TTT: Flying large – or next to someone who is

This CNN article got me thinking about the challenges that face people who just don’t fit into those tiny airplane seats and the people who sit next to them.  This Travel Tip Tuesday is for everyone who’s been in one of those situations.

The story:  Julie had an aisle seat on a Delta flight next to a large woman who took up both the middle seat and about half of Julie’s seat as well; the woman could not lower the armrest.  Julie did all the right things – talked to the flight attendant about getting a different seat and tried to purchase a first class fare.  Unfortunately, the flight was full and the flight attendant refused to assist Julie in dealing with the situation.  Julie spent the flight alternating between sitting on the woman’s lap and spilling into the aisle.  After following advice from ombudsman Christopher Elliot, Julie received an apology and a $250 flight voucher. 

What I’d have done: 

Is travel to Cuba in the near future?

The lead news story this morning is that Fidel Castro has stepped down.  This might just be good news for travellers.