United Airlines to Charge Overweight Passengers for Two Seats

[Andrew]

I was on a plane twice over the last few days (round-trip SJC-LAX for MouseAdventure) so I have fresh perspective. I'm of average male height but have very broad shoulders and long legs, neither of which are accounted for in airline seat design. If I can't get the exit row (more difficult now that SWA has joined other airlines in upselling them) the flight is usually completely miserable.

On the return flight we had a large woman take the window seat (I had the aisle, Jennifer had the middle) and she spilled over quite a bit. There was no mention from airline staff of having her pay for an extra seat or anything like that. These policies don't have any effect if they're not enforced. Were we supposed to complain?

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Andrew

(round-trip SJC-LAX)

There are flights from San Juan Capistrano to LAX?

Huh!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Andrew

These policies don't have any effect if they're not enforced. Were we supposed to complain?

Interesting point. Short of making everyone stand on a scale while your bag is being weighed, doesn't seem like they can enforce this without someone complaining about the person next to them.