I disagree with your argument "So how's that different from someone who doesnt fit the other direction?" because I can't change my height, but I can change my weight.

I am 6'5 and 230 lbs and I do ask for an exit row or upgrade every time I fly. 90% of the time I get it. The times I don't, if I'm stuck in a window seat, the people usually trade with me without my asking. Not only for my comfort but for their comfort too. In general, coach seats are way too small, but the only thing I have influence over is my weight, not height. I think excessive weight should be charged by the airline unless the person has proof their weight problem is a registered disability. Some people do have health reasons that prevent them from loosing weight, which is not fair to charge them more if they cant change it.

I cant change my height, but I can change my weight. In the last 2 years I've lost weight down to 163lbs and gained it back, plus some. I once spent many hours on a flight from ORD to Munich in economy on Lufthansa in 2004 next to an obese woman in coach in an exit row. That happened because she was seated next to another large gentlemen in an exit row. I volunteered because 8+ hours with leg room was worth sacrificing half my seat. The person I originally sat next to lost half their seat too. However that problem never would have arisen if the airline would have charged both people for an extra seat, then I wouldn't have had to lay on top of a stranger for 8 hours.


Bottom line, I understand people have weight issues, but why should I suffer? If it can be changed, tax them. If unchangeable like disability or height, accommodate them.