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Obese passenger forces neighbor on US Airways flight to stand for 7 hours

by Chris Owen (RSS feed) on Nov 23rd 2011 at 4:00PM

Arthur Berkowitz, a passenger on US Airways Flight 901 from Anchorage to Philadelphia, had no other choice but to stand up during his seven hour flight. It seems the next seat over was occupied by a passenger so overweight that it was impossible for Berkowitz to stay in his seat. Now, Berkowitz is speaking out about the ordeal.

"I didn't fly from Alaska to Philadelphia on Flight 901," Berkowitz told consumer advocate Chris Elliott, "I stood."

The neighboring 400-pound man's body spilled over into Berkowitz's personal space so much that he was forced to stand for most of the 7 hour flight, and he couldn't use his seat belt during takeoff and landing.

"His size required both armrests to be raised up and allowed for his body to cover half of my seat." said Berkowitz.

US Airways apologized for the incident and said in a statement "Our intention is to offer the best travel experience possible. The details you have provided indicate that we have failed to meet our intentions." US Air offered Berkowitz a $200 voucher in compensation.

In a poll on Elliott's consumer watchdog site, 96% (over 17,000 votes) thought that US Airways did not offer Berkowitz enough compensation. We agree.

[Image credit: AP]

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, Airline Reviews, Travel Security

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Reader Comments (Page 5 of 61)

stutuff Nov 23rd 2011 4:32PM

Did they break some Aviation laws or just rules by this flyer to not have seatbelts on while taking off or landing?

They should have to give him free Airline tickets for a year, no matter where he
wants to go. Either that, or sue the crap out of them.

Bill Nov 23rd 2011 4:33PM

Should have taken the "FAT CAT" off the plane....of couse that would require common sense.

Laner Nov 23rd 2011 4:34PM

Obese people usually have to buy 2 seats. What happened here??

Mitannica Nov 23rd 2011 5:06PM

Quite possibly the overweight passenger had not given prior notice of his size. At boarding time they may no longer have a chance to remove the offender since he was de facto accepted to fly "as is" already.

Mary Ann Nov 23rd 2011 4:35PM

They should offer him a free flight anywhere in the world! $200 is an insult, for what he put up with! Didn't the stewardess see what was happening, there wasn't ONE other seat in the entire plane?? I'mn sorry but if someone is that huge they have to buy 2 seats then.

Karen Nov 23rd 2011 5:03PM

Why don't they have a special section with larger seats for larger people? They have crammed as many seats as they can into the planes in the name of making a buck! They charge for luggage, drinks, pillows, blankets, phones, exit isles, behind the bulkhead, have a Super Seat section for an additonal fee, then everyone would be comfortable.

I just don't fly anymore if I can possibly avoid it. My last flight the seat was so skinny I couldn't wiggle. The seat ahead of me was in my face as soon as the Fasten Your Seatbelt light was off. When the drink cart went down the isle it about took your left hand off it was so tight. I am claustraphobic and the less room in those planes the less I fly at any cost. Add the sardine can experience to being frisked in public with all your worldly assets left on a conveyor belt for anyone to walk off with......I avoid going where I can not drive. Flying is just is a nasty experience.

Keith Nov 23rd 2011 4:55PM

I see no reason for this to ever happen. The agents at the gate should have seen when he got to the gate that he couldn't fit in one seat and knowing the flight was full, should have forseen the problem and fixed it before it ever happened. He should get a refund for that flight plus a voucher. One strike from me for US Airways!!!

Jim in Reno Nov 23rd 2011 4:35PM

I am an Obese Man, most Airlines require that I purchase an additional seat, which I gladly do - if however the Airline has (what I jokingly refer to) The Ass-Vice of Death seats where the armrest will not go up - I simply go first class - I do not wish to Pour over onto some poor Human and envelope them in my FAT - surprisingly owning two seats makes me very popular with the Beautiful single women who wish to spread out and share the middle seat with me and my stuff - As I don't cover but about 3 inches of the middle seat - they are left with a huge space to relax and get some sleep - PLUS I give great foot-rubs - LOL - MY SIZE - MY PROBLEM - it should NEVER be YOUR PROBLEM - I appoligize for all the FAT ScumBags who have ZERO concideration - Jim in Reno

YOSHIRA Nov 23rd 2011 5:12PM

I always feel like this a no win situation, i am not obese but always feel the seats are not fit for any human being i don't care the size, thanks for being sympathetic to all HUMAN BEINGS.

B Nov 23rd 2011 5:15PM

You're too funny!!!

gobucksjoe Nov 23rd 2011 5:35PM

I appreciate your attitude about this. Some overweight people don't think that if they USE 2 seats they should PAY for 2 seats

Liz Nov 23rd 2011 7:38PM

I too, prefer to go first class when I am able, but otherwise I just pay for two seats and can relax and not feel like my hip and thigh grazing my neighbor is freaking them out. I do not spill over onto the other seat but I definitely feel the other person, and if I feel it they feel it. Just because a person is overweight does not give them the right to cry discrimination at something so simple, we take up more space and we need to be considerate!

Betsy Nov 23rd 2011 5:37PM

Thanks Jim. You are a true gentleman. I'll be looking for the foot rub the next time I fly.;)

Visconti24 Nov 23rd 2011 6:02PM

Jim in Reno: I am 6'2" and weigh 175 pounds. I am sorry I can't go to Reno right now because if I could I would go there and give you a big hug. What a thoughtful and wonderful human being you must be. My very best wishes to you.

Jim in Reno Nov 23rd 2011 4:40PM

PS: Sorry - LOL - I also carry 2 Seat Belt Extenders that fit all the different seats. Common Sense - and that Poor Standing guy should get a year of free flights. Jim again

Jodi Nov 23rd 2011 5:35PM

Jim you are one of the last of a dying breed. A gentleman with manners and common sense and courtesy to fellow passengers. It may cost you a little more financially to travel but I bet you are a lot more comfy during the trip and no one is bitching about being squished. I wish everyone who flew had that level of courtesy.