AITA for not giving up my second “free” seat next to me in the plane?

The original poster (OP), who identifies as obese, proactively bought two adjacent plane seats to ensure their comfort and avoid inconveniencing others. When a couple attempted to claim the empty seat, OP stood their ground, leading to a tense confrontation. The situation raises questions about personal boundaries, airline etiquette, and societal attitudes toward body size.

‘ AITA for not giving up my second “free” seat next to me in the plane?’

Expert Opinions:

Airline Policies and Passenger Rights
Airlines like Delta and Southwest explicitly allow passengers to purchase extra seats for comfort. Travel expert Samantha Brown notes in Condé Nast Traveler: “OP followed the rules and paid for the space they needed. The couple’s entitlement to a free upgrade disrespects both the airline’s policies and OP’s proactive consideration.”

Body Positivity vs. Public Perception
Dr. Linda Bacon, author of Health at Every Size, explains: “OP’s actions were rooted in empathy—they sought to avoid discomfort for others. The couple’s fatphobic reaction reflects societal stigma, not OP’s wrongdoing.”

Ethics of Shared Spaces
Dr. Arthur Caplan, bioethicist at NYU, argues in The Washington Post: “Public spaces require mutual respect. The couple’s refusal to acknowledge OP’s paid reservation violates basic civility. Their desire to sit together doesn’t override OP’s right to the seat they purchased.”

Solutions Proposed by Experts:

• Clear Communication with Airlines: Experts recommend notifying flight attendants in advance when purchasing extra seats to preempt conflicts.
• Advocating for Policies: Advocates urge airlines to standardize “customer of size” policies to reduce stigma and confusion.
• Public Education: Initiatives to combat fatphobia could foster empathy in shared spaces like airplanes.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

A quick review of top Reddit comments reveals mixed reactions. Some users believe that if you pay for an extra seat, you’re entitled to use it fully, while others emphasize shared space etiquette. Many comments also call for airlines to adopt more inclusive seating designs, sparking further debate on whether the responsibility lies solely with the individual or if airlines should do more to accommodate all body types.

What do you think? Would you purchase an extra seat for comfort, or do you believe airlines should be mandated to provide more inclusive seating? The conflict in this AITA post raises important questions about safety, dignity, and responsibility in public spaces. We invite you to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments—let’s discuss how we can move toward a travel experience that respects everyone’s rights and needs.