could (hah!).

Later in the flight, the attendant told me that was all they could do in that situation. Apparently, the only people they can keep out of the emergency row was kids. I've even sat next to 90 pound 80 year old men and women and can't believe they can let them sit there. At least they don't take up two seats and I could get around them to handle the e-door if I had to.

I have dozens of airline stories as I used to fly a lot. Most people think flying for a living is glamorous until they do it themselves. I'm glad I don't anymore and as I look at new jobs, I always note that I prefer not to travel for the company.

[Thumper]

I dunno..... Seems like the fat ladies are getting all the heat here. Believe me, there are an equal number of, if not more, fat guys.

I have pondered this same issue on lots of 5-hour flights from the east coast while wedged between two of these gentle giants.

I can't figure out a solution. The airlines want max seat numbers. The planes are configured for highest revenue in seat layout. And in today's litigious society the flight attendants are pretty-much given no options to solve the problem.

I hate flying. Hate hate hate.

[MattPark]

People hanging into your seat is bad, but people smelling like they haven't had a shower in a week is worse.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Steve, I feel for ya bro but at least it was only 45 minutes. Had it been a 2 or 3 hour flight I would have made a stink about it.

We are an obse nation unfortunately and many folks have the hang over effect. I am 30 lbs over weight but I do not flow to the next seat. Situations like this stink and the airline seats are pretty darn small for a country with so many large people.

Sorry you had that happen Steve. Lucky for you Papst sells beer.

[Skipper Cole]

here's a solution:
The airlines should make you fill out your height and weight when you purchase tickets... either online or at the counter. If someone is very large, they should be made to buy a ticket for two seats. If they are very tall, they should get the exit row.
Given that over 2/3's of americans are overweight, it might be a good idea for the airlines to install a few "jumbo seats" for people who are obese.
That should solve a few problems.

[Chrome Bumper]

THis is cracking me up.
Matt Park, can you use this:

[Hogmaster]

Originally Posted by StickFish

Pearl you are a better man than me!

Yeah, probably because he would end that (properly) with "I". :grin:

Add "am" to the end when in doubt.

English teacher Mother. What can I say...

Anyway, one approach that I have wondered about is using "combined poundage". They charge extra when your bag is over 50 pounds.

What if they took the average weight of people of both sexes, say 185, and determined that if you are say, double that or more you must pay for a second seat. Then it would take any arbitrarinous (yes I do know that is not a real word, but you still know what I mean ) out of the equation. If you are pushing the meter at 370, you are more than a seatful. Scales for verification could be placed at the front or even the gate. If passengers "cheat" by not buying two, and it is proven on the scale that they exceed the 2X standard, they get to either buy it then or weight (sic) for the next flight.

If it were to be really interesting maybe they could allow "combined weight travel packages" so I could use my buck and a half status to add as a second seat and divide the total by two to determine if a (3rd) seat would need to be purchased. That is, if I were willing to travel next to a sun-blotter. I'm not, but some might be - family members or someone willing to give up an arm rest for a human elbow pillow and/or a few bucks on the side.

They say they charge extra for the bags that are too heavy in part because of concerns associated with overload restrictions on the plane. Doesn't human poundage factor into it too?

Pearl, when I have had similar situations, I dealt with it by sneezing incessantly, burping from both ends and picking at my ever-present racquetball and/or bicycle wounds. Try to get THEM to move.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Gary, gary, gary..........................

[Chrome Bumper]

Originally Posted by Hogmaster

I dealt with it by sneezing incessantly, burping from both ends and picking at my ever-present wounds.

Hey do you work here?

[Just_learning]

I just would have drank till she was skinny...of course at $5 a pop that may have put quite a dent in wallet. Maybe enough to fit a little more comfortably.

[Queeg]

A couple of crying babies and a sneezingcoughing guy and it would have been complete!

Oh yeah ... and the "gas man" ...

[pearl]

I guess it must have been karma???

