Colby on a recent flight. Imagine if the seat were reclined. He can't even make the tray table go flat.
A while back Colby, a 7 foot tall man, emailed me asking to look into what airlines could do to make flying for tall people easier. At first I didn’t think too much about it. “Why should airlines be concerned about taller passengers?”
Then I got thinking. Why not? We have heard a lot recently about the passengers of size issue, where larger passengers are required to purchase two seats. Yes, it can be harder for some people, but for almost all, there is that choice (coming from someone who is larger myself). If someone can’t help their large size, they can get it documented and then the airline does have to accommodate them at no cost to the passenger. Now, being short is considered a disability, but not being tall. Our culture seems to love tall people. From athletes to people wearing taller shoes and even having surgery to get taller. People might look up to you (pun intended), but it doesn’t make flying an easy task.
So, I pose the question: Should Airlines Accommodate Tall Passengers? I say yes.
I am not talking about letting tall passengers get first class seats for free, but what about letting taller passengers have first dibs on exit row or bulk head seats? I believe there is a no-cost solution for airlines here and I really want to explore possible solutions more.
When flying, Colby tries very hard to try and get an exit or bulk head seat, but he doesn’t always get one. Every time he flies he arrives to the airport early to see if he can try and get a seat with additional leg room. He will first talk to the person at the ticket counter. If that doesn’t work he will try and see if someone at the gate can help him out. If that doesn’t work most times people sitting at the bulkhead or exit row seats are happy to change seats with him when they see him hunched over walking down the aisle. He flies quite a bit and sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard he tries, there are quite a few times he will end up in a normal seat and having to endure the flight.
It's not Colby's fault he is 7' tall. Should airlines help the little guy out?
So what could be done? Colby is looking for airlines to be a bit more consistent with with how they deal with tall passengers. Some are very accommodating others are not. Certain airlines charge passengers more to sit in the bulkhead or exit and giving up those seats for free to tall passengers would mean loss revenue. Others , you have to pay to get a seat assignment or it is open seating and it is mad-dash for prime seats.
Thing is Colby is a pretty out going guy and has no problem asking a bunch of people if he can get a seat with more legroom. He sees other, not as outgoing tall people, who don’t ask and are constantly stuck crammed in a seat during their flight.
I plan to try and help out Colby and others that are in his same situation. At 6’1″ I am not a short person, but am still able to make sitting in standard seats work. I plan to talk to people in the industry to see what solutions airlines might be able to offer tall passengers and hopefully get some feedback from you, my readers.
What are your thoughts on this? Should airlines provide solutions? If so, what solutions should they provide?
Doesn’t the airline have to accommodate him under ADA?
Of course, that begs the question, does being tall fall under that auspices of the ADA?
Hello Frank!
Those are are short (finding conflicting answers of 4’10″ and 4’8″) can be considered disabled. There is no disabled cut-off for being tall, so airlines do not have to accommodate them.
David
According to Southwests airlines Website ADA doesn’t cover seating requirements on aircraft.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) preceded the ADA, and Congress excluded air carriers and other air transportation services from the scope of ADA. As regulated under 14 CFR §382.38 Seating accommodations (i) “Carriers are not required to furnish more than one seat per ticket or to provide a seat in a class of service other than the one the passenger has purchased.”
Seeing as most airlines now that have seats with pitches greater than the standard seats classify them as something else like economy plus seems like they can get away with not providing a no cost solution even if the height of the person would qualify them for protection under the ADA.
I’m 6′ 2″ and I’m incredibly uncomfortable in airline seats. I’ve never been able to get an exit row seat either. Luckily I don’t fly that much, but a 3+ hour flight kills me.
We just need better seating design, in my opinion. Recessed seat backs would work fine for the vast majority of tall people.
But as airlines make skinnier seats, they put them closer together, which in turn creates the same seat pitch of about 30″. I understand why airlines do it, but it doesn’t help those who are tall.
David
you are 6’2″ — you are barely over average height. suck it up.
