Which airlines are most accommodating of obese people and which should be avoided?
Chubby asked:
Thinking of booking a holiday and wondering if anyone who is obese (requires more than one seat) has had a good experience with any particular airlines, not being charged for two seats, friendly staff etc, or bad experiences they care to share.
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Thinking of booking a holiday and wondering if anyone who is obese (requires more than one seat) has had a good experience with any particular airlines, not being charged for two seats, friendly staff etc, or bad experiences they care to share.
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Southwest Airlines is one airline that has discriminated against obese people for some time, making them buy two seats if they absolutely cannot fit wholly into one. I never use them, didn’t like them anyway because of their assigned-seat procedure. Now United has just announced if obese people don’t follow one of three requirements, they will have to buy a second seat: must fit inside one seat totally with the armrests down, be able to buckle the seat belt even if they have to use the extenders provided, and I forgot what the third one was. I am considered obese but can still fit these three requirements. There are so many negative comments from other passengers, I’m sure other airlines will follow suit shortly, but there are other complaints such as those for people with long legs, broad shoulders, etc. who cannot fit into standard size seats either. Their only accommodation is to buy an upgraded larger size seat, which as we all know is terribly more expensive than a coach seat. Not everybody is obese from simply being lazy and eating everything in sight, so I believe this policy against the simple act of being obese is patently unfair. I’ve been to Europe a number of times and sometimes I’ve bought one seat and sometimes I’ve bought two seats. One time I bought two seats and they were across the aisle from each other even though I told them the reason I needed two seats! Some help! Most of the attendants however are very nice and are not disgusted by the request of the passenger to provide an extension. I bought my own at and I always take it with me so I don’t usually have to ask. It makes me feel better, but I have to remember to take it out of the contraption and take it with me, whereas with an airline-owned one, you don’t have to bother.
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I traveled extensively for about 10 years and during that time my weight increased from 220 to 600 pounds. I had the opportunity to experience quite a few airlines and their ways of handling those of us who are obese and need much room. That was my situation from about 350 on.
Midwest Airlines is a good airline to fly since they have a very large business class section. Unfortunately they are not flying as many of their 717 aircraft now. Legend Airlines was also great – all business class – but American put them out of business. Alaska Airlines is by far the best and most friendly. I would suggest buying a business or first class ticket or using miles for that class. Those seats work well up to about 450 to 500 pounds. Another tactic is to look for the type of aircraft that is flown – try choosing 767 or 777 or 747 aircraft. They have more seats and the airlines may be more accomodating. Assuming no success in these options, you should look at buying as far ahead as you can and buying two seats. I resorted to doing that from about 400 pounds on when I could not get upgraded.
Good luck. I hope you enjoy your vacation.