"No Accommodations Granted": Traveler Declines to Elevate Armrest for Overweight Female Passenger, Inciting Her Fury
In a recent incident on a United Airlines flight, a passenger shared their frustrating experience involving seating issues with an obese couple. The passenger was asked to raise their armrest to make room for the couple, a request that left them uncomfortable for the rest of the 3-hour flight.
The flight attendant explained that no passenger is required to give up the space they paid for, but the couple was not satisfied. This incident prompted the passenger to question why airlines do not have clear policies on this issue, venting their frustration online and demanding that airlines find solutions for larger passengers.
Southwest Airlines, for one, has a generous policy regarding "Customers of Size," allowing larger passengers to buy an extra seat and receive a refund later. However, not all airlines have such clear policies or solutions. Some airlines, such as Air France, offer a discount on extra seats for larger-bodied passengers if the seat width is not sufficient.
Canadian airlines allow obese passengers traveling within the country's borders to request an extra seat free of charge if they provide their measurements. Dutch-Turkish carrier Corendon Airlines announced in 2024 that it would offer child-free cabin space for an extra fee on its flights between Amsterdam and Curacao.
The passenger's experience was particularly unpleasant due to the lousy experience of modern air travel. Readers praised the passenger for holding their ground in the incident, with one reader suggesting a practical solution involving refunds or upgrades for being inconvenienced.
Despite the challenges, it appears that some airlines are taking steps to address space issues for larger passengers. From January 27, 2026, airlines like Southwest will require larger passengers to purchase an additional seat in advance if they do not fit in a standard seat, with armrests defining seat boundaries, making the extra seat mandatory.
However, it's clear that more needs to be done to improve the travel experience for economy class travelers. As the passenger's experience shows, seating issues can significantly impact the comfort and enjoyment of a flight. Airlines are encouraged to address this issue and implement clear policies to ensure all passengers can travel comfortably.
Anyone can share their experiences and opinions on this issue on platforms like Bored Panda. A poll question was presented asking how effective airlines are in handling seating issues involving larger passengers. Let your voice be heard and help shape a more comfortable future for air travel.
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