Badenoch

Except that based on the posts here the crews seem to be ignoring that policy and putting the onus on the non-POS to tolerate the encroachment, move to a lesser seat or even take a later flight. It's not hard understand why crews take the path least resistance but what is striking is the apparent number of people who just go along simply because they want to be "polite."

LarryJ

Exactly, especially since most cases are not clear-cut. The COS is large but is he too large? Human nature is such that people will avoid confronting someone in what would be an embarrassing situation like that.

That's why I think it is important, as a passenger, to know the airline's policy in case you are affected by it.

PTravel

I respectfully disagree. If the other pax is taking up space on my seat, they are too large. I have nothing against overweight people and, aside from a general concern for the medical well-being, their size counts neither for nor against them as far as I'm concerned. However, I have absolutely no intention of sharing my seating space with a stranger. I paid for an entire seat and I expect to get an entire seat.


I'm always polite. However, I see no problem whatsoever in telling an FA, "Unfortunately, the person seated next to me requires more than a single seat and he/she is sitting in part of mine. If they can't sit there without taking my space, they are going to have to be moved."

And I'm perfectly willing to say that in front of the overweight passenger. This is not "fat shaming" and I would never do that to someone. This is, however, "taking my space without my consent shaming," and not really that different from a seat-poacher. I have a friends and relatives who are very overweight, and they are quite cognizant of the issues entailed in being the size they are. I refuse to believe that a person large enough to require more than space afforded by a single seat has no clue that they will be inconveniencing (to say the least) a stranger if they don't purchase an extra seat or book into F.

ft101

That emphasises my point - DOT regulations will only scratch the surface as they have no effect on most of the world's air travel. ICAO (per your example) would cover a much larger percentage, even if not 100% and would therefore be much more suitable. There may be something even better not mentioned yet.

CarolynUK

My tuppence worth is that the person causing the inconvenience is the one who should be inconvenienced themselves.

If someone is encroaching on MY space, I will be sure that I will not be inconvenienced by their size ( I have recurring back problems from having to lean over on a long flight accommodating my seatmates extra inches...) I will politely point out that my personal space is even more compromised than it would normally be by the COS, and I am not risking my own health or comfort to accommodate them!

Incidentally - ever noticed that it's always the squashed party who usually has to lean away from the COS (even into the aisle and getting bashed by the trolleys) and not the COS leaning away from the smaller person?

economyplusfan

I had this experience (overweight person in window seat spilling over into 20% of my middle seat) last night on a 2.5 hr mainline United flight. I just sat there and suffered, but your post has given me some ideas as to what to do next time. Thanks!

sethb

Actually, no. I've had a very large and apologetic passenger spend a flight leaning into the aisle.

vanillabean

If a carryon bag can be measured at the gate to comply with FAA regulations, why can’t a seat be put by the gate or even better at the checkin counter? On small planes, you may need to disclose your weight for passenger distribution.

Marko63

Took me awhile to realize POS meant Person of Size! No fat shaming but 99% of obesity is the fault of the fat person. Should I endure an uncomfortable and unsafe flight because they made bad choices in diet and exercise?
My policy is never ever change seats unless I get upgraded to First!
In 1992, I was on a Delta flt from FLL to ATL and the wrestler Abdullah the Butcher was in the row in front of me. He is a huge man and with courtesy he booked TWO seats!
Self-awareness of one’s body mass is an easy thing to achieve. When one knows they will not fit into a standard airline coach seat, book two.
Oh not only did I recognize Abdullah, but his boarding pass protruding from his shirt pocket had printed on it:
”Mr. Butcher.”

chipmaster

I am sympathetic to everyone's personal DNA liabilities but I'm with you. Everyone owns their own health and make choices. I travel a lot to the far east and there is a difference in body shape, genetics, but for countries that have embraced western diet and habits they seem to be moving quickly to the US norms of POS

obscure2k

I have recently deleted several posts. We are now going to give this thread a rest.
Obscure2k
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