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Has anybody ever bought a “comfort” seat on a plane?

13 replies

Rainbowcat99 · 10/05/2025 20:08

Hi I’m just wondering if anybody has ever flown and has purchased an extra seat next door to them so they can be more comfortable? If so, how did it work out for you?

I’m flying abroad in June, the flights are relatively cheap and whilst I’ve flown recently without issues I’m on the larger side and always worry myself sick before hand about not fitting or having somebody next to me who objects to being next to a fatty!!

so I’m considering booking an extra seat but has anybody done this and has it worked out well for you?

I have visions of losing the extra seat and then having it taken off me for some reason.

OP posts:
saveforthat · 10/05/2025 20:08

If you buy it, how could it be taken from you?

FionnulaTheCooler · 10/05/2025 20:11

saveforthat · 10/05/2025 20:08

If you buy it, how could it be taken from you?

Airlines oversell flights and double sell seats all the time. Its common for people to be offered compensation to deboard and get another flight so I could easily see them reselling a seat that's been booked for this purpose.

Rainbowcat99 · 10/05/2025 20:15

yes, I mean if a plane is overbooked and they have to get rid of passengers then the comfort seat would be the first to go…which is fine (well better than a passenger having to get off anyway) but then would I get my money back given that I was still able to fly?

also, you do hear entitled traveller stories all the time so was wondering if it would end up with somebody’s toddler or a pile of bags on it.

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BellissimoGecko · 10/05/2025 20:20

What size are you? Do you really need an extra seat?

soupyspoon · 10/05/2025 20:22

When I was very big I always booked the bigger seats. I didnt want to be uncomfortable and I didnt want to overspill next to me, which I would have done

Rainbowcat99 · 10/05/2025 20:27

BellissimoGecko · 10/05/2025 20:20

What size are you? Do you really need an extra seat?

No, as I said in my original post I have flown without issues a few times recently so it would probably be fine but an extra seat would give me peace of mind and they’re currently available at a price I can afford so I’m considering it.

OP posts:
TheAutumnCrow · 10/05/2025 20:29

How long’s the flight?

Last time we flew my DP sat next to a very large lady indeed and she fitted in the (easyJet) seat with her seatbelt extender without issues. DP kind of leaned into me a bit I guess, and gave her the armrest, and the lady leant away as much as she could into the window! Anyway it was fine for an hour or so.

TheAutumnCrow · 10/05/2025 20:31

Rainbowcat99 · 10/05/2025 20:27

No, as I said in my original post I have flown without issues a few times recently so it would probably be fine but an extra seat would give me peace of mind and they’re currently available at a price I can afford so I’m considering it.

In answer to your question specifically, I don’t think anyone can give you any guarantees, unfortunately.

Maybe approach the airline directly?

Rainbowcat99 · 10/05/2025 20:35

The airline allow for this, you can actually book the seat by putting the words extra comfort seat where the name would normally go…not sure they can give me any actual guarantees about overbooking and entitled passengers though.

OP posts:
Annascaul · 10/05/2025 20:36

You hear of people who’ve booked and paid extra for the extra legroom seats being hauled out of them to enable families (who haven’t bothered to reserve seats) to sit together, so there’s every chance it would be requisitioned, unfortunately.
If they’re really cheap it’s worth taking a chance, though.

Rainbowcat99 · 10/05/2025 20:37

TheAutumnCrow · 10/05/2025 20:29

How long’s the flight?

Last time we flew my DP sat next to a very large lady indeed and she fitted in the (easyJet) seat with her seatbelt extender without issues. DP kind of leaned into me a bit I guess, and gave her the armrest, and the lady leant away as much as she could into the window! Anyway it was fine for an hour or so.

Four hours.
it will probably be fine without I’m just a real worrier!

OP posts:
Rainbowcat99 · 10/05/2025 20:38

Annascaul · 10/05/2025 20:36

You hear of people who’ve booked and paid extra for the extra legroom seats being hauled out of them to enable families (who haven’t bothered to reserve seats) to sit together, so there’s every chance it would be requisitioned, unfortunately.
If they’re really cheap it’s worth taking a chance, though.

Hmm yes this is what concerns me.

OP posts:
PansyPottering · 11/05/2025 12:26

I would have thought that the airline would be pleased about a passenger paying extra for a comfort seat because there is a danger that the neighbouring person will kick up a fuss if someone is encroaching on their seat.

You do hear of people trying to get passengers who have paid for seats to move but that doesn’t mean you have to move. Or engage with people trying to get you to move.

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