Just flew home and sat next to a young lady that was smokin hot and chatted it up with me pretty good on the way home. I'm sure she knew I had no game and was harmless but was fun for me all the same.

I even offered her half my seat but she declined.

[RODACTION]

Did you by chance get a phone #

[PGJPJ]

Originally Posted by pearl

I even offered her half my seat but she declined.

Thats too funny.:grin:

[ampersat]

Good one, Pearl.

[Norm]

I fly enough I'm not shy about that kind of stuff, I would have rang the bell. People know how big those seats are, it's not a secrete. My boss is a big boy and flys business class or not at all, at least he is realistic about it.

[Gus Orviston]

Just had the same experience.. on a flight from SJ back to PDX on alaska.. a 100 boy couldn't have sat in the middle seat between two extremely overweight people.. and the same thing was happening to another man.. I just walked by my seat and hung out in back.. it was almost a full flight.. with only two other open seats (middle) for me and the other guy. I would have been pretty PO'd if I had to get off the plane -

[StickFish]

Gary, I's been edumacated by the best of the worst - remember I work for the government - that should tell you something

Karma works Pearl - but no phone number

[Rakkasan]

I just flew a few weeks ago. Boy how seats have changed. I had plenty of side by side room, however at 6'3" I love it when the person in front of you slams there seat back in my knees. And oh yes, the gas man or woman. We were sitting there getting ready to push out from the gate when someone decided to push one of there own out that would have fueled the plane off of the runway. Needless to say I made a comment loud enough that people heard and it did not happen again. The woman behind us stuck her face near our heads between the seats and wispered a thank you for saying something, that was terrible.

Good thread though

[Norm]

FYI, the average coach seat is 17"-18" in width. Maybe they should put a go/ no-go gauge at the entrance to coach . I fly ~100K miles a year and as I get older and grumpier, my tolerance is getting lower. Unfortunately I rarely get enough bonus miles on one airline to fly business.

My top gripes

1. screaming baby's
2. people who think cologne is a suitable replacement for a shower
3. being trapped next to a large person wider than 18"

[PGJPJ]

Originally Posted by Norm

My top gripes

1. screaming baby's

We’ve taken our baby on a couple flights now (with no screaming). But I have a new tolerance for babies crying on flights or in restaurants for that matter. They used to bother me before I had one of my own, then after having one I grew a heart.

Their babies come on! Sometimes their little ears can’t equalize the pressure when ascending or descending, and their hurting.

[reelbigfish72]

What bugs me is some of the really mean spirited things that have been said about large people. I think this thread could be written in a respecful manner and still get the point across (I don't think references to things like SUV's and solar eclipses need to be included for us to get the point).

[Hogmaster]

Man, that took longer than usual.

Ya know, it is the one condition that is completely within the control of the "victim" (as is being described).

No one can change their color. No one can change their eyesight. No one can remove a growth like a tumor, at least without surgical intervention.

But ANYONE can get smaller. Pretty simple equation. Don't eat.

So if someone chooses to become as large as an ATV, that is their choice, ultimately. When they block the sun from coming through the window and prevent someone from having their own space on the seat of an airplane, they have now imposed their choice on others. Don't be surprised when they get compared to other large objects. They ARE large objects. All the PC is the world does not change that FACT.

Who needs to get over it?

Out.

[uhmw]

so I had the pleasure of sitting by a cranky humongus german lady as I flew to europe on a 14 hour flight that was packed. I survived- It was worse than being left in a fox hole for 24 hours in the snow. I will never fly for more than 14 hrs any where ever again- she had to sit with her arms up in the air proped on the poor souls head rest in frount of us. As the flight progressed she really started to become agitated about her situation at one point throwing a fit. As much as I wanted her to shut up- my situation became grave as she feel a sleep- I have been scarred for life.

