AITA for not giving up my second “free” seat next to me in the plane?
A Redditor shares their experience on a flight, where they purchased a second seat for comfort due to their size. When a couple attempted to use the extra seat, they refused to move despite being asked, prompting the Redditor to involve a flight attendant. The couple responded with rude comments. Read the full story below…
‘ AITA for not giving up my second “free” seat next to me in the plane?’
I am obese. Like I am comfortable having two seats in the plane type of obese. I am well aware of that and I really don’t like to bother people with my weight. A week ago I was going to a conference by plane and because I was going alone (usually when I fly with my boyfriend I don’t buy two since he sits next to me) I bought two seats.
I fit in one but my side is usually touching the person next to me and I feel uncomfortable for them. It happened to me that they gave me n**ty looks and I felt extremely uncomfortable the whole flight. So I sat down in the plane and put the armrest up so I would be really comfortable.
Some couple came and they both sat next to me because they got separate seats and they noticed the seat next to me was empty. Exactly what I was afraid of happened. My side kept touching the guy next to me and he even pushed me a bit when he moved in the seat.
I was feeling extremely uncomfortable and asked him if he could go to his seat because I bought this one for my comfort. He told me no, since the seat is empty and he wants to be with his girlfriend. Well, I told him I understand but I feel uncomfortable and I paid for the second seat so exactly this doesn’t happen.
He refused again and started to chat with his GF. I called the flight attendant and quietly told her what is happening. She asked the guy to leave my second seat and he and his GF gave me a n**ty look. The GF mumbled something like “F**king fat b**ch” under her breath but nothing directly to me.
So Am I the a**hole for insisting on him to leave?
Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:
MolassesFragrant342 − NTA- Former flight attendant. It’s your seat. You paid for it. If that (classless) couple wanted to sit together that badly, they should have paid for seats together.
NoxWild − NTA. If it happens again, *don’t let them sit down.* Block the extra seat and state immediately, “I paid for two seats. This one is not available.”
AlternativeFox4627 − NTA. It doesn’t matter why you purchased that seat. You could have bought it for the spirits of your ancestors so they could guide you safely to your destination and it would have been no one’s business but yours. Sorry this happened
flaky-burnt − NTA! You bought that seat. The couple sitting apart has nothing to do with you. IDGAF if you were thin and bought a 2nd seat for your emotional support ghost! That’s your seat.
SnausageFest − This lady calling OP a b**ch doesn’t mean you get to call her one, or any other insult. #Also OP didn’t ask you about your opinion about their size, or for diet tips. Not every thought that pops into your mind is worth posting.
31anon5 − NTA. They tried to take something you paid for and then were rude to you. It’s a bit shocking, really, considering the number of people who comment on social media that larger people should have to buy two seats. Please don’t feel bad about yourself because they chose to be horrid and entitled.
F0zzysW0rld − NTA – It wasnt a free/available seat. You purchased it, you bought the seat so it is “occupied”.
DishsUp − NTA: you paid for that seat, it’s your seat and frankly airplane seats are too small. I was on a flight last week, I bought it last minute and ended up with a center seat in the “basic” cabin, the cheap seats on United flights ( at least on this plane ) don’t have movable arm rests,
my hips hit both armrests( read walls), it was very uncomfortable. I wear a women’s 10/12, after that experience I will always buy 2 seats if I’m in the back or at least never settle for less than business class.
hexgirlthorn − NTA . You did exactly what people scream at fat people to do and still got abuse hurled at you. The fact they didn’t even ask is odd.
Arbor_Arabicae − NTA. You paid for the second seat for that very reason. I’m sorry, OP. They acted horribly.
Was the Redditor justified in standing their ground since they paid for the extra seat, or should they have been more flexible given the couple’s situation? Share your thoughts below!