You’re a douche!
I am 6ft tall. Flying long-haul coach (especially in middle and window seats) is agony for me. I can only imagine what it must be like for someone a full 1ft taller! Great article David. I admire what you’re doing to explore seating options for tall people.
At 6’5″, it would sure be nice to get some special consideration. I go for exit whenever I can, but as the article states, it isn’t always available. I also feel bad for the people who sit in front of me who sometimes have to endure my knees in their back. But there is no place else to put them!
LGH-SEA 9.5 hours in coach was torture.
Hey Joe!
Do you ever ask airlines for the exit seat? Do you ever ask other passengers to switch seats with you?
David
Im 6’2″ also and like Dan a longer flight is no fun. I always choose the aisle so I can get up and walk around, or stick my legs out in the aisle. I couldnt imagine what it would be like for someone who is 7foot tall. What would you propose as the solution? Where would the cutoff be to have a seat with more leg room? Would this be measured on overall height or inseam length or what? Im 6’2″ and wear pants with a 36″ inseam, I have a friend that is 6’1″ that wears a 32″. I think the 4″ probably makes a big difference on what is needed for comfort.
If they’re going to charge wider people for two seats, should they charge taller people for two seats so that there is some semblance of leg room? Where does this end? tall people, fat people, people with kids (we’ve taken care of the smokers…)
I’m 6’2″ and recently endured a redeye on AirTran in a window seat that wasn’t an exit row (ouch on my back, ankles, knees and hips), and although I was discovered the extent to which I could contort myself, I long for the days of a 33″ pitch in coach.
The difference is people can choose to be larger or even have/bring their kids on the plane. Someone tall cannot choose that. The big question is where is the cutoff? I don’t think airlines would be able to accommodate passengers who are 6’1″ or 6’2″ but what about those 6’6″ and above?
David
Why not 6′ 2″? I mean, really, when the person in front of me puts their seat back I can’t move my legs because they’re pinned. It’s extremely uncomfortable and I get very agitated.
I agree at 6’2″ I rarely have the person infront of me stay reclined unless they like the feeling of 2 knees in their back.
I never put my seat back in hope that the person in front of me doesn’t either…never works though
David
Thank you David for shining a bit of light on this issue. There hasn’t been much written on this subject and I greatly appreciate the dialogue that you have started.
@Ben – thank you for the information on the ACAA and ADA. I hope to do some additional research on the ADA regulations that apply to airlines and explore opportunities to make changes there.
Another issue to throw on the table – safety. Is it safe to have a tall person wedged into a seat that they can’t get out of quickly? The airlines make a big deal out of keeping luggage and bags out of the aisles and emergency exit rows, what about tall people who are wedged into a seat that they can’t extradite themselves from quickly?
There are few people that make me feel short (I am 5’10″ & 155lbs). Being tall it tough with finding 34″ inseams for pants, skirts, shirts, & shorts that are long enough, even cars that accomidate tall folks like me. I feel for you Colby- you fly like I shop for pants! This should be an ADA issue over a certain height say 6’5″??? Why can’t we give the tallest of the tall more leg room than others? They should be able to reserve those seats for tall folks & if there are some seats left over, first come first serve.
Fly United, pay the 30 bucks, and get into Economy Plus.
Hey KB, but what if you want to go somewhere United doesn’t fly? Should a passenger have to pay more for something they cannot help? I don’t know the answers to these questions, but am curious myself.
David
David
Great post,my husband is 6’4 and were possible we’ll either upgrade or get exit seats, however I do believe airlines should be more accommodating to taller passengers, I can already hear the standard aviation response….. More seats more revenue and lower fare v less seats higher fares…
(Now for the joke) Maybe MOL has something with this standing cabin???
Yvette
I just experienced this issue flying with my 6’7 boyfriend last week.
Unfortunately for someone that tall – greater recline doesn’t solve the problem as it is his legs that don’t fit in a standard seat. His knees are pushed into the seat in front of us even if it isn’t reclined. The extra space in the bulkhead or exit row does make it manageable.
