Airline Seating Experience

This past week I flew, along with various members of my family, to El Paso for a family funeral. As last minute flights go, you expect as an economy passenger to find yourself at the mercy of the seat in front of you so far as leg room or having your knees slammed as the seat reclines on them. You probably also expect that the seat will be somewhat narrow. However, I still paid almost $300 for that less-than roomy seat. So for the limited amount of seating my money does buy I expect to enjoy every square inch of it!
So why is it that the large person who sits down next to you feels that it's okay for their oversized body to seize part of your "paid for" square footage so that they can sit more comfortably? Do you think me cruel to feel extreme annoyance? If so, let me share that I take no issue with their size whether by choice or physical limitations. But I do take great issue with them booking an economy seat, knowing that the seat will be less than accommodating and then spilling over into my portion of the seating. I'm already not terribly comfortable and my $300 is just as good as their $300. So why, by nature of their size, am I required to donate, relinquish or otherwise fall prey to their seizure of my seating space?
They may understandably argue they can't afford two seats. However, I would argue that their lack of financial resources do not entitle them or justify them to taking a portion of what I've paid for; Seat 10B!
Airlines need to give every passenger what they paid for and that includes allowing me to enjoy my entire seating space, no matter how small it is. Therefore, I believe airlines should have rules about people size, just as they do about carry on luggage size. The luggage must be able to fit within an overhead bin while allowing it to close tightly. Passengers should be required to fit in their paid seat without spilling into the arm, shoulder or otherwise space of the passenger(s) seated next to them.
This isn't about being cruel or singling any group of people out. Rather it is about providing each passenger with the space they paid for. It's about not allowing a large passenger to pay the same price and then encroach on the paid space of another.
If a passenger doesn't fit within the airspace dimensions of the seating space provided they should be required to purchase another seat or an upgraded seat that provides for a larger space. Alternatively, airlines could provide the size dimensions and provide two seats for those who don't fall within those specifications. Either way, ALL passengers should get exactly what they paid for.

By Helene McElmurray
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