Charging obese neighboring airline passenger for spilling into your seat (1 Viewer)

[General Malaise]

I am just trying to figure out what about the scenario(which I agree could very well be fake news) makes you upset. 

I don't take issue with the passenger complaining to the flight attendant. I have zero problems with the passenger saying no way am I willing to put up with this for several hours. That would be miserable. He shouldn't have to put up with that and it is against airline rules and the passenger would be taken off the plane.

I find the deal making side of this to seem more off putting, but I feel like I shouldnt. 

I think I've been very clear that I find the humiliation of another human to be the cause of my issue with this story.  If he wanted to complain discreetly to the airline, fine, but upon learning that there was nothing they could do, he should have just dealt with it.  5 hours isn't that long of a duration to be uncomfortable.  Believe me.  And I find it hard to believe that the situation was untenable.  Get up and move around the cabin when the seatbelt sign is off, lean over to one side, have some cocktails and fall asleep but do NOT make your fellow human being suffer in agony and shame because you are temporarily inconvenienced.  That shame lasts forever.

 

[parasaurolophus]

upon learning that there was nothing they could do,

That's where we have a disconnect. There was something they could do and they were just about to do it. 

 

[General Malaise]

That's where we have a disconnect. There was something they could do and they were just about to do it. 

Maybe I'm missing this piece....thought there were no other seats?   Eh, I'm done here.  I don't believe the story at all.  We are supposed to believe the obese guy just happened to have the amount in cash that the non-obese guy wanted and handed it over voluntarily?  C'mon.  That didn't happen.  

Just be nice.  Don't be a ####.  Not that hard.

 

[5Rings]

5 hour flight?  Big guy needs to buy a first class seat.  #problemsolved

 

[culdeus]

Sure, have the airlines be the arbiter of weight limits and where people can sit.  It's their airline, their rules.  No need for this person to humiliate another human and then broadcast it for the world to read.  

They can put a carry-on in a measuring device.  Seems like you could have people walk thru something similar. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

Awful thing to do BTW. But typical of the flight prima Donna generation. 

I paid my hard earned money and planned for my comfort. Do not mess with my personal comfort. 

The right way to handle this is just suck it up and deal with it. You aren’t charging the beaches at Normandy. You’re uncomfortable for a few hours. You don’t humiliate someone over that.  Giant jackhole.

People are pathetic. 

Start a gofundme page, post the link here, and we will all chip in to get you that $150 back.  

 

[Otis]

You should start a thread about how to just suck it up and deal with unfortunate airline situations. 

Sorry, someone has to fight for what’s right, in this sea of cowards with neck pillows guarding nothing but their own personal comfort. 

 

[EYLive]

I think I've been very clear that I find the humiliation of another human to be the cause of my issue with this story.  If he wanted to complain discreetly to the airline, fine, but upon learning that there was nothing they could do, he should have just dealt with it.  5 hours isn't that long of a duration to be uncomfortable.  Believe me.  And I find it hard to believe that the situation was untenable.  Get up and move around the cabin when the seatbelt sign is off, lean over to one side, have some cocktails and fall asleep but do NOT make your fellow human being suffer in agony and shame because you are temporarily inconvenienced.  That shame lasts forever.

I'm not sure "just deal with it" is a fair solution. If 2 people pay the same amount for a reasonably comfortable seat, but one intrudes on the other's space, they should just suffer through it? What if it was a 14 hour flight? You say "do NOT make your fellow human being suffer in agony", but one is already suffering by not getting the space they paid for. And if one passenger is being smashed against the window by a large neighbor, that's not fair.
I fly frequently for work and leisure, and am fortunate to not have to experience this, but if I did, I would certainly express my discomfort to a flight attendant. And if a large neighbor feels shamed, it's not my problem. Especially since I would not speak to the larger person directly as they could do nothing about it.

 

[culdeus]

I'm not sure "just deal with it" is a fair solution. If 2 people pay the same amount for a reasonably comfortable seat, but one intrudes on the other's space, they should just suffer through it? What if it was a 14 hour flight? You say "do NOT make your fellow human being suffer in agony", but one is already suffering by not getting the space they paid for. And if one passenger is being smashed against the window by a large neighbor, that's not fair.
I fly frequently for work and leisure, and am fortunate to not have to experience this, but if I did, I would certainly express my discomfort to a flight attendant. And if a large neighbor feels shamed, it's not my problem. Especially since I would not speak to the larger person directly as they could do nothing about it.

