Painful topic for large travelers

Renee_J
on 4/15/09 6:58 am - Shakopee, MN

http://www.startribune.com/business/43051222.html

This is a super hard topic for me because I've been on both sides of it.  I used to travel a lot, and I saw how people looked at me with dread when I went to take my seat.  I never actually "spilled over" but I know my seat mates were concerned I would, and would have preferred someone who took up less space.  I was painfully aware of my size, and seldom even used the arm rest because I never wanted to be accused of taking up another person's space. 

After surgery, I've gotten to a size where I have plenty of room in the seats.  One one trip from MSP to Austin, I was next to an extremely large man.  It was so uncomfortable that I finally moved part-way through the flight.  I didn't complain to the airline, because I felt so bad for the guy.  I knew what that was like!  But, I was still REALLY uncomfortable and he took at least 1/3 of my space.  My back was sore for a few days from twisting in my seat to allow him space.  I don't know if there is "fair" in this situation....

Beanzo
on 4/15/09 11:02 am - Eagan, MN
I just took the time to read the article and all of the comments posted about it.  I don't know how uncomfortable I have made people in the past when flying, but I do know that I avoided it for many years because I couldn't take the stares and the looks of "please don't sit have the seat next to me"  At the same time I don't know that charging for an extra seat is the right answer either.  I couldn't believe some of the things written in response to thie article.

Just another reason to be glad I had WLS surgery when I did- maybe the next time I fly I won't get those looks and stares.

Reenie
Kiba0003
on 4/15/09 3:06 pm - Corcoran, MN
This is why lots of fat people do not travel. It makes me sad... but I travel a lot so I know how it feels. There really is no fair on the issue... I just feel bad, either way.

2019: 11 years out and maintaining a loss of 150lbs.

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(deactivated member)
on 4/15/09 8:22 pm - Brooklyn Park, MN
Reading through the comments I see how angry, yet ignorant many many people are.  Comments like "maybe this will motivate fat people to lose weight", or "I don't eat at McDonalds everyday, they should try that"

Airlines are trying every way they can to avoid raising rates....Sun Country just posted a record profit.  The other airlines should follow their model rather than isolate so many people.  Take out a couple of seats and charge a few more bucks for a larger seat rather than humilate people who are stuck in a world they would give anything to not be in.


Karen H.
on 4/15/09 10:14 pm - Minneapolis, MN
The news just said that if you need a belt-extender or cannot have the armrest down, and there are no seats to have 2 seats, people will have to buy a second ticket.  This was on wcco this morning and the airline was United.  The stewardess has the final say so depending on the number of people on the flight.

THIS SUCKS.

Karen


ONE session at a time is all I can do, multitasking is a fine art that I am still trying to master.  
Renee_J
on 4/15/09 11:39 pm - Shakopee, MN
The comments from people were so har****'s like obesity is the last prejudice that people allow themselves.  It was hard for me to read what some of the people said - such ignorance and hatred.  People can be so unkind about obesity - it's as if they think they might "catch" it like a cold or a disease!  As if being obese is the worst thing in the world!  It's just such a hard topic, and there are no easy answers.  I'm glad I don't have to make some of those decisions about travel policies, and it will make me even more aware to be kind when I travel.
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