Originally Posted by Finkface

As a person with a disability, I have to question how you were able to buy a handicapped seat (and if it is ethically correct) when you don't meet the legal (or moral) criteria, as the poster above stated, of being handicapped? Not to belittle your situation or cast any sort of aspersions. My question merely comes from, if people of size are now able to claim seats and facilities designated as handicapped, where does that leave those of us who have medical disabilities that we have no option of overcoming? If all the handicapped seats in that NBA arena were taken by persons of size, then truly "handicapped" people would never be able to attend games. And it's not a matter of using them until they are needed by a true person with a disability - if it is a pre-sold seat in an arena, then that seat is now unavailable for me to buy. I don't have the luxury of squeezing myself into a too-small seat or even just being uncomfortable in a standard seat for the duration. No handicapped access = no access period.

I am sure the flaming will now begin (I look forward to your emails) and, as I said, I am not judging or belittling in any way. I am just saying that handicapped seats are meant for those with medical handicaps, not for persons of size based on size alone, absent any other medical disabilities. If businesses start allowing handicapped facilities to be claimed purely on the basis of size (height as well as weight - size is size), then those of us who are physically unable to fly, sit, move about without these facililities will no longer be able to do these things because of the increasing numbers of plus sized individuals. These facilities are meant for persons with disabilities, not for those whose size makes it less comfortable for them using the 'standard' facility. Maybe they aren't going to make you give up that handicapped seat if I came along as you said, but you are keeping those persons with true disabilities from even attending that event. If buying 2 seats would magically fix me, where do I sign up?

Originally Posted by GadgetFreak

No flaming from me. I agree completely.

Originally Posted by horseymen

Regardless of agreeing - I would hope no flaming would be necessary for either side of the issue. I hope we can have a respectful and cogent discussion of both sides as a learning experience.

Originally Posted by horseymen

You can certainly express your dissatisfaction with the following facilities that allowed me to do that with no hesitation:

Alamodome
American Airlines Center
Madison Square Garden
Reliant Stadium
Cowboys Stadium
United Center
Staples Center
US Airways Arena
Whatever El Paso's arena is called
Sprint Center

I never stated I was handicapped - just simply I am uncomfortable in normal seats and was recommended to talk to the box office - and they accommodated me.

I'm sure they would all appreciate hearing your viewpoint as well. Not 1 arena has told me I shouldn't do that or I am abusing any sort of issue.

I don't necessarily agree with this, but I googled, and according to this:

http://www.diversityinc.com/diversit...ity-says-eeoc/

Maybe that's why...

Originally Posted by Finkface

My dissatisfaction is not with the facilities - I think they are trying to keep customers happy and not be accused of being un-PC, or worse, by suggesting that someone is not entitled to a handicapped seat without knowing the details. I would assume they take people at their word as far as needing a handicapped seat as not all disabilities are always apparant. I wouldn't expect a ticket office worker to challenge you if you stated you needed a handicapped seat, nor should they. There could be serious repercussions for doing so and I can't imagine anyone sticking their neck out or putting their job on the line for something they probably could care less about. Why would the box office worker care if you take a handicapped seat? No skin off his nose.

My issue is more with requesting and taking advantage of handicapped seating when one is not a person with a disability thereby preventing those who truly need those seats from buying/using them. If I were told all handicapped seats were taken for an NBA game, I would then be unable to attend that game. Unlike those who are just doing it for the extra comfort that seat affords and is not entitled, either legally or morally to it. The fact that you just 'more comfortable' in the seat provided by law to those with disabilities and the fact that the businesses don't challenge you to prove disability doesn't make it right.

And I too appreciate the polite exchange of ideas we have had on this thread. A refreshing change.

Originally Posted by horseymen

Well, with me, the issue is not necessarily 'more comfort' as a convenience. I too could not attend the NBA game if I was not given that seat - nor could you. My physical posterior would not fit in the seat and I would have to stand in that area the whole game, which would be uncomfortable and probably not pleasant to everyone around me who would have to look around me.

I understand your point; however, I do not agree - and given the legal definition appears to have changed (I am not a lawyer and I did not extensively research - there could be 50 websites saying that's incorrect) - it seems it would be legal and ethical. The moral issue is a bit more hazy as I have no doubt you would trade your disability for the relative "ease" of obesity 10 days out of the week - and anytime you're in Dallas and want to go to a basketball game, the seats are on me!

Originally Posted by GadgetFreak

Yes. In fact I am rather stunned at how civil this thread has been, pleasantly stunned I should add, given other threads on this general topic.

Originally Posted by GadgetFreak

Yes. In fact I am rather stunned at how civil this thread has been, pleasantly stunned I should add, given other threads on this general topic.

Originally Posted by RustyC

Re: OP. Oddly enough, Spirit might not be a bad option because they have the "Big front seats" at 2 to a row and might charge as low as $25 a segment to upgrade. It's not first class...just a first class-size seat with a bit more legroom and that's it.

If memory serves, AirTran also made a big deal out of business class being available on every flight and upgrades not costing a lot, but the Southwest merger will probably wipe that out.

Originally Posted by djk7

As mentioned upthread, you no longer have to pay for the second seat on Southwest. You also don't need to pay extra for early bird or business select, passengers needing two seats can preboard fro free.

Originally Posted by nsx

Correct. Just walk up to the counter at the gate well before boarding starts. Say that you believe you need a second seat. Assuming the flight is not overbooked it's a done deal.

If you want protection from oversale, just buy the second seat in advance and call in for a refund after the flight. It's free after refund.

The only remaining gripe a person could have is the need to identify yourself as a person who requires a second seat. I can't imagine a workable policy which did not include that requirement.

Originally Posted by Laylla

Most stadiums I have been in have fixed armrests. So a fat person can't buy two seats and raise the armrest. However sometimes there are bench seats in part of the stadium where purchasing two seats would work out OK.

I'm glad that horseyman is trying to make it work for him, but I might feel differently if I were handicapped. But at least he isn't going in with the plan to take up part of the seat someone else has paid for, which I feel some people do with airline travel, trying to avoid a second fare and planning to flow over...