In this situation they will normally give you jump seat

 

[parasaurolophus]

5 hour flight?  Big guy needs to buy a first class seat.  #problemsolved

I find it kind of interesting how many people assume this is just some down trodden guy that can't afford to buy two seats or first class and has tons of shame about his weight. 

 

[Otis]

I find it kind of interesting how many people assume this is just some down trodden guy that can't afford to buy two seats or first class and has tons of shame about his weight. 

Obesity and income

Various studies have shown that overweight people are seen as less conscientious, less agreeable, less emotionally stable, less productive, lazy, lacking in self-discipline, and even dishonest, sloppy, ugly, socially unattractive, and sexually unskilled; the list goes on and on.* The stereotypes run so deep that even obese people hold these same discriminatory beliefs about other obese people. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that research has provided strong evidence that obese people are paid less than their slimmer counterparts.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/freekvermeulen/2011/03/22/the-price-of-obesity-how-your-salary-depends-on-your-weight/amp/

 

[Bossman]

I work with an orthopedic surgeon who goes on many trips due to various conferences and he always buys two seats the middle and the window.   He is average sized but he just doesn't like people touching him at all.   

Also, work with an ex NFL football player who is just a mountain of a man and he always buys at least two seats.   He physically cannot fit his shoulders into one seat.  

I guess really tall people just suffer. 

How does this work when airlines constantly over-book flights?

Do they allow an empty seat and force some customers to find another flight?

 

[Bossman]

I have issue with people sitting with their legs wide open ... knee spilling into my seat area.

I guess the belly pushes the legs apart?

.... so now I need to sit with my knees tight together or play knee footsie with him.

I still like my idea of a solid partition from the floor to the shoulders.

If your size doesn't fit, pay for 1st class ... or 2 seats. 

... and more fat shaming. Signs all over the airport would be good.

Airport terminal advertising seems like a great marketing opportunity for Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and gastric bypass surgery. 

 

[parasaurolophus]

Obesity and income

Various studies have shown that overweight people are seen as less conscientious, less agreeable, less emotionally stable, less productive, lazy, lacking in self-discipline, and even dishonest, sloppy, ugly, socially unattractive, and sexually unskilled; the list goes on and on.* The stereotypes run so deep that even obese people hold these same discriminatory beliefs about other obese people. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that research has provided strong evidence that obese people are paid less than their slimmer counterparts.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/freekvermeulen/2011/03/22/the-price-of-obesity-how-your-salary-depends-on-your-weight/amp/

Nothing new here. It is one of the reasons i argue against sin taxes on sweets. Obese people cost employers more in health insurance so of course they get paid a little less, so their net cost kind of evens out. 

Just because they are paid a bit less doesnt mean they are all poor and down trodden. As you have gotten bigger has your salary gone down to poverty level? Men are affected less than women by weight discrimination.

Also this was a man carrying a decent amount of cash.(if we take story as true) The cash was probably for food. Airport food is really expensive, so probably like one meal. 

Guy did him a solid. Kept him from spending 150 at jersey mikes and auntie annes and kept him on the plane. 

 

[Otis]

Nothing new here. It is one of the reasons i argue against sin taxes on sweets. Obese people cost employers more in health insurance so of course they get paid a little less, so their net cost kind of evens out. 

Just because they are paid a bit less doesnt mean they are all poor and down trodden. As you have gotten bigger has your salary gone down to poverty level? Men are affected less than women by weight discrimination.

Also this was a man carrying a decent amount of cash.(if we take story as true) The cash was probably for food. Airport food is really expensive, so probably like one meal. 

Guy did him a solid. Kept him from spending 150 at jersey mikes and auntie annes and kept him on the plane. 

I’m totally fine with sin taxes. All the Pepsi guzzling chubbies out there are a strain on the healthcare system. we’re subsidizing them. They’re also setting an awful example for their children who will likewise grow up fat, unhealthy, and unhappy. Same with cigarette smokers etc. Gambling?  Sure why not.  Pick your poison.