Unfortunately I agree with one of the previous posts – that someone 6’1, while uncomfortable, likely can fit in a seat — but for those 6’6 or taller – - it really is a severe hardship.
On our most recent flight we did arrive early to arrange for an exit row seat he would fit in. Thanks to Virgin America for being accommodating
Good luck to Colby in future travel!
But if you’re between 6’1.01″ and 6’5.99″ you don’t even get consideration? Odd.
I’m only 6’2″ (80th percentile) and I can promise you it is a severe hardship. Pinned knees, cut off circulation around the knee caps, and unable to reposition even if your butt is PINNED up against the back of your seat. If this was any other genetic minority, you can bet they’d accommodate for their issue.
This is a great topic for discussion. I think Ben brings up a great point about inseam length. If the problem is the distance from the back of the seat in front of you, then the solution should be built around leg length. I am only 5’10 with a 31″ inseam, and don’t find it hard to fit in airline seats. Although Ben’s friend is quite a bit taller than me, our legs are the almost the same length. Does he deserve extra space simply for being taller? Or not, because his legs aren’t terribly long.
Colby-How long is your inseam? Also, how much trouble do you have with the overhead compartments at your height?
[...] Flying Tall: Should Airlines Accommodate Tall Passengers? | Airline Reporter | An airline blog on th… – airlinereporter.com Colby on a recent flight. Imagine if the seat were reclined. He can't even make the tray table go flat. A while back Colby, a 7 foot tall man, emailed me asking to look into what airlines could do to make flying for tall people easier. At first I didn’t think too much about it. “Why should airlines be concerned about taller passengers?” Then I got thinking. Why not? We have heard a lot recently about the passengers of size issue, where larger passengers are required to purchas.. show all text [...]
@Travis – my inseam is 40″ (yes, 40″!)
I don’t have any problem with the overhead compartments as long as I watch my head when getting in or out of the seat.
I’m in an airport right now, and found this post by googling and trying to find out if I have any options. I’m 6’9 and air travel is frustrating. I try to book the “economy plus” seats when I can, but it has been getting more expensive lately. For a round trip with my wife, if we want to sit together, I can find myself paying an extra $250 just to sit comfortably. In regular seats, I cannot move my legs, my tray table cannot move, and if the person in front of me tries to recline, they crush my knees. Today, I had to change my flight at the last minute to a Southwest flight (open seating), and I’m one of the last to board–so I’ll be in a middle seat on top of it all.
I have to say–I don’t mind paying a reasonable amount for an upgrade (although it’s increasingly difficult to find a place that will sell you *just* the seat upgrade, without other perks that jack up the price). But I wish there were some requirement or guarantee that those upgrades were available, or would be made available, for people that really need them.
Hey Jay!
Thanks for adding your two cents. Colby and I will be meeting here again soon to see what our next step will be. I don’t plan to just talk about this, but see if we can get some action!
If you have any ideas let me know. Even if you might be willing to pay more, I don’t think you should have to. You can’t help being tall and shouldn’t have to pay for it!
David
Colby is a friend and said flying was just a nightmare. I can’t understand why airlines do not have any sort of plan in place for someone that is over, say, 6’1 or 6’2? Each year it seems the seats get closer and closer together and for someone who’s legs are twice as long as another passengers, they should have some ways to make the flying experience just as comfortable as it is for those that are 5’5. Im with Colby, there has got to be better wayl
I am 6’5″ and this is a very big issue. Many people do not know that there are variable legroom distances within the economy group. I mean, not only exit row and bulk head seats are different. I carry a tape measure to verify this. In some Airbus planes the seats way back, when the plane tappers in, are much smaller, for example. In a 757 the “exit row” behind the first exit row that leads to the door is even smaller than the standard and has a bump under the seat taking the space for the legs. If you are 6’5″ or more, you notice, and you suffer.
