Is it unreasonable for airlines not to provide wider seats for obese passengers?

I once flew with my three young children. We had the three on the window side with me on the aisle then the eldest across the aisle from me. When we’d boarded the stewards moved a very large man to the middle row next to my child. I assume it was to put him next to the smallest person they could see. He really struggled to get in to the seat and asked if he could have the aisle seat. Not great because I wouldn’t be able to easily help DC across the aisle.
We did agree though. Everyone was stuck until it was sorted. (DC had a great flight as she fell asleep for most of the flight resting on his big soft arm!)

You should be entitled to a refund as you were not able to sit in your whole seat - you used half of it so 50% back!

They would be turned away but would know they need to buy two seat anyway

Before the current fuel crisis airlines were making sub $10 on the average pax over the year (by coincidence this popped up in another thread last night)....they're going to be struggling to make any at all by the end of the year.

So no the airlines aren't being "fucking greedy", they are trying to make a profit in an enviroment where many passengers prime metric for deciding who to fly with is ticket cost.

Some airlines do offer more space in some seats, it's called Premium Economy or business class, but not everybody is able or willing to pay for it.

If you want a wider seat, pay for it. Airlines are not the most profitable businesses. If you choose Squeezy Jet, you know what the deal is! If you want fewer, but wider seats, that will cost you. You won’t get something for nothing but you are not required to fly. It’s your choice.

Some airlines have reduced seat width but by no means all. This info can be checked before you book.

I've had this on the bus and train so many times. Shorter journeys thankfully, but equally uncomfortable.

Why would OP be the one who no longer flies?

OP, I would complain to the airline, they might not do anything but they certainly won’t change anything if people don’t complain.

Did you ask in the flight if they could provide you with a full seat that you’ve paid for?

I think it’s disgusting how small plane seats are. I’m a healthy BMI and feel completely unable to move on a long hall flight. This can’t be good health and safety.

No one is going to pay for 2 seats. They just need to stop being so fucking greedy and make flying more comfortable! It’s disgraceful.

They are like seats on a commuter train but with an arm rest that divides the seats.

Economy just isn't that comfortable. Pack them in. Sell them cheap.
I do love how back in the day trains were 1st. 2nd, 3rd class, and the names have changed to 1st. Business and Economy or on trains Standard.

Maybe they could make an obese row, get them to all squish together, that or they can pay for 2 seats. Doesn’t seem fair that an expensive seat was dominated by someone who didn’t pay, be that theatre, plane, concert, it’s just the basic issue of paying for what you use.

I’ve been very, very large, and not spilled over seats.

@dottiehens Obese people can avoid trauma by not flying economy and spilling over the seat. It not anyone else’s fault they do this.

I wonder how larger people manage with the toilets, I’m not big and some of the loos are tiny! (EasyJet!)

I don’t like obese people sitting next to me on a commuter train, sitting next to one on a flight where you are trapped is my nightmare. On the one hand I feel sorry for the obese passengers, it can’t be comfortable for them either. But if you have purchased a ticket and you have to contort yourself like a pretzel to avoid touching the larger passenger in the next seat, that isn’t fair or safe. Holding yourself taut to avoid someone else the whole flight can trigger all sorts of new and existing body issues like back pain. But just the encroachment on personal space is not acceptable. There is also a health and safety dimension if there is an incident on the flight.

The onus is on the larger passenger to either book two seats, to not travel by air, or to lose weight. The onus should not be on other passengers to try and suffer a long flight. The airlines need a way of checking at the gate. There probably isn’t a way to do this diplomatically, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. If they can weigh your luggage they can weigh the person, using health and safety as an excuse.

I have been on a couple of helicopter flights. They weigh the passengers beforehand to decide where to place you on the aircraft. If weight distribution is important for a helicopter why isn’t it for a flight? There probably is a good reason, someone might know.

Because she opened a threat potentially inviting people to be mean with the comments. There is so much wrong with this threat but it is on the people making the nasty suggestions. There is so much ignorance as well about obesity reasons. Pretty sure if this is real issue. The airlines can find polite ways to deal with the situation rather than public shaming to add more trauma to an already very vulnerable people.

@DaffodilsinthespringBy and large similar unless you pay for a better class of cabin.

There isn’t a law to make them wider due to court claims and the width is easy to find. Around 17.5 - 18 inches for BA in economy. Emirates is similar - they all depend on aircraft. PE will be around 20 inches. So long haul is never going to be great if you are squished in or next to an obese person.

I agree with this . The thought of someone spilling into my seat would drive me mad . If you buy one seat you need to fit into it , if you can’t, either lose weight or buy two seats . It’s unfair to make someone suffer a horrible flight due to your size .

Are airline seats smaller than theatre seats? I’ve never flown so have no idea.

There was a case against BA where a passenger claimed damages for injuries caused by an adjacent obese passenger and he lost the case. Various reasons given including over stating discomfort and he didn’t ask to move. Plus, it was economy - it’s to be expected! So there’s personal responsibility in this too it seems. You have to upgrade or ask to move at the very least.

Oh I wonder if they would 🤔 It’s never happened to me. I’m no longer obese so don’t have the worry of it anymore although if I was rich I would always book two seats as the extra space was very useful.

Personally I think airlines should be forced to provide more comfortable seating full stop. Lots of people are uncomfortable on flights due to reclining seats or lack of legroom or width of seat / people hogging arm rests. All round unpleasant experience frankly and I say that as someone who is size 8'and 5'8" I can not imagine what it's like for people even size 14 or over 6'. Must be horrid.

Nobody said all the seats should be changed. A few rows yes. All no.

Planes are frequently serviced and seats checked and replaced as necessary so it could be done when they are serviced. Or as new planes are ordered.

Nope. Banning obese people from flights is the answer. Motivate them to stop snacking.

Morbidly obese people shouldn’t be allowed to fly.

Was the passenger you @ObliviousCoalmine ?