I get it, Murica, freedom, it’s my choice and I’ll do what I want etc. Cool.  Just pay a tax on it, let’s put that money to good use in society. And in the meantime we’ll be doing just a little bit to disincentivize that kind of behavior, for your own good. 

It’s win-win. I don’t get why people go so bananas over it. 

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

How does this work when airlines constantly over-book flights?

Do they allow an empty seat and force some customers to find another flight?

Both just say they book asking for an additional seat.   They both have never had their seat sold to another passenger. 

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This discussion reminds me of my nephew, who plays left tackle for a D1 university. He’s about 6-7, 320; works out every day, zealously monitors everything he eats, straight A student. He has a great smile, youthful good looks and is very humble, kind and has a huge personality.  He seemingly has a swarm of girls who follow him everywhere.  It’s always awkward taking him to movies and sporting events where I know he’s going to be too big for the assigned seat, and he’ll block the view of folks sitting behind him. But no one seems to care, because they’re usually in awe of what a massively spectacular specimen of a man he is. 

The thing I wonder is whether people would talk to my nephew or talk about him the same way they speak about middle aged obese guy. Spoiler: they don’t.   The analysis is the same, though, right?  You didn’t buy a ticket for transportation from A to B on a freakin cattle car in the sky, modern day airline travel. Rather, you believe you’ve bought a specific space that you own during the flight; that you’re guaranteed a “reasonably comfortable seat.”  If you’re not comfortable, it’s someone else’s fault and they should fix it for you.  I think there’s an obvious undercurrent here that some are afraid to acknowledge.  You see a fat guy and you believe he’s made a choice to be fat, rather than fit like you are. You believe you’re a better person because of the superior choices you’ve made and the better life you live, the right way to live. You assume the upper hand in this interaction, because you are a superior person.  But what if you don’t have that upper hand? What if the other dude is a huge guy because his genes and his hard work and nutrition are all superior to yours? I think it’s a different conversation.  Maybe, if you want guaranteed comfort and plenty of space on your flight, you should be the one paying for a first class seat or a second seat. What if obese guy is perfectly comfortable, has no problem with the travel he paid for? If you’re the one with the problem, isn’t it up to you to fix it? Maybe it’s time to take a look in the mirror, stop blaming everyone else for your personal hang ups and start fixing your own problems. 

 

[parasaurolophus]

The thing I wonder is whether people would talk to my nephew or talk about him the same way they speak about middle aged obese guy. Spoiler: they don’t.   The analysis is the same, though, right?  You didn’t buy a ticket for transportation from A to B on a freakin cattle car in the sky, modern day airline travel. Rather, you believe you’ve bought a specific space that you own during the flight; that you’re guaranteed a “reasonably comfortable seat.”  If you’re not comfortable, it’s someone else’s fault and they should fix it for you.  I think there’s an obvious undercurrent here that some are afraid to acknowledge.  You see a fat guy and you believe he’s made a choice to be fat, rather than fit like you are. You believe you’re a better person because of the superior choices you’ve made and the better life you live, the right way to live. You assume the upper hand in this interaction, because you are a superior person.  But what if you don’t have that upper hand? What if the other dude is a huge guy because his genes and his hard work and nutrition are all superior to yours? I think it’s a different conversation.  Maybe, if you want guaranteed comfort and plenty of space on your flight, you should be the one paying for a first class seat or a second seat. What if obese guy is perfectly comfortable, has no problem with the travel he paid for? If you’re the one with the problem, isn’t it up to you to fix it? Maybe it’s time to take a look in the mirror, stop blaming everyone else for your personal hang ups and start fixing your own problems. 

I am not really sure which side you are arguing. Sounds like your nephew is just a large dude and it seems like he is fit. So of course people will view that differently than an obese person.   

There is no obvious undercurrent that people are afraid to acknowledge. People REALLY look down on other people's choices when it affects them personally. Live and let live is fine. Live and let live squishing your body into my side is not.  

