Gadling

Looking at it from a security stand-point is a great way to go about answering this question. I agree that regulating seat width would be an interesting idea, but I think airlines are all about making money, and I have a feeling that bigger seat width equals less seats, which in turn equals less profit.

Regarding airplane seats - I was stuck on a plane once, next to a 300 pounder... His fat spilled over into my seat area, and I had to sit for 6 hours with this guy's belly and thigh blubber squishing me. Very unpleasant. When someone gets to that size, morbidly obese where they really do require two seats (but only buy one), they should be made to sit in special larger seats which cost more money because not only would it be fair for the people stuck sitting next to them - it also becomes a weight and balance issue for the airplane. People that size equal a person plus two baggage allowances - in addition to the baggage they're normally allowed. So while I have to pay $100 in "excess baggage" fees to bring my guitar along when, as a musician, I need to, this person carries the equivalent of several guitars, in blubber, free-of-charge. Not fair. When people check in, they should have to stand on the scale with their luggage.

I'm not anti-fat people - I could stand to lose a few lbs, but thankfully, I can still be contained in one seat. I would be ashamed if I couldn't, and mortified at the thought of squashing another person for an entire flight.

I am with you, Peter. That would be one of my worst nightmares. Buy 2 seats!

Good suggestion Peter, but you forget that it's not only seat width at the bottom that is an issue. Overweight women will overlap at the bottom but overweight don't tend to carry their extra weight in their butt and thighs, it's more belly and shoulders involved with them. I have sat more often next to big men who are fine to fit in the bottom of the seat but take up half of the back of my chair with their shoulders and arms.

I am a plus sized person. I was denied carry on luggage (different airline) and pulled out of the boarding line because I vocalized the fact that others - men with brief cases and laptops AND duffle bags; women with babies with diaper bags, handbags and over night bags - were allowed on the plane. I did get to board the plane minus my carry on luggage but then the same stewardess and manager were indignant that I would not trade my window seat with a person who wanted to sit closer to some acquaintance. I KNOW that I was discriminated against because of my size because the manager told me that the plane was already overweight.
I am not gargantuan. I do fit between the arm rests. I do not overlap into the next seat. I will refuse to fly if "overweight" people have to buy two seats. I will refuse to fly if the price of my seat becomes more due to my size. Airlines should enlarge ALL seats and increase the prices of all tickets. Comfort AND safety would be justification for an increase in costs. First class seats cost more anyway. Should people who have medical issues be penalized? Perhaps I do not want to sit next to a cachetic person with gastroentestinal problems...or an odiferous smoker. Period.

What if two people traveling together fit into two different categories of your special seating? For example, a full-sized adult and his small child.

I agree, that is a very good idea. At 5' 2", 90 lbs, I would likely need a booster seat to fly commercial- I've avoided it for that specific reason.

I'm 6'4" and large framed but do fit the seats width-wise. However, It can be a very uncomfortable flight when the person in front of me puts the seat back against my knees. I would pay a little extra to have more leg room. Maybe the airlines could have some rows that would be held for larger folks and only released after the other "normal" seats are sold out. I always hope to get an exit row but they are usually occupied by people who don't need the room. I was once on an Air France flight where I was so squeezed in from all sides that I started to get an anxiety attack. Thankfully, the cabin staff let ride across the ocean sitting in the crew's jump seat. They were great

I don't know why you expect me to pay more because some people have a large width Nancy. This country has a problem with portion control, processed foods, and lack of exercise. Those of us who still believe these things are important should be burdend? I am already tired of subsidizing Medicaid/Medicare to treat those who overeat and are plagued by heart disease.

I am 6'7" tall (a large person), and I eat well and move around and avoid potato chips and comfortably fit in the standard width coach seat. Now, I cannot make myself shrink as you can, so can I expect you to pick up the tab for the extra legroom I so desire?

People in this country need to lose weight. If they don't want to, that is fine. However, don't impose on me.

You're truely right. People who don't fit the public image of normal should be excluded from all activities. Sounds like 1939 revisited.

when a fatty gets on a ride at an amusement park and they cant fit do they let that person ride anyway? if you are too big for the coach seat on the plane they should pay for the extra space in first class or charter a plane. why should normal sized people suffer? why does everything have to always be so "PC"? Its as if the super fat people dont know they are fat. come on now, if you are FAT you know it. stop sugar coating it people! airlines get the problem fixed or create a new fatties only section!

Adam, it's not always about being PC, it's about not being cruel or discriminatory. I do agree that the folks that are that much overweight need to let the airlines know in advance or forefit their seats for a later flight. Just as we all need to be aware of other's rights/feelings, etc., so should they be aware of ours.

On that note, being derogatory toward ANYONE is wrong. It seems that it's illegal to rag on anyone due to race, color, religion, gender, age, etc., but it's perfectly ok to rag on the mentally ill or overweight folks. Some folks are overweight because of medications or health issues, and some - like me - are overweight because they just don't take care of themselves. It doesn't mean we're all big fat pigs that eat constantly, nor do we WANT to be overweight.

Also note the politeness of this post. Despite the absolutely RUDE and cruel things you said, I have not once been rude in return, no matter how many "F you's" are screaming in my mind. Smile and try not to be so nasty all the time. You'll feel better, guaranteed!