A Jet2 passenger has described a medium-haul flight as 'very uncomfortable' after a fellow passenger invaded their personal space. The traveller spent four-and-a-half hours seated next to a larger man who 'bulged over' the armrest and rested his leg on part of her seat.
Passenger's Experience
Writing on Mumsnet, the user said: 'I have today spent a four-and-a-half-hour Jet2 flight seated next to a young man who was at least 20 stone, probably larger. I could not use the left hand armrest as his body bulged over it and into my personal space (which on a budget airline is not that large) and his leg was resting over part of my seat.' She added: 'Luckily I am only 5’2” and not that big, but what would happen if someone of the same size was seated next to him? It made for a very uncomfortable flight for me. Am I being unreasonable to think this is not right?'
Public Reactions
Responses were mixed. One commenter said: 'That sounds very uncomfortable for you, if they’re that big then they should be charged for two seats.' Another agreed: 'I hate this. Surely if you can't fit into one seat you should be asked to purchase two? You paid for your flight and have the right to all of your seat.' A third reasoned: 'Totally agree it’s not right but not sure why it should be up to the airline to provide a wider seat specifically for obese travellers? Anyone has the option to purchase more than one seat for their comfort, presumably wider seats would come at a higher cost so some people would probably still not pay. It would be reliant on people disclosing their weight, height, size etc at booking… not realistic.'
Another user said: 'I have every sympathy for what must have been a horribly uncomfortable flight for you but I think the problem lies with the obese passenger who should have bought an extra seat rather than with the airline. If airlines did make wider seats then they would be able to fit in fewer seats so would sell fewer tickets and make less profit. Businesses exist to make money so it's not really reasonable to expect them to do that.' One commenter added: 'It’s not down to the airline. People should take personal responsibility. At over 20 stone I booked two seats. Much more comfortable for me as well as who I am sat with.'
Possible Solutions
A sympathetic comment read: 'I would have found that very difficult to deal with. I can’t stand being touched at all. The thought of having a stranger pushed against me for hours is a nightmare. I do think individuals should be made to buy a second seat rather than encroach on others.' One user proposed: 'Why isn't there a 'seat checker' in the same way there's a bag checker for most economy airlines? If you don't fit the seat checker, then you're allocated an additional seat and charged accordingly. Seems fair?'
BirminghamLive has approached Jet2 for comment.