That's not some terrible departure from the accepted norm. The terrible departure is all the people out there eating terrible food and decreasing their activity levels as well which is making society larger on average. Plane seats are smaller, but they still really aren't the issue. You have to be really really fat to actually spill over  1/3 onto the seat next to you as a guy. Smaller seats aren't the issue. Widths are only down like an inch. One inch doesn't do much in a scenario like we are discussing. 

Tall people are the ones getting hurt, by the airlines. Leg room has shrunk by several inches over the years. They cant buy an extra seat to accommodate. There isn't as much to gain from reducing seat widths. You cant shrink them enough to get another seat in on a 737. Leg room reduction obviously allowed them to add rows. Same with shrinking the bathrooms and making the seats not as cushioned. 

This is really the one industry where these savings have actually been passed on to consumers. It is cheaper to fly now than it was when seats were bigger. So not buying two seats when you are very obese is inexcusable, especially on southwest where you get your money back after the flight. In fact if you don't get the extra seat on southwest you are pretty much a terrible person. 

 

[The Flying Turtle]

5 hour flight?  Big guy needs to buy a first class seat.  #problemsolved

Unfortunately the only first class seat available was probably a bulkhead and he wouldn't take it.

 

[kutta]

This discussion reminds me of my nephew, who plays left tackle for a D1 university. He’s about 6-7, 320; works out every day, zealously monitors everything he eats, straight A student. He has a great smile, youthful good looks and is very humble, kind and has a huge personality.  He seemingly has a swarm of girls who follow him everywhere.  It’s always awkward taking him to movies and sporting events where I know he’s going to be too big for the assigned seat, and he’ll block the view of folks sitting behind him. But no one seems to care, because they’re usually in awe of what a massively spectacular specimen of a man he is. 

The thing I wonder is whether people would talk to my nephew or talk about him the same way they speak about middle aged obese guy. Spoiler: they don’t.   The analysis is the same, though, right?  You didn’t buy a ticket for transportation from A to B on a freakin cattle car in the sky, modern day airline travel. Rather, you believe you’ve bought a specific space that you own during the flight; that you’re guaranteed a “reasonably comfortable seat.”  If you’re not comfortable, it’s someone else’s fault and they should fix it for you.  I think there’s an obvious undercurrent here that some are afraid to acknowledge.  You see a fat guy and you believe he’s made a choice to be fat, rather than fit like you are. You believe you’re a better person because of the superior choices you’ve made and the better life you live, the right way to live. You assume the upper hand in this interaction, because you are a superior person.  But what if you don’t have that upper hand? What if the other dude is a huge guy because his genes and his hard work and nutrition are all superior to yours? I think it’s a different conversation.  Maybe, if you want guaranteed comfort and plenty of space on your flight, you should be the one paying for a first class seat or a second seat. What if obese guy is perfectly comfortable, has no problem with the travel he paid for? If you’re the one with the problem, isn’t it up to you to fix it? Maybe it’s time to take a look in the mirror, stop blaming everyone else for your personal hang ups and start fixing your own problems. 

I don’t care why the guy is big. I paid for my seat, I should be able to sit in it.

 

[The General]

Andre the Giant knew what was up. Here's how you handle your business giant people

 

[Sand]

if you want guaranteed comfort and plenty of space on your flight, you should be the one paying for a first class seat or a second seat.

You're paying for space and service.  In first class you get 2x (or whatever) the amount of room plus some service perks.  That doesn't mean that if you buy main cabin you should have an expectation of nothing - pretty silly thought.  If you paid for your 40 sq.in. of space in the main cabin you should get it.  

 

[culdeus]

This discussion reminds me of my nephew, who plays left tackle for a D1 university. He’s about 6-7, 320; works out every day, zealously monitors everything he eats, straight A student. He has a great smile, youthful good looks and is very humble, kind and has a huge personality.  He seemingly has a swarm of girls who follow him everywhere.  It’s always awkward taking him to movies and sporting events where I know he’s going to be too big for the assigned seat, and he’ll block the view of folks sitting behind him. But no one seems to care, because they’re usually in awe of what a massively spectacular specimen of a man he is. 