[JohnnyP]

Had that happen to me on a flight to Florida. I'm about 200lbs and had the middle seat, the window seat was occupied by a 275+ lady and the isle seat occupied by an easy 350+ pound lady. So here I am smashed between two ladies and absolutely hating life. But then it got worse! The 350+ pounder was so big her thigh fat was resting on my leg and as hard as I tried to make myself smaller, I couldn't create a miracle. The heat generated by her mass of blubber started buring my skin and sweat poured profusely, I wiggled and jiggled as best I could to try and create an air pocket to release the heat but had no luck. Finally, I had a brillant idea and used the closest resources on hand....a newspaper. I rolled up the paper as tight as possible to to create a "pole" and wedged it up underneth her saddle bag and propped up the flap of fat off my leg. Ah, relief at last and a slight smile crossed my face..........she had zero reaction! I was amazed, I'm guessing I wasn't the first with the idea.

An even better story: Ask me about a flight back from California sitting next to the suicidal tweeker. Wow, that was a good one, spiders and all.

[Chrome Bumper]

Another use for rolled up newpaper! Whiny kids crossing an ocean can be a test, ear plugs, eye shades and a stiff drink all help.

[Duckwheat]

Pearl, as long as you are alive, you have game.

Welcome to modern day air travel. Air travel use to be something special. A ride on local bus is less offensive.

I was just pondering that situation you were in. Perhaps holding the puke bag in your hands. If you have a hoty looking to slide in next to you, throw it under the seat. Big Betty is eyeing you up and down, start retching.

Duckwheat

[Just_learning]

as a frequent flyer, nothing makes a flight go quicker than a hangover and dramamine.

Thats all...one, the other, or both. Close your eyes, and its all over....of course a drink or two never hurt either.

[Chrome Bumper]

Its a scientific fact you can drink a fat girl skinny:
http://www.file22.com/276.html

[reelbigfish72]

Ya know, it is the one condition that is completely within the control of the "victim" (as is being described).

So that makes it OK to be disrespectful? Being respectful to your fellow human beings does not make you some sort of politically correct bleeding heart. It makes you a decent person.

[Bluto]

I feel for you Pearl - HorizonAir has one of the most uncomfortable in the air, even without someone spilling over... I routinely fly them from PDX to Ontario, CA and can't stand the 1.5hr flight. Exact same plane model, but different seats with United Exp on 2.5 hr trips from Denver to Nashville with no problems.

I spend every other week flying coast-to-coast and have had my fair share of these situations. The last time was on AA from DFW to PDX on a completely full flight. The flight attendants appoligized as I was getting off in PDX... I thanked them, but it just didn't make up for the 4hours of extreme discomfort!

[pearl]

Alright fellas.

I made my point and this post has now turned the corner to the abyss.

Let it die a peacefull death.

Rant over.

Pearl out & we'll see you on the river this weekend.

[Just_learning]

Originally Posted by reelbigfish72

? Being respectful to your fellow human beings does not make you some sort of politically correct bleeding heart.

It does on Ifish.

[STGRule]

Are we all done now?

[Pilar]

I've got a fork .. we can test it for 'done - ness'.

I've done a little flying too. There's three things I practice religiously.

1) If the flight is full I volunteer to get bumped and get the free ticket if offered.

2) I upgrade to business or 1st if the flight is near full and I have enough miles.

3) I move to any other seat I can find once the door shuts.

This does not work all the time but it helps. Hating the oversize people does not make them smaller .. it just proves that you are hateful. Using hate speech to describe your experiences with oversize people here makes the fact that you are hateful public knowledge.

Lots of hate here .. hope I never get fat .. ok hope I don't get more fat .. you guys would forget what a nice guy and awesome fisherman I am and would hate me.

Ya know?

[7pointbull]

I don't see hate I see some humor and people that feel taken advantage of by being put in a tough spot. I fly for business and this has only happened once and they booted the guy off the plane as there were no extra seats. The stewardess spotted it and the captian made the call.

