Airline seats haven't changed size in decades, despite the fact that the average person is now heavier than before. This creates a problem for people of size who are flying and do not comfortably fit into the normal 17-inch wide economy seat. A number of airlines now require obese passengers to purchase two seats so that they have more seating room without infringing on the space of other passengers.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines requires obese passengers to purchase a second seat if they cannot lower the armrests between seats or if their body extends into any adjacent seating. If the flight has empty seats available, the passenger can request and receive a refund for the cost of the second seat; the airline reports that they refund the cost of the second seat about 98 percent of the time.
United Airlines
United Airlines' approach to this situation is different. If there are available seats on a flight, an overweight passenger who does not fit in a single coach seat is moved to two open seats. If a seat is not available the passenger can choose between upgrading to business class, which features larger seats, or buying two tickets on the next available flight; United waives the fees it usually charges for changing travel plans in this situation. United says it adopted this policy after receiving more than 700 complaints in 2008.
Delta Air Lines
Delta's policy is similar to that of United: Overweight passengers are seated next to empty seats whenever possible. When the plane is full, passengers have the option of purchasing two seats on the next flight at the lowest fare available.
American Airlines
American Airlines charges for a second seat only when there are no other options.
Other Airlines
Air France also charges for a second seat for obese passengers. Qantas airlines seats obese passengers next to an empty seat when possible, but encourages passengers to purchase a second seat or one business or first class seat in advance.
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