We have a very large (not fat) friend who sits a bit forward, with his arms on his knees as long as possible, so that his sholders (very broad) do not impede others space. very thoughtful and considerate, and he really can't help his hugeness, as opposed to people who just eat too much.

I had the unfortunate experience of sitting behind, in coach, a huge man who just refused, outright refused, to put his seat back up so I could lower my tray for my meal.

Steward tried several times to tell him to do it...he refused. Steward said he can not 'require' it of him, unless the plane is in danger, somehow. Oh well....if you must fly, just get over it, or pony up for a business seat. The airlines just don't much care if you are uncomfortable.

Hmm, interesting. Yes they transport you point-to-point but 'comfortably' isnt in the clause. I agree that if you can't fit into a seat with the armrest down and seatbelt 'as is' you must purchase 'premium space' -- why dont the airlines offer 50% larger seats which can be purchased halfway between economy and business/first? Why are we charged for luggage 'overage' when our body weights are not so charged? When last in Paris a (typically trim) Parisian woman was complaining about the same thing-- she annually flies to our West for long time-- she is annoyed that baggage weight matters but passenger weight does not. She is a slim 110 lbs and was furious to pay extra baggage weight. Now dont go crazy on the French pls, but on this point, I agree and I could lose some weight myself. BUT for the 'common good' the airlines must think. I would write the airline and ask why this particular woman's comfort outranked yours.

I have seen this happen 3 times in the past 2 months.

I gather that, since planes used for many airlines are smaller and fliers are being packed in like sardines, this is something that is going to be more common unless the airlines have and/or enforce rules so that this will not happen.

I'm waiting for the news report about the "passenger of size" who dutifully buys two seats. And then finds out at the airport that they're two middle seats, one at the front of the plane and the other at the back. Since the plane is overbooked, those are the only available seats, and the agent refuses to reassign them.

If I ever find myself in this situation, I will take lots of photos with my cell phone for supporting evidence.