I think people are way too sensative about themselves and they need to have a sense of humor. If you are grossly obese it's no secret to you or anyone else. If you show up at the airport and expect to ride in those skinny seats you are setting yourself up for failure. People peck at differences. I have much more sympathy for the person in the wheel chair that cannot walk because of some disease or birth defect that everyone stares and gawks at or gets all in a huff while that person is loaded into the rental car shuttle than I do someone that has control of their situaton.

[ajfishfinder]

I fly SW a bunch and this is absolutly the worst nighmare imaginable. I will take a mom and baby any day over a 400 pound smelly person, especially during the summer. :smile:

Haven't had the pleasure yet of the smokin babe. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I just hope I don't have to endure the first part of the karma thing before hand.

My worst so far was a flight to NY next to a monk in wool robes cover with petruly oil. I think I would rather have sat next to a wet dog if given a choice. He never muttered a single word, just did some humming now and again, but that smell was something I didn't think would ever go away.

[Hogmaster]

Dang!

And I was just letting the blood simmer.

Out means out.

Or not.

I did not read a single post here that stated somebody "hates" fat people.

But I will be the first person here who will write that I hate that people allow themselves to become morbidly obese.

Big difference, however subtle that may seem. One is about the person. The other is about their behavior.

As far as this:

"So that makes it OK to be disrespectful? Being respectful to your fellow human beings does not make you some sort of politically correct bleeding heart. It makes you a decent person."

The person who is most disrespectful is the person who has absolute and total disregard for themselves. And then not only do the morbidly obese not only disrespect themselves by abusing their own bodies to the point of considerably diminished quality of life, they inherently disrespect others by making other's lives uncomfortable. If a seat is consumed by someone's presence that didn't pay for it and someone who paid for it is trying to sit there, that is disrespectful.

And it makes one a more decent human being to ignore the big elephant in the room? Or is it actually important for people to understand their choices associated with eating affect more than their own well-being? ********, are they next? Be nice to ********, because otherwise we are bad humans!

Not everyone has miles to upgrade, or financial ability, or seat availability. Not everyone can take the next flight and get their business done, all because someone disrespects the fact he/she needs additional space.

I was absolutely serious about a poundage limit, BTW. If you think about it, it is fair. If you consume more than TWO TIMES the normal weight of an average person, you need more room. It is disrespectful of others NOT to avail more room for your mass.

Who is really being mean?

OK.

Out.

[Just_learning]

Originally Posted by Pilar

hope I never get fat .. ok hope I don't get more fat .. you guys would forget what a nice guy and awesome fisherman I am and would hate me.

John,
Your logic is flawed...people dont like you because your a "nice guy and an awesome fisherman". They like you because your an awesome person, who happens to be skilled at fishing. Being bigger would just mean you would have to work on being more awesome to retain your awesomeness to bodyweight ratio. Its a delicate balance, you seem to have it finely keyed...much like Stephane Urkell(for those of you who get the joke)

Hog-
Although I agree with you, the ACLU may not. I have come to the resolve the world isnt fair, and sometimes you just gotta let it flow. Theres no sense in getting all worked up 35k feet in the air. The best thing that can happen is you look like a baby, the worst...well lets just say there could be an air marshall on the plane, or some nice security guards waiting at the gate for you.

[Clyde]

It's amazing how large people are the bad guys on this thread...anyone else think that maybe the airlines are the ones who should change? Perhaps they should stop squeezing people into tiny seats...a dog crate has more room to move around in than an airplane seat. Hmmm?

As well, I'm fat...and it's my fault. There are also some REALLY fat people and it's not their fault...eating less does not always mean you're going to be smaller...

[Rakkasan]

:lurk: hate to say it but people have a choice. My sister was way over weight. You would not even know she ever was now. She took measures and did the hard work.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Just_learning

It does on Ifish.

If you think that, you're in the wrong place. Time to reread the membership policy you agreed to when you joined.

And with that, we're done here.