Air Plane seats

BrunetteRunner87 · July 2018

I guess it would just depend on the economics of it. If making seats bigger absolutely caused more people to fly despite an increase in cost, then the airlines would make seats bigger. They'd have to find that sweet spot where people are still willing to pay an increased price to make up for less seats, AND there are now more larger people taking advantage of that.

OR people in general could get tired of sitting in small seats, and refuse to fly the airlines with the smallest seats, cutting into that airline's profit, or in the alternative, maybe more people would rather pay less and sit in a tiny seat. At the end of the day, it's all numbers driven and airlines will have to adapt to striking a balance between what most people want, what they are willing to pay for, what makes them better than the competition, and what makes them more money.

An alternative would be to offer seats at different sizes and allow people to pay more for them, if this made up for the fact that there are less seats on the plane.

It really has nothing to do with what airlines "should" or "shouldn't" do. People get so bent out of shape because they can't fit in airline seats or roller coasters or trains, and some companies only make clothes up to size 20, etc, and they act like it's a personal attack on them. It's not. Companies are going to offer what makes them the absolute most money, which in some circumstances could equate to larger seats or clothes or whatever, or maybe not. I don't know what the answer is for airlines, but you will end up with what comes out to be the best outcome for the most people if you just let the market do its thing.

DKG28 · July 2018

I experienced my first episode of being seated next to an individual that really didn't fit in the seat. He was more than squished. He might have actually been mostly resting on the arm rests of the window seat of a 2 seat row. I'm just into the overweight spectrum - so pretty average, and after he took his place, I could not properly sit in my seat. I'm not talking about touching thighs or shoulders or armrest encroachment. I had to turn sideways and sit on the side of one butt cheek, twisted so my upper body and both arms were facing the aisle. That's just not acceptable. I was unable to use the seatbelt in that position. All of the thoughts ran through my head of how to be kind and how to ask the flight attendant if there was an open seat elsewhere without embarrassing him (the plane was full, from what I could see). I don't know what the solution is, but at some point, it's not just a matter of comfort, but one of safety. Perhaps, if a person needs two seats, airlines could use a system where they check-in in person and the agent can secure them a seat next to an unoccupied one if the plane is not full, or perhaps the gate agent could be made aware of the need, and have the ability to make that arrangement...something more discreet than flagging down the flight attendant. Most flights are not full - airlines could accomodate larger individuals often without losing money or having to sell 2 seats, or an expensive upgrade for someone who can't afford it. I know i've had a row to myself on occasion, which was nice, but i'm a short legged average size individual who has plenty of room, and I would be happy to see others of taller or broader size enjoy the extra room instead if the seat assignment algorithm could be programmed to take that into account.

ritzvin · July 2018

Quite a few airlines offer a reasonably-priced upgrade to "economy plus" (or various other names) (and/or early seating if non-reserved seats) for the few rows in coach with some extra room. I would hazard to guess that if these frequently sold out quickly, that they would consider spending the money to increase the number of those roomier rows.

Packerjohn · July 2018

DKG28 wrote: »

I experienced my first episode of being seated next to an individual that really didn't fit in the seat. He was more than squished. He might have actually been mostly resting on the arm rests of the window seat of a 2 seat row. I'm just into the overweight spectrum - so pretty average, and after he took his place, I could not properly sit in my seat. I'm not talking about touching thighs or shoulders or armrest encroachment. I had to turn sideways and sit on the side of one butt cheek, twisted so my upper body and both arms were facing the aisle. That's just not acceptable. I was unable to use the seatbelt in that position. All of the thoughts ran through my head of how to be kind and how to ask the flight attendant if there was an open seat elsewhere without embarrassing him (the plane was full, from what I could see). I don't know what the solution is, but at some point, it's not just a matter of comfort, but one of safety. Perhaps, if a person needs two seats, airlines could use a system where they check-in in person and the agent can secure them a seat next to an unoccupied one if the plane is not full, or perhaps the gate agent could be made aware of the need, and have the ability to make that arrangement...something more discreet than flagging down the flight attendant. Most flights are not full - airlines could accomodate larger individuals often without losing money or having to sell 2 seats, or an expensive upgrade for someone who can't afford it. I know i've had a row to myself on occasion, which was nice, but i'm a short legged average size individual who has plenty of room, and I would be happy to see others of taller or broader size enjoy the extra room instead if the seat assignment algorithm could be programmed to take that into account.

If one can't afford it they don't have to fly. Problem solved.

rsclause · July 2018

I was going to say that airlines should setup some wider seats and then I stopped myself. There called 1st class. Then I thought about how do you classify when someone is required to move and pay for larger seating? Weight, size? I can't imagine the amount of lying about size or weight to avoid the cost. Not trying to be mean here as I was 40 + pounds over weight for years but I did change my diet and took an active interest to correct a unhealthy lifestyle. I am often it the store and see what food choices some morbidly obese people are eating. I then see them place the items in an electric ride on shopping cart because their joints have worn out carrying the load.I am not shaming them, I just feel sad. Not only has the government, experts and family let them down but they lack the desire, discipline or education to help themselves.

solieco1 · July 2018

Southwest has a very nice policy. If you don't feel you can fit in a seat without impinging someone else they will seat you free in two seats if available and you go ask the agent. This may require you to consciously fly at off-peak hours but is very fair. If you don't want the embarrassment of asking they will allow you to buy 2 seats and then will refund you one after the flight. This way they save it for you. If however, you don't fit and know it and choose to take someone else's area then it's just rude.

