LEONIDES

Well, honestly, all I can advise you to do is to speak to the FA, and ask to be re-seated. Or just ask to be moved to a later flight. Seriously, what other advice can we give you?

kingzwingz

It didn't occur to me at the time that her size could potentially pose a problem if I needed to assist. It wasn't until about a half hour after take off when my husband and I realized that point. I know now and would definitely speak up if this ever happened again!

I actually do have two other issues ; ) However the other two issues were positive experiences. I feel strongly that the positive and negative should be separated as I do not want any issue to get overlooked.

For the record: The COS did ask the FA for a seat belt extender. The FA asked the COS how many she needed and returned with one and handed it to the COS in the exit row seat.
the COS issue was a

If I remember correctly, the plane was a 737-800. As I was seated in the middle, the armrests on both sides of me had full movement.

As per the advice of a few FlyerTalker's, I did send an email. I received a quick response...

"Thank you for contacting United Airlines. Your e-mail came to my attention in our Executive Offices on behalf of Mr. Smisek.

I apologize for the difficulties you experienced during your flight with us. It certainly was never our intention for you to share your seat with another passenger.

Customers should always be treated with dignity and respect, as we strive to provide safe and comfortable accommodations for all our valued customers.

Customers who are unable to sit with armrests down and seatbelts fastened without encroaching on adjacent seating space will be required to purchase an additional ticket. We are not required to provide additional seats or upgrades free of charge. Our Inflight staff is often successful in arranging alternative seating for customers in these situations. Again, I am truly sorry we were unable to meet your needs that day.

I will include your comments in our monthly Customer Care report for internal review.

The situation you described for the second leg of your trip is not reflective of our commitment to providing our customers the highest level of service. I apologize for the negative impression this situation created. We intend to provide a high-quality experience, tailored to meet the individual needs of our passengers.

Based on your comments, we did not meet your expectations, and I regret you were not satisfied with the service provided. Your feedback will be used in future coaching and training as we continue to improve our service.

As a gesture of goodwill, I am sending you and your husband electronic travel certificates via separate e-mail that may be used toward your next purchase. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing.

Please give us an opportunity to provide you the service you expect. We appreciate your business and look forward to welcoming you on board a future United Airlines flight."

...I shall know in a few days what compensation my husband and I will receive. I will report back. Thank you to those that provided advice and humor.

dulcamara

Correct. Hit the call button as soon as you see/feel/smell the problem. This is one situation that WN handles very very well. If you insist on the space that is yours, the FA will likely solve your problem.

LAXOGG

I'm impressed

LEONIDES

Best statement I've heard on this board in months. WINNER! WINNER!

BOB W

If you travel often you should have some status. Why not?

Mike Jacoubowsky

So I'm the only person here amazed that the OP got a response this quick, and a personal one at that? This is contrary to any number of long-running threads here. What's going on?

BOB W

The planet will stop spinning in

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
......

DirtyDan

On overwater helicopter flights I've denied the window (emergency) seat to [passengers of size] or people that slept through the pre-flight video (we watch it before boarding). If something happens again (and that's another story), I'm going to be the one that handles the emergency door.

Now, DirtyDan's mom is a big girl and for that reason I always sponsor her seat up to the front. I realise that's not an option for everyone. On a commercial flight, I'm sure I would handle the situation a little more delicately than on an oilfield chopper but we are certainly well within our rights to request our own un-invaded seat.

djs

For some people, 3 times a year could be often; or others 3 times a month. Easy to not have status if only 3 times a year?

sockrebel

But will she and her husband really get the "electronic travel certificates via separate e-mail" in 3-5 business days?

That will really be amazing.

Mike Jacoubowsky

The Mayan number system stops at 3?

grt

This is an interesting thread, with useful suggestions. I always try to get an exit-row seat, but exit rows seem to be magnets for COSs (great acronym!) and linebacker types with huge shoulders (or those who fit in both categories simultaneously). The linebackers are the worst because their shoulders are much more rigid than [COS'] waists and arms, and are not restrained by armrests.

The restrictions about some people having to buy two seats should apply in both cases, but I doubt GA's and FA's will apply it to the latter.

garykung

I am surprised that COS issue can lead to a ETC.

Do OP mind sharing how much are you getting and which exact office responded?

Weight restriction?

Flyinace2000

Funny story happened to me flying IAD-LHR a few months back. I boarded and took my exit row seat. The config of Y was xx-xxxxx-xx. An older german couple boards the plane and is trying to find their seat. The wife sits behind me and the husband sits next to me. Then I noticed he has only one arm! (He is wearing a prothesis).

Few problems
1. He doesn't speak and english
2. he only has one arm and I doubt he would be able to assist in an emergency.

About 5 minutes later another pax comes and says that HE is sitting next to me. The german man gets up and eventually ends up 3 rows back somewhere int he middle. No where close!