Airline Travel: "Seatmates of Size"

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Mar 2007 02:02 PM

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I've blogged about smelly seatmates, seatmates with attitude, and talkative seatmates, but with spring break upon us I figured it was a good time to tackle the topic of large seatmates and the stereotypes that come with them.

Admit it; I'm sure at one point or another you've experienced having the person seated next to you on an airplane take up not just their seat, but part of yours. Let's face it; travelers come in all shapes and sizes, yet airplane seats don't seem to accommodate that fact. What's more, studies show that while 60% of Americans are considered overweight, and waistlines keep growing, airplane seats seem to be shrinking. Did you know that the standard width of most economy seats is a hair over 17 inches (basically the same width as an average computer keyboard)? No wonder why so many flyers (overweight or not) feel their seats provide little wiggle room.

That said, there are some well-mannered options for surviving a flight where you feel squished like a sardine. For example, if you're seated next to a large passenger keep these points in mind:

· Remember your seatmate is a ticketed passenger. Thus, they deserve to be treated with dignity. Be polite as you settle in and think about this---they may be more uncomfortable than you are.

· If you are extremely uncomfortable by another passenger taking up part of you seat look around to see if there are any empty seats available. If you can't find one seek out a flight attendant who may be able to help. If he or she is successful in finding you a different seat simply tell your seatmate that you found a way that both of you can spread out.

· If you are on a full flight, simply make the best of your situation. If you are that uncomfortable take a walk to the back of the plane and chat with the other passengers who hang out back there (when I fly with my toddler I'm back there for most of the flight).

· Strike up a conversation with your seatmate. Who knows, you might end up making a new friend and shedding some stereotypes while you're at it.

· If you have the money consider booking a business or first-class seat. Those seats are usually larger than coach seats.

On the flip side, if you know that your body cannot fit into a seat that is 17 inches, you should let the airline know. Most airlines have a policy regarding "customers of size," which address issues that arise with larger passengers. Some policies state that passengers unable to lower the armrests and/or who take up any portion of an adjacent seat may be required to purchase a second seat or take a different flight.

Bottom line: Regardless of your size, be nice to your seatmate.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Tristi Pinkston (10839) 28 Mar 2007 09:02 PM

You know, I've thought a lot about this. I'm a person of size (if I want to be PC -- but I just generally say that I'm overweight. :) I'm not big enough to warrant a second airplane seat, but if I were, I think I would object to having to pay for two seats. Yes, we pay for seats on the airplane, but to pay twice just seems . . . mean, I guess. In cases of larger passengers, I think the airline should be willing to just eat that one seat and keep relationships good with their customers. They're already making quite a bit of money as it is.

Michele Cheplic (37349) 30 Mar 2007 12:25 AM

Tristi, I have to agree airline prices are outrageous and even using frequent flyer miles is next to impossible--I couldn't imagine how someone could come up with the money to pay double the asking price! Thanks for the comment!