Another important issue is that many people think that reclining your seat does not make a difference because the person behind can recline equally. The thing is that the axis of recline is much lower than a tall person’s knees and by reclining you do not move the lower part of yuur body back. So you end up with your back in the same position but with much less knee space, even if everyone reclines equally.
It is very sad to see how many people can care about many causes, but are completely impervious to the suffering of tall people. Airlines know that many people do not care or are even people are envious of the few very tall people, so they do not need to show compassion as they do with other such causes. We need a lot of lawsuits and a lot of education to try to get the message out.
I wish everyone was 7 feet tall.
I’m glad to see this article. I’m 7′,3″ and fly as little as I can get away with. My sense is that airlines don’t want to open a pandora’s box regarding the height issue. Also, those of us in the extreme height range would kind of laugh (in the nicest possible way)at someone 6′,1″ saying flying was painful for them (boo hoo), so you can see how many people are vying for those bulkheads and exit rows – anyone over six feet tall (which I’m guessing is a sizeable percentage of the population)!!! No, it would open airlines up to a huge nightmare to try and answer our issue. It still bugs me, however, that no one at any of the so called customer services interactions at the airlines seem willing or able to do a darn thing for people like us.
I agree with Greg. I am 6’9″ and those of you who complain about being 6’1″-6’2″ makes me laugh to myself. I do believe the much taller passengers (6’6″+) should have priority in exit rows. Maybe airlines will take the carnival ride approach and have a line on a wall reading “you must be this tall for priority seating”. Sure would beat extra fees.
There are serious health risks for tall people flying. I am 6’5″ and 6 years ago at the ripe old age of 36 I had a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lung) as a result from flying in cramped airline seats. I was floored when it happened because I am more healthy and active than most people. My doctor wrote a note asking I be placed in exit rows or bulkheads on the aisle but the airlines ignore it most times. I am fortunate to get a decent seat 80% to 90% of the time, but it always doesn’t work out and I often find myself standing in the back of the plane in fear of another clot.
I am 6’7 265lbs and recently flew. The airline was not really accomodating for me. Almost trying to place me in a middle seat until I refused. Then got stuck at the back of the plane in an aisle seat.
Everytime I am told no more exit seats re available. I always make a point to look at the people sitting there while boarding.
And what a shock when I see people half my size sitting in the seats.
The airlines SHOULD do something about this. I try to never fly anymore. Its just not worth the trouble anymore.
I’m 6’7″ so I know what a gripe this is. So much so I actively targeted working for an airline so I very rarely got to travel in economy or at least get an exit row, made sure I knew friends who worked for other airlines so they could make a note on my booking to request exit row due to my height.
However I no longer work for an airline and boy do I miss it. What galls me is airlines that charge for exit rows, this invariably means that someone who doesn’t need it books exit row so when you arrive at check all the seats are gone and as they have been paid for the staff cannot move them even though they are sympathetic to a tall persons situation. Remember one flight to LA from London and all the exit rows were taken by little old ladies who refused to swap seats when asked by the stewardess and they could see how tall I was! Fortunately on that occasion the stewardess moved me to business class so that’s worth a shot!
Basically exit row seats should be held for tall passengers and not used as a revenue stream, perhaps even register with the airline as a tall person so automatically get priority when booking…that would get serious repeat business!
However in general we are all getting taller so airlines need to look at seat pitch in general as it is an issue that will get worse over time!
Good airlines for tall people – Virgin, Emirates, Qantas, Eithiad, South African – bad – air canada, BA, any asian airline
I am 6’4. A year ago I travelled from London to New York and the space in economy is just not enough especially when you have a sick lady in front of you who then has to tilt her chair back. I did ask for an exit row seat, but I was asked to pay extra. I then told the lady who was serving me to have a good look at my height. I am also heavy built so that doesn’t help. I honestly think that exit row seats should be reserved for tall persons only and a study should be done at what height onwards one would feel uncomfortable in a normal economy seat. I find it ridiculous that I should pay more for an exit row seat, because I am too tall to sit in a normal economy seat. I see it as discrimination and a way for airline companies to put more money into their pockets. I have had this problem since I was 18 it has been a goal of mine ever since to make a campaign of this. I think IATA should be made aware of these facts. We tall people could pressurise these companies through social media networks like Twitter. I believe us tall people should do something about this problem we have.