I do wish they'd make some accommodation for height like this as well. I have twin sons who are currently 16 yo and 6'6. I always have to buy better seats for them.

solieco1 · July 2018

kshama2001 wrote: »

Y'all have nothing to complain about until you fly Space Available on a poorly sound-insulated C-5 in which the sets are set in backwards and the plane makes three approaches to each airport before landing and then strands you in Alaska for three days (none of which was disclosed before boarding)

However, it did only cost $10 so there's that.

Been there done that but at least they gave me a pack of peanut butter crackers and a juice box.

happytree923 · July 2018

Getting fat enough that I was almost spilling into the next seat on Christmas flights home was my wake-up call. I find deliberately overselling flights and forcing passengers off to be way more abhorrent than cramming as many seats on as possible so I will take the small, uncomfortable seat if it minimizes the former. However I am a short woman so I'm definitely not as impacted by the small space- last time I flew I sat next to a guy who was probably about 6'4" with a bulky build. He looked miserable and I could tell he was trying to keep out of my space as much as possible but there's only so much you can do.

As far as people who are too overweight to fit, there really should be some system in place to make sure people who need two seats buy two but I don't know what that would look like and still be fair.

akp124 · July 2018

Whenever possible, I buy the two tickets next to each other so that the only people in the row are me and/or my family. I am always willing to pay extra for more comfort. You were not insensitive for your comment. As a fatty, I feel the same, I should conform to the standards, not the standards to me.

Courtscan2 · July 2018

This thread has me dreading the 15 hour flight I'm hopping on tomorrow!!!

VUA21 · July 2018

I just returned from a 3 week holiday in London, UK. I live in Texas. Neither my daughter nor I had any seat issues (flight delays and cancellation - yes GRRRRRRR!!!!!). I am a US size 8, my daughter is a 12, we're both 5'7". I completely understand the leg room issue for taller people, but as far as seat sizing. I am still overweight (by BMI) or at the absolute high end of healthy fat by a DEXA body fat scan, so I am not skinny not petit. It may sound rude, but if you cannot fit into a plane seat comfortably (except for height, which we really have no control over), you need to lose weight, or cough up the extra cash for an upgrade.

VUA21 · July 2018

solieco1 wrote: »

Southwest has a very nice policy. If you don't feel you can fit in a seat without impinging someone else they will seat you free in two seats if available and you go ask the agent. This may require you to consciously fly at off-peak hours but is very fair. If you don't want the embarrassment of asking they will allow you to buy 2 seats and then will refund you one after the flight. This way they save it for you. If however, you don't fit and know it and choose to take someone else's area then it's just rude.

I do wish they'd make some accommodation for height like this as well. I have twin sons who are currently 16 yo and 6'6. I always have to buy better seats for them.

The height issue I completely understand, that's not something we have any control over. And leg room is an issue.

I agree, if you know good and well that you can't fit into a single seat yet only buy one seat and spill over into someone else's, that is very rude!

bdgfn · July 2018

I was obese, thankfully not to the point where I couldn't fit into an airline seat, but regular coach seats were uncomfortable. And when I flew on Southwest, I would see people pass by the empty seat next to me in order not to have to be wedged in next to me. I have lost a considerable amount of weight (gone from XXL sizes down to L) and am not worried about the flight from Europe to the US in a couple of weeks. Yes, I would like for seats to be slightly wider and a little more legroom. I do not like being crammed in like a sardine any more than the next person, even if I will be a bit less uncomfortable than I used to be.

Pipsqueak1965 · July 2018

So, according to your friend, if I can fit in a normal size aeroplane seat I'm not real? What am I then, a hologram?

yirara · August 2018

I'm not obese. Hey, my BMI is around 20, and I still think that most airline seats (in Europe) are very tight. Go figure.

lindsayforlife · August 2018

I buy two seats whenever I fly. It only took one comment of "I have to sit next to THAT?" for me to know I never want to experience that again. I'm fat. It's my fault. I pay the penalty with an extra seat at my own cost.

Packerjohn · August 2018

lindsayforlife wrote: »

I buy two seats whenever I fly. It only took one comment of "I have to sit next to THAT?" for me to know I never want to experience that again. I'm fat. It's my fault. I pay the penalty with an extra seat at my own cost.

Thank you for taking personal responsibility

Packerjohn · August 2018

My son was on a flight yesterday. He sat right in front of the exit row. The people in the exit row said they would help in an emergency. My son noticed they were close to if not morbidly obese. I'm assuming they requested or paid extra so they could get the extra space.

IMO, very bad precedent that could cost someone their life. The cabin crew should ensure the people sitting in those seats can do the job if called upon.

middlehaitch · August 2018

@Packerjohn, the people in the emergency exit seats are asked if they can perform the tasks required if there is an emergency, and are shown how to perform them. It is basically being able to open the door, strength or brute force required.
The tasks can be opted out of. I have replaced someone opting out a couple of times over the years. (Don't know if it was voluntary or requested)

Cheers, h.

Packerjohn · August 2018

middlehaitch wrote: »

@Packerjohn, the people in the emergency exit seats are asked if they can perform the tasks required if there is an emergency, and are shown how to perform them. It is basically being able to open the door, strength or brute force required.
The tasks can be opted out of. I have replaced someone opting out a couple of times over the years. (Don't know if it was voluntary or requested)

Cheers, h.

My son said the people in the exit row said they could do it. However my son said one was a 5 ft something almost 300 pound woman. The other was an guy about the same size. My son was worked in the fitness industry and he could tell from their appearance they had little functional strength and would be a hindrance to someone actually trying to open the emergency exit.

Air Plane seats

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