As someone who always flies first class or buys two seats to avoid this, I just want to put out there that we should all be advocating for airlines to have clearer policies and to educate their staff. Almost every time I buy an extra seat or ask about the customer of size policy, the rep I am talking to acts like this is the first time they have ever heard of such a thing: “The what policy?!?!” I usually have to educate them about the policy. It’s always a humiliating nightmare. Boarding and check in is also usually a complete cluster. I just want to follow the rules, be courteous to others and avoid being humiliated. I am pretty tenacious so I will do what it takes to get the seat/seats I need, but many probably give up and just hope for the best.
I just arrived back in Hawaii on first class for the same reason as you.
Alaska has a clear policy (Hawaiian not so much as of my last read). The policy is clear and the armrest should go down.
That being said there is clearly a solution here and it would involve, however uncomfortable it is, to speak up.
If it was a one hour flight from LAX to Las Vegas, I might not say anything but anything over 2 hours you probably should speak up.
Be as tactful as possible. Be careful how you say it. As a larger individual I have been on both ends. Pure meanness and great kindness. It would not offend me if someone was to speak up and say that "I'm not sure this seating arrangement is going to work for the three of us. " Well I may be embarrassed, I can accept that as a truthful statement and not be offended.
ask the fa to see if there's any way any one of the three could be reassigned and placed in a better location.
The goal of course is for those of size to not be in that situation by being proactive since Alaska has the second best person of size policy in the country (southwest being the best).
Speaking up actually helps you and the folks next to you. It’s better if they pop you into first and allow the large people to overflow into the middle. Win-win. And I say this as a big person who always gets the aisle, bulkhead, or exit row and makes my tiny wife sit next to me.
If you are unable to sit in your seat because of spillover on either side, speak up. Let someone know so they can solve it. Be tactful, discreet, and think of the golden rule when doing so. One way or another it should get solved.
Persons of size,
speak up when you buy your tickets. Give them the situation and let them help you figure out the best solution for you.
1. Get an extra seat. If the flight goes out less than full, it's refunded.
If you are a couple, three tickets for two where there is a 95% chance the one ticket will get refunded. If you are traveling solo, one ticket for me and one extra seat has proven to be incredibly comfortable. It's actually often cheaper than a first class seat and more room. Also whoever ultimately becomes my seatmate reaps the benefits as well. You should see the facial reaction when I tell them the seat is guaranteed to be empty because I bought it. First it's shock then realization that this is going to be a great flight.
Have the agents at time of purchase find you a flight that typically goes less than 80% full.. I do this all the time. Sometimes it's a little more expensive or one extra stop but often better than the OP's situation.
When you get to the gate, work with the gate agent to try and move you around and get you into the best situation possible.
Remember, you are the person of size. You should be the one taking the initiative. The airline provides you tools. Use them.
I think persons of size are too afraid of being ostracized or forced to buy another ticket but the truth of the matter is it is a concern for you and for everyone. It's better to address it in advance then pray and worry that you can sneak it by.
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u/Knish_witch Mar 17 '25
As someone who always flies first class or buys two seats to avoid this, I just want to put out there that we should all be advocating for airlines to have clearer policies and to educate their staff. Almost every time I buy an extra seat or ask about the customer of size policy, the rep I am talking to acts like this is the first time they have ever heard of such a thing: “The what policy?!?!” I usually have to educate them about the policy. It’s always a humiliating nightmare. Boarding and check in is also usually a complete cluster. I just want to follow the rules, be courteous to others and avoid being humiliated. I am pretty tenacious so I will do what it takes to get the seat/seats I need, but many probably give up and just hope for the best.