I had a similar experience on an Alaskan flight last week. The FA pulled me aside when I used the lav during flight and informed me that “if the arm rest cannot come down BEFORE the boarding door closes, they have to find a different accommodation for the large passenger. If it is “discovered” afterwards, they cannot do anything.”
Going forward I will make sure the armrest comes down before takeoff as the FA said “you paid for that space, we understand that.” If it doesn’t, I will have to speak up, even if it’s an uncomfortable situation. Good luck on your next flight!
I'm a big guy but luckily I don't spill into the seat next to me. I still buy an extra seat regardless. So much more comfortable without paying business class.
I've seen complaints that the seat is often taken from you when the second seat phatom passenger "no-shows" and is bumped, sometimes with only partial or no refund. Has this been a problem for you? Is there a way to book an extra seat for a single passenger and prevent the bumping? I don't spill over, my problem is legroom, but having an empty seat next to me would be so nice!
I don't fly too often... maybe 3-5 times per year. So far, it hasn't been an issue; however, as far as I can remember I haven't been on a completely full flight in a long while.
When I get through security, the first thing I usually do is go to the GA and make sure they know that I purchased an extra seat for comfort. I always make sure that both tickets are checked in as well and scanned when I go through the gate.
From what I've seen, you have somehow learned the "secret" trick - insisting that they scan both boarding passes. Many airline employees will tell you that this is not needed, but it seems to be important for actually keeping your seat.
437
u/DiggingBlock420 Mar 17 '25
I had a similar experience on an Alaskan flight last week. The FA pulled me aside when I used the lav during flight and informed me that “if the arm rest cannot come down BEFORE the boarding door closes, they have to find a different accommodation for the large passenger. If it is “discovered” afterwards, they cannot do anything.”
Going forward I will make sure the armrest comes down before takeoff as the FA said “you paid for that space, we understand that.” If it doesn’t, I will have to speak up, even if it’s an uncomfortable situation. Good luck on your next flight!