The thing I wonder is whether people would talk to my nephew or talk about him the same way they speak about middle aged obese guy. Spoiler: they don’t.   The analysis is the same, though, right?  You didn’t buy a ticket for transportation from A to B on a freakin cattle car in the sky, modern day airline travel. Rather, you believe you’ve bought a specific space that you own during the flight; that you’re guaranteed a “reasonably comfortable seat.”  If you’re not comfortable, it’s someone else’s fault and they should fix it for you.  I think there’s an obvious undercurrent here that some are afraid to acknowledge.  You see a fat guy and you believe he’s made a choice to be fat, rather than fit like you are. You believe you’re a better person because of the superior choices you’ve made and the better life you live, the right way to live. You assume the upper hand in this interaction, because you are a superior person.  But what if you don’t have that upper hand? What if the other dude is a huge guy because his genes and his hard work and nutrition are all superior to yours? I think it’s a different conversation.  Maybe, if you want guaranteed comfort and plenty of space on your flight, you should be the one paying for a first class seat or a second seat. What if obese guy is perfectly comfortable, has no problem with the travel he paid for? If you’re the one with the problem, isn’t it up to you to fix it? Maybe it’s time to take a look in the mirror, stop blaming everyone else for your personal hang ups and start fixing your own problems. 

The guy got huge to play a game, yay mom must be so proud.  Get a second seat .

 

[The Big Guy]

I’m totally fine with sin taxes. All the Pepsi guzzling chubbies out there are a strain on the healthcare system. we’re subsidizing them. They’re also setting an awful example for their children who will likewise grow up fat, unhealthy, and unhappy. Same with cigarette smokers etc. Gambling?  Sure why not.  Pick your poison.

I get it, Murica, freedom, it’s my choice and I’ll do what I want etc. Cool.  Just pay a tax on it, let’s put that money to good use in society. And in the meantime we’ll be doing just a little bit to disincentivize that kind of behavior, for your own good. 

It’s win-win. I don’t get why people go so bananas over it. 

And when do they start putting that money towards something good in society?

 

[Bossman]

I’m totally fine with sin taxes. All the Pepsi guzzling chubbies out there are a strain on the healthcare system. we’re subsidizing them. They’re also setting an awful example for their children who will likewise grow up fat, unhealthy, and unhappy. Same with cigarette smokers etc. Gambling?  Sure why not.  Pick your poison.

I get it, Murica, freedom, it’s my choice and I’ll do what I want etc. Cool.  Just pay a tax on it, let’s put that money to good use in society. And in the meantime we’ll be doing just a little bit to disincentivize that kind of behavior, for your own good. 

It’s win-win. I don’t get why people go so bananas over it. 

in MA we have a fast food tax / restaurant tax of 6.25%

We really should be pounding these fast food folks with a bigger tax.

... especially the ones in the drive thru that choose not to get out of the car for fear of burning a calorie.

We should have a "drive thru tax" and it should be 15%.

No idea what they do with all this money but safe to assume none of it is earmarked for health care relief ...

more likely used for future political campaigning and retiring government employee pensions.

 

[parasaurolophus]

in MA we have a fast food tax / restaurant tax of 6.25%

We really should be pounding these fast food folks with a bigger tax.

... especially the ones in the drive thru that choose not to get out of the car for fear of burning a calorie.

We should have a "drive thru tax" and it should be 15%.

No idea what they do with all this money but safe to assume none of it is earmarked for health care relief ...

more likely used for future political campaigning and retiring government employee pensions.

Probably just goes back to the people taxed.

 

[Otis]

You're paying for space and service.  In first class you get 2x (or whatever) the amount of room plus some service perks.  That doesn't mean that if you buy main cabin you should have an expectation of nothing - pretty silly thought.  If you paid for your 40 sq.in. of space in the main cabin you should get it.  

Shut up peasant go back to the cattle car. 

 

[Short Corner]

Obesity and income

Various studies have shown that overweight people are seen as less conscientious, less agreeable, less emotionally stable, less productive, lazy, lacking in self-discipline, and even dishonest, sloppy, ugly, socially unattractive, and sexually unskilled; the list goes on and on.* The stereotypes run so deep that even obese people hold these same discriminatory beliefs about other obese people. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that research has provided strong evidence that obese people are paid less than their slimmer counterparts.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/freekvermeulen/2011/03/22/the-price-of-obesity-how-your-salary-depends-on-your-weight/amp/

Hang in there big guy.