Often1

Sounds to me as though the FA solved OP's problem.

If OP still wishes to pursue the matter, she should file a complaint with DOT, noting that AA failed to follow its own policy.

The reality is that DOT will not do anything because the problem was solved, but will forward the complaint to AA. Because it is from DOT, AA will have to respond and will say that it has appropriately counseled the cabin crew for the flight in question.

jackonferry

I agree completely. I knew what the policy is, but I was also a little willing to be flexible if needed. If I absolutely had to be on the flight and no one would trade, I would have asked them to enforce their policy.

I still wish there would be some proactive enforcement. If the COS needs an extender, the FA or someone else could do a visual check at that time. Maybe it would improve things, but I was distinctly uncomfortable that I had to raise it. To me, it's a little like a seat belt check, tray table or upright seat check, and it would be easy to incorporate it into the request for an extender.

v11a

No, that was another poster's - (Jackonferry) - POS problem that was (partially) solved, not mine.

With me, they were adamant at all times that it is NOT their policy to move or remove POSes who are using an extender and encroach into one or more other pax's seat space.

In addition, they said it was not even a factor that the other guy's space was invaded, as he had not reported it (most likely because he was a novice flyer and spoke little English, which obviously makes it difficult or impossible to report anything).

I was polite throughout, firmly polite on occasion as required, and used an airline term every now and then (such as when I inquired about nonrevs), so that they would hopefully believe that I knew my rights.

I think I was probably too polite.

mvoight

AA's published policy is that if you exceed the limits "another seat is required" and explains how you can get the second seat for the same price, or you can get a larger seat, but in both cases you are paying for the seat. "Another seat is required" sounds pretty clear. EIther you get another seat on that flight or another one, or you don't fly. If the flight was full, I would insist AA follow their stated policy
f

danielonn

AA serves Egg Nog

EQDsSUCK

After a friend relayed to me their story, it got me thinking about a few questions.

SITUATION:
A flyer (sitting in a 737 Main Cabin Extra seat for several hours on a full domestic flight in this case) is taking up several inches or more of their neighbor's seat space (seat width 17"). The encroachment occurs above the armrest, below the armrest, and along (and beyond) the seat cushion.

QUESTIONS:
What are the rights and responsibilities of the flyer who is being encroached upon?
What are the rights and responsibilities of the flyer who is encroaching on the seat space of their neighbor?
What are the roles and responsibilities of the flight attendant, pilot, or airline?

bl-ord

I find it hard to believe that these days with all of the mask and other distractions in the cabin and more generally the social stigma towards fat-shaming, that many FA's would look favorably on a request to relocate in a full aircraft because of a PoS issue.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

It would really need to be addressed with the GA prior to departure. Luckily I haven't have to deal with this but I've seen many, many POS these days. If someone's "being" is coming over into my space I would politely ask the FA to summons the GA. Sorry I didn't buy half or 3/4 quarters of a seat. If the GA didn't require the POS to buy 2 seats that's not my problem.

GrumpyYoungMan

100% this. I'll gladly give up an armrest, but once my seat is invaded, AA folks will get involved.

skylady

This is definitely a sensitive topic that needs to be addressed before departure. After a few hours in the air, the options may be very limited, if any at all.

jmanrunner

It would be nice if all seats on all planes had the same length seat belt. Most do but there are some aircraft especially the regional commuter variations where the seat belts are significantly shorter. You can jump from one seat to another and require a seat belt extender in one of the seats.

enviroian

Wouldn't that limited if any option be right when the door closes at the gate?

SKYEG

I know many people who are taller/larger that buy J or blocked middle Y for their own comfort. People that travel once or twice a year, not wealthy. Now I understand everyone can't afford this privilege... but if someone isn't concerned enough to pay the premium for their own comfort, they likely aren't worried about anyone else. If someone spilled into my seat, it will be addressed before departure. As privately and discreetly as I could, of course. It's not fair at all for someone else to suffer too.

I hope I never have to run into this sensitive and awkward situation... Especially for the POS I know some POS are due to medical reasons, and I feel terrible for them having to deal with this. I've sat with people who take up a lot of shoulder space and both armrests, but that's very different to a POS spilling over.

lrbenko

In regards to a POS that doesn't need a seat belt extender or extends onto the neighboring seat, but shoulder wise is much wider and extends into neighbors seat, what's the policy? This happened to me yesterday in MCE when an NFL sized person took the middle seat next to me. I am a fairly large person as well, with wider shoulders than most, so this situation was miserly. I could not sit back in my seat and was crushed into the window. It was a short flight (DCA-MCO), so just leaned forward and rested my arms on the folding tray for most of the flight. But if this had been a longer flight, there could not have been a reasonable expectation that someone should have to endure this, correct?

sfoeuroflyer

Here is how this should work. The ticket buys every person the same amount of space. It run perpendicularly from the middle of each arm rest on the seat. The fare entitles that person to no more space than that. In particular no person can intrude beyond those boundaries into the space purchased by the person seated alongside. And this rule should be rigid. Not one millimeter extra. Additional point of emphasis, under no circumstances can a person occupy any part of the space of another passenger. If a person needs more space, that person should be required to buy two seats. In the post above it appears that there was intrusion into the adjacent passenger's space. That is wrong in every circumstance.