is it fair for tall folks to pay extra to fly?
I just got back from a long-haul Delta flight from Tokyo to Detroit—12 hours squeezed into a basic economy seat, because, honestly, that’s all I can afford right now. I’m 6’6” and about 225 lbs, so you can imagine how much fun it is to fold myself into those tiny seats. I save every penny I can just to travel, skipping dinners out, driving a beat-up car, and staying in hostels. It’s worth it to see the world, but man, these flights are brutal.
This time, I got stuck in the middle seat, first row behind Comfort Plus. My knees were jammed so tight against the seat in front that the poor woman couldn’t recline. She and her husband tried everything—switching seats, asking me to contort myself, even calling over the flight attendant. She actually yelled at me, saying I should only fly if I can afford a seat with more legroom. That stung. I already feel awkward enough being the giant in the row, and now I’m being told I shouldn’t travel at all unless I pay double?
Eventually, the crew moved me up to a bulkhead seat with more space (thank goodness), but I still can’t shake her words. I get that it’s uncomfortable for her, but what am I supposed to do—never travel because I’m tall and broke? It feels like airlines are the real problem here, cramming us in like sardines and making us fight over inches of space. Has anyone else run into this? If you’re tall, do you just suck it up, or do you pay extra? And if you’re not, do you think it’s fair to expect tall folks to pay more just to fit? The whole thing left me feeling embarrassed and frustrated, and I’d love to know if I’m the only one who’s been put in this spot.
#airtravel #tallpeopleproblems #budgettravel #Travel
