Travel debate goes viral as airline passengers raise issue of oversized seatmates

A passenger who sat next to a “man of stature” during a long flight took to social media to ask users what they would have done if they had felt unwell.

The user wrote: “I understand how uncomfortable he must have felt, but I also have relatively broad shoulders and was limited to half of my seat with an armrest for the entire five hour flight.”

“I would never want to embarrass him or make a scene, but for future reference, is there anything that could have been done?” the user asked.

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In the Reddit forum “unitedairlines,” users shared their own experiences and suggestions.

One user said: “This happened to me recently. The armrest could go down, but otherwise it would spill into my seat.”

A Reddit user sparked a discussion about what to do if you feel uncomfortable sitting next to a tall person. (iStock)

Another chimed in: “This happened to me last year and I regretted the entire five hour flight. As soon as they were relegated I got out straight away and spoke to an FA.” [flight attendant] about the move.”

“When I fly economy class, I always get a window seat because I can lean in to sleep or get away from a large middle seat,” one person said.

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Another user said that we shouldn't blame others, but that the problem lies with the size of the seats.

“When I fly economy class, I always get a window seat because I can lean in to sleep or get away from a large middle seat,” one user suggested. (iStock)

“Write an email to the airline… The problem is not with any of you, but with the airlines who take absolutely everything from us and give us nothing,” they said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to United Airlines for comment on the issue.

“First it needs to be acknowledged and usually the intervening party will acknowledge it and apologize,” one user said. “Provided you cannot move to another seat, you will have the option to exit and transfer to a later flight.”

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The same user added: “You could get this [flight attendant] involved and the intruder is thrown away (especially if the armrest cannot be lowered).”

“I may be in the minority, but as long as the hygiene is good, I don't mind,” one person said. (iStock)

One user said that sitting next to a tall person wasn't a big problem when flying.

“I may be in the minority, but as long as I do [the person has] Good hygiene then I don’t mind,” one person posted.

One user added: “While there are definitely 'better' and more polite ways to do this, in almost all cases contact the FA.”

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Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette in Washington DC, told Fox News Digital via email that it's important to be respectful to a neighboring passenger, even if you feel uncomfortable.

“When a relationship is established with someone, we are more likely to compromise and show more consideration.”

“It’s important to consider the other person’s space and assess the situation thoughtfully and realistically,” Cheperdak said. “If a flight is full you may be out of luck, but there is no harm in asking a flight crew member privately if it is possible to change seats before departure.”

Cheperdak said, “It's best to ask in private, such as by standing up from your seat, so that you don't unnecessarily embarrass the other person because of their height.”

An etiquette expert said passengers who feel uncomfortable should politely address the space issue after some friendly small talk. (iStock)

Rosalinda Randall, a California-based etiquette expert and trainer, told Fox News Digital via email: “The obvious step is to change seats. If the flight is full, you’re stuck.”

Randall suggested that passengers who feel uncomfortable politely address the space issue after some friendly small talk.

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“Once you've established a relationship, bring up the obvious seating dilemma. Wait and see how they react,” Randall said of the other passenger.

Randall added: “When a relationship is established with someone, we are more likely to compromise and show more consideration.”