I am 6’3″ and find flying very uncomfortable. I try to nod off so that I don’t think about it, but stay anxious thinking about someone in the seat in front of me reclining and smashing my kneecaps. I’ve not seen anyone mention the headrests, but to me that is just as uncomfortable. My head does not even touch the headrest on most airlines. Using a neck pillow helps. When disembarking on an American Airlines flight recently, I turned to talk to someone behind me and then hit my head (hard) on one of the overhead tv screens in the aisle. Was very frustrating, feels like I’m forced to fit in a small compact car.
Unbelievable that the “very tall” in one sentance claims heightism, but in the next ridicules the “tall only” bloke for not making the mark and recommends “suck(ing) it up”. Don’t be a hypocrate. “Tall” or “very tall” all deserve a comfortable ride, and if anything is going to change we all need to stick together. A number 8 shoe clearly doesn’t fit a size 12 foot, but it won’t fit a size 9 to 11 foot either. Saying exit seats should be reserved for the “#12 feet” only, implies that the “#9 feet” should squeeze into size 8. Why should he get blisters any more than you do?
I’m (only) 6’3″, and usually have my legs pinned to the sides (behind the arm-rests) of the seat in front of me – the only position I can fit. My legs encrouch on the space of the people next to me – for which I feel bad – but I have no choice. This position is manageable for a short 2 hour flight, but anything longer becomes unbareable.
I have sympathy for those taller because they would practically have to suspend their knees with the emergency breathing equipmeny, but I can also see how guys an inch or two shorter can suffer on long flights.
I think it is safe to say that if your knees touch any part of the seat in front of you, you will have a terrible flight!
I am 5’11 and I always request an aisle seat, so that i place one leg in the aisle. However the aisles are so narrow that i spend the whole trip, recoiling my leg, so that no one trips. For international flights, i arrive 4 to 5 hours early to request an Emergency seat, but to no avail.
With much agitation, i cram my legs into a standard economy seat (seat pitch of 31″) and i request 2 pillows, one for each knee. I also put all the magazines in the pocket of the seat next to mines, but the magazine pocket has a metal rod that places a temporary imprint on my knees (without using the pillows as cushion). If the person in the seat in front of me is “heavy” then i am doomed for the flight duration. Additionally, if the person in front of me tries to recline, I ask the person not to recline,because they are leaning on my legs. When the person complains, i call the Flight Attendant to resolve the matter. Twice, when the flight wasn’t full, i was moved to first class.
When flights are full and aisle seats are not available, i just keep getting up every 30 minutes and “annoying” the hell out of the other passengers in the row, until the person in the aisle seat, offers to change with me. Do not sit longer than 2 hours on long flights to avoid developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (blot clots).
Another strategy, is to notify the flight attendant that if anyone in the Emergency row wishes to switch, i am available.
Be careful about airlines offering “extra leg room/ Economy Plus.” Always ask for the seat pitch measurements (call them, because the people at the airport are not that knowledgeable about seating design). Some airlines’ standard seat pitch is 30 inches; so when they add “extra leg room” that makes the seat pitch at 31 inches, which is THE STANDARD SEAT PITCH. The airlines is very cunning when describing seating.
I’m 6’9″ and just recently endured a 9 hour flight. I asked for the bulk head and was told that was fine, but when I arrived at my seat they had given me the one behind the bulkhead seat. After asking the bloke in front of me if he’d swap he rudely said tough and we almost started an international incident on the plane as other passengers got involved, one saying ” shit mate, your barely 5’10, give your seat up for the big fella”.
It really pisses me off that people even ask for the bulk head when the only reason they want it isn’t because they don’t fit in a normal seat but just so they can stretch out their legs. 6’1 is not tall people.
The best solution I’ve heard so far is the line on the wall saying ” you must be this tall for an exit row seat.”
I’m 6’8″ and weigh around 325 lbs, and played college football until an injury no longer allowed me to do so. Last summer I endured 2 5 hour flights on a family vacation, which was very miserable, but my misery was nothing compared to what my dad who is 6’5″ faced, as on the trip to our destination he was forced to make a scene as the a**hole who had the “Economy Premium” exit row seat in front of him put his seat back down into his knees. The attendant stated that the man was allowed to put his seat back like that, to which dad said “Yeah and I have the right to the space occupied by my body” he was left alone after that. The woman in front of me had the good sense and kindness not to drop her seat back. On the return trip, thanks to the help of a tall airline employee I was able to get one of those “Economy Premium” seats, although I still was put in the middle seat.
I’m going on a school trip to Brazil this summer, and am trying to figure out how to make myself as comfortable as possible for those 2 10 hour flights. It’s a real shame and I’m not at all this way, but I’m going to have to be a bad customer to get moved. If anyone has any tips to help me do so I’d greatly appreciate it. By the way I flew that last trip on Delta, use your buying power to punish them.
Here’s a fun fact: Historian’s estimate the average square footage per slave on an atlantic slave ship was 7 sq ft. Square footage in an economy seat (30 in pitch x 18 in width) 3.75 sq ft. I know It’s only a few hours compared to a few weeks but damn.
I am 6’5 and would have to say I would have to weigh in the middle of this argument. I fly on average 40,000+ a year, mostly intl, mostly to Asia, so i have to deal with 12 hour flights etc. There is then and now, it used to be that if you were tall and travelling a distance, the agent would do there best to seat you comfortably and give you an exit row, i used to show up at the airport very early before a flight to ensure i got the seat(before online booking). Now everything is done online, there are fees(for some) and exit seats are almost non-existent.
Two points I argue
1) Why?
2)What could be done
1) Why??
why should an airline give someone of height an exit row seat for free especially since they now make extra revenue on the seat or award loyalty. Simple answer. They do not have to, and unfortunately they should not. Defending this opinion is hard because it can be hard to get status if you do not fly often, or fly the most affordable route, but in the airline industry, loyalty pays these days giving you access to premium seats for free in advance or on the day of flight. most people that have status have sat on a plane way too much and while no one should act snooty that they have a better seat than someone else, that environment exists. I have status and almost always get a good bulkhead or emergency exit seat on my international flights, I however never ever lean back(or sleep on a plane for that matter) because I know what it feels like to have my legs and knees hammered and trying to hold a seat up for a long flight can really really suck.
2) What can be done
They should give someone of height priority to buy the premium legroom seats at the going market rate, meaning that if you have a relationship with the airline and they ask you for your height dimensions, you should be able to, at time of booking, to get a premium seat including emergency exit, at their existing fare, or if the airline is nice, a discounted fare, they do not have obligation under their codes of conduct to give a tall man a good seat. Another option is to height profile all their passengers, which could be difficult.
The best suggestion on a long flight(10+hours) is talk to the flight attendants on the plane. Even the worst legacy carriers(American, Delta, United/Continental) attendants have a heart if you approach them the right way. Be nice, ask how there trip was in x city, did they see this, or do that, chat for a second, be personal and then ask a favor. I hate to this, embellish a bit. Embellish how often you fly, or what you do. I have on no less than three occasions been upgraded(classes) because i was nice, personal or in one case, knew the flight attendant from previous flights on the same route(very rare, and very lucky), they are people too, and they have travelled in coach before, and have lives, we see them often as rude, or abrubt, or uncaring. It is simply not true. To be honest i could care less of discomfort on short flights(5 hours or less) and people should suck it up. The average length of each leg of flight i took in 2011 was 13.5 hours(PEK-EWR, LAX-SYD, JFK-HKG were the longest flights, 14, 17, 16.5 hrs respectively)
Good Luck
Matt
Sorry mate, I disagree and I dont think that tall people should have to pay more for a seat. You quote the rules which is fine but it is these that need changing
I am 6ft 8 and in many of the short hall planes now I simply do not fit in some of the seats at all–to be honest I have always asked nicely and been moved but am seeing the attitudes of the airlines hardening. Your loyalty point is fine but that is assuming that the exit seats are premium seats–to my mind they are not-it is just a result of the airline industry being squeezed and looking for revenue streams
Height should be conidered as a disability and people over 6ft 6 should be guaranteed leg room. To have to pay in my book is discrimination
Rob
@ CJ, @ Matt, @ Rob.
