What do you do when the passenger is quite overweight?
 

I was on a flight with a passenger who was quite overweight and took up some of my own seat. The flight attendants were quite rude on this flight and it was full so I didn't bother contact them about it. In retrospect, what should I or you have done? I would have also accepted compensation in this instance but like I said, rude flight attendants so I didn't bother to try.

Anybody have any experience with this? Does AA have a policy for this (relocation or compensation or otherwise?) I have never successfully had an airline issue me one of those sorry/goodwill vouchers. They always just tell me to complain to the online customer service afterwards if they tell me anything at all.

I wrote to the airline afterward about this particular matter, we'll see what happens in that regard.

Charge/fine the offending passenger for invading your space. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/air...-his-seat.html

I saw that already but be serious. That's an unique situation with an audacious passenger and a very embarrassed overweight passenger who would rather acquiesce than make a scene. Most people would refuse such an offer.

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/special-assistance.jsp?anchorEvent=false&from=Nav#extraspa ce

Extra space during travel

For the safety and comfort of all customers, if a customer’s body extends more than 1 inch beyond the outermost edge of the armrest and a seat belt extension is needed, another seat is required. We encourage customers to address all seating needs when booking.

• When you call to book, Reservations will make sure you get 2 adjacent seats at the same rate.
• If you didn’t book an extra seat in advance, ask an airport agent to find out if 2 adjacent seats are available.
• You may be offered a seat in a higher class of service that may provide more space; in this case, you’ll be responsible for the fare difference.
• If accommodations can’t be made on your original flight, you can buy seats on a different flight at the same price as your original seats.

I would ask the FAs to call the GA. I'd require the GA to either find you a new agreeable seat, move the pax (or offload him) or reaccomodate you on another flight if an alternate empty seat couldn't be found. Yes it's not a very pleasant task but it is their job.

I'd say: move along, there's nothing to see here. You don't deserve compensation; yes it's unfortunate, but like delays and cancellations, it's just the reality you live in...

In all my years I had only one ( thank god) who spilled over into my seat. I politely requested he contain himself. He did, sat with arms crossed and shoulders a bit huched. Long 3 hr flight, I got up three times and let him know I will be longer than "normal" so he can relax.
As to how he/ she feels : THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE. They are counting on taking advantage of "poor me". Besides I don't know if it is a medical condition ( a good cop out) or too many trips to the buffet.
They know it will be uncomfortable for selves and others. They will not take proactive action since it costs $$$.
BTW when in Y I do pray and pass some anxious moments when I see a POS approaching

Wow...just wow. I can't believe that you would ask someone who CLEARLY is overweight to "contain themselves". I can't imagine how embarrassing requesting a seatbelt extension or being told you're too big to fit. I understand obesity is possible to control and sometimes it isn't. If "normal" sized people on here bellyache and complain about how uncomfortable flying is, how bad must it be for a COS. They obviously don't try to purposefully invade your space. It's uptight and inconsiderate people like you who make people feel like they need to apologize for everything they often can't control when flying and ultimately makes flying uncomfortable and almost traumatic.

I'm surprised that no one is addressing the real answer to this question, which is posted above. AA does require this passenger to book a 2nd adjacent seat. There is nothing wrong with requesting that AA follow their own policies. This passenger should be moved to a seat with a vacant adjacent seat, or, of unavailable, be asked to deplane. Really this is on the GA -- they should not have been allowed to board (IMO it is much better for all involved to handle this situation with private conversation at the gate than a public one on the plane)

Upon reflecting on this I think that the airline should be required to provide two adjacent seats for the price of one (second seat free), for customers above certain size. There has to be some ADA type of accommodation. What is happening now is not fair to either COS or other passengers.