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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

531 replies

Kag13 · 04/05/2026 21:05

I have today spent a four and a half hour Jet2 flight seated next to a young man who was at least 20 stone, probably larger. I could not use the left hand armrest as his body (fat) buldged over it and into my personal space (which on a budget airline is not that large) and his leg was resting over part of my seat.
Luckily I am only 5’2” and not that big but what would happen if someone of the same size was seated next to him?
it made for a very uncomfortable flight for me. Am I being unreasonable to think this is not right?

OP posts:
ObliviousCoalmine · 04/05/2026 21:11

You’re being unreasonable in your tone and wording, for a start.

Airlines have made seats smaller and smaller to get more people in, people are getting bigger, for a multitude of reasons (very few people are bigger because they chose that option).

You’re not going to get airlines making seats bigger, and you’re not going to get people booking two seats while money is tricker, so it’s a stalemate.

We all have to weigh up different social scenarios and whether we partake in them based on our various tolerance levels for things, if this is something that you can’t tolerate, then you can make that choice; just as others choose not to travel on the tube/go to big concerts etc based on how other humans occupy those spaces.

If you just came for a “fat people are gross” whinge, then crack on, but at least be upfront about it.

PoppinjayPolly · 04/05/2026 21:09

what size do you think they should keep having to make seats up to?

tnorfotkcab · 04/05/2026 21:09

Newnames123 · 04/05/2026 21:07

I hate this. Surely if you can't fit into one seat you should be asked to purchase two? You paid for your flight and have the right to ALL of your seat.

But how can they check before you buy a single ticket?

Jellybunny98 · 04/05/2026 21:07

Totally agree it’s not right but not sure why it should be up to the airline to provide a wider seat specifically for obese travellers?

Anyone has the option to purchase more than one seat for their comfort, presumably wider seats would come at a higher cost so some people would probably still not pay. It would be reliant on people disclosing their weight, height, size etc at booking… not realistic

Newnames123 · 04/05/2026 21:07

I hate this. Surely if you can't fit into one seat you should be asked to purchase two? You paid for your flight and have the right to ALL of your seat.

PolkaDotPorridge · 04/05/2026 21:07

That sounds very uncomfortable for you, if they’re that big then they should be charged for two seats!