This is as Matt describes it where they have created a so called balanced ‘environment’. Rob, CJ is right you can’t just say that height disability should start at 6’6. I know I am only 6’4, but I have the same problem you do.
Matt although you make a point, they are trying to maximize profits, but it should not be done at the price of the tall people. It was bad enough when tall people weren’t prioritized to exit row seats and now we have to pay for them. How about they offer premium economy seats at the price of regular economy seats for tall people.
I am quite sure they can come up for a guideline of who is really suffering because they are tall and who isn’t. I mean everyone wants to stretch their legs, but when there is only a few cm’s or no space at all between your knees and the seat in front you know they are tall and can’t do anything about it. Last time I didn’t get my exit row seat, I went on to the plane as fast as I could in order to sit down in the exit row and asked whoever’s seat it was politely if they minded changing seats. But why should I go through this hassle just because I am tall and trying to sweet talk them every time. Matt you think you are the only frequent flyer. People are so quick to judge others that they forget to work and solve problems as a team. Just because one has the money to pay more for the luxury seats does not make it alright to be charged extra for being tall.
Furthermore please read this link. The reply is very interesting and could make an interesting case. We should just call ourselves disabled.
http://www.thestar.com/article/1113703–edmonton-man-accuses-airlines-of-discriminating-against-tall-people
Hope you all enjoy your next flight.
P.s. Turkish Airlines always try to get their tall customers an exit row seat if you ask them early.
Dana
I have just flown from Manchester to South Africa, my partner is 6ft 2in and is not as tall as others that have written on here, however he is tall enough that a 10 hour flight in a normal seat pitch is very uncomfortable. We recently flew with Swiss Air and arrived at the airport 4 hours early however they allocate the extra leg room seats and bulk head seats to frequent flyers therefore we had to fly in a normal seat. The passenger in front reclined her seat and therefore my partner could not move his legs at all, which surely is against health and safety.
He kindly spoke to the lady in front, who was about 5ft, however she argued and called the manager in charge on board. She told us we should have paid for business class. Is that not discrimination, most people in the exit seats did not require a seat with extra legroom. We argued but were made to eel like we were causing trouble and that we should just keep quiet and deal with not moving our legs for 10 hours. The manager would not give us her name when we said we wanted to make a complaint, therefore i feel she maybe knew she was wrong.
WHY ARE TALL PEOPLE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, IT IS A DISGRACE THAT YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE THE SAME COMFORT AS ANYONE ELSE ON THAT FLIGHT, OUR TICKET COST THE SAME, AND WHY SHOULD WE PAY FOR BUSINESS CLASS. WE CANNOT HELP BEING TALL, FREQUENT FLYERS DO NOT ALWAYS NEED EXTRA LEG ROOM, TALL PEOPLE DO.
i have worked in travel for 10 years and i think things need to change, in a society where people fly more and more, disabled people get priority seating, why not other people that are somehow impaired.
They can’t build separate plains for tall/small/fat/skinny/ etc people after all! 7 ft is a little more than an average height i think,. is it really so challenging to fly? probably they can arrange a couple of special seats in the plains though, that might be a good idea…
My husband is 6’8″ tall. What are you all complaining about???
I am nearly 6’6″ with an inseam of 36″ and will be flying to China in a couple of months. I’ve been trying to find reviews for airlines that have more legroom than others and in the process I found this thread.
Anyone who is saying “what’s