I fly often, and I always run into the same problem: I’m heavier than average, and I physically don’t fit into a standard seat without encroaching on the person next to me. It’s a situation that I’ve learned to deal with over time, but it’s never easy. There’s the discomfort of the seat itself, the awkwardness of encroaching on someone else’s space, and the general anxiety that comes with knowing that you’re not meeting society’s expectations for size.
So I decided in advance to buy two tickets — one window seat and the seat next to it — so I wouldn’t bother anyone. It seemed like the most considerate approach, allowing me a bit of extra room to breathe while ensuring that whoever might have otherwise been seated next to me wouldn’t feel crowded.
