| You may recall the recent controversy involving film | | | | unlikely to become more spacious anytime soon. By |
| director Kevin Smith and Southwest Airlines that | | | | being proactive with your flying partner, you can help |
| brought the issue of larger airline passengers back | | | | assure yourselves a more comfortable experience. |
| into public focus. However, this is not the first time | | | | 2. Fly at off-peak times. This includes early morning |
| that Southwest or other airlines have attracted | | | | and "night owl" flights as well as midweek. Many |
| media attention for confrontational dealings with | | | | airlines, even Southwest, will refund your extra fare if |
| customers of size. | | | | the plane is not full. |
| Whether or not one finds it fair, the reality is that | | | | 3. Fly first class. In some cases, a first-class seat may |
| most regular seats will not accommodate a larger | | | | be less than an investment in two seats. Some may |
| person. Most coach seats, for example, average a | | | | also find the usual 21-inch width to be more |
| width of 17 inches. That means the seat was built for | | | | comfortable as well. |
| someone with 34 inch hips, which would be tight | | | | 4. Fly to the Great White North! In 2009, the |
| even for a "typical-sized" person. So what should you | | | | Canadian government passed a "one government, |
| do? | | | | one fare" law that Canadian airlines are compelled to |
| 1. Buddy up with another larger friend and share a | | | | follow. Air Canada and West Jet are two airlines that |
| third seat. Unfortunately, coach airline seats are | | | | feature many US destinations. |