Reddit Debate Sparks: Should Airlines Implement Weight Limits for Passenger Comfort?

A post on Reddit has sparked significant debate after expressing a desire to avoid sitting next to overweight passengers.

According to the New York Post, the post was made by a traveler who recently flew with American Airlines. The passenger complained about an adjacent traveler encroaching into their seat space and expressed dissatisfaction with the flight attendants.

In response, the flight attendants reportedly offered to credit the passenger with points but took no substantial action, leading to further frustration. This response fueled a broader controversy when the passenger shared their experience on social media. One Reddit user suggested that weight limits should be implemented on airplanes for comfort, similar to height restrictions for amusement park rides for safety. Another user argued that airlines should install partitions between seats to prevent encroachment.

American Airlines responded by advising passengers who feel cramped to consider purchasing an additional seat. A spokesperson recommended, “If you haven’t booked an extra seat in advance, ask airport staff before boarding if you can reserve two adjacent seats.”

The controversy has also brought attention to criticism of the airline’s response. Gabor Lukacs, a Canadian passenger rights advocate, condemned charging extra fees for plus-size passengers as violating human rights. The World Obesity Federation highlighted that, with about 38% of the global population being overweight or obese, the average seat width on airplanes has decreased from 18.5 inches (47 centimeters) to 17 inches (43 centimeters). They argued that the focus should be reforming airline policies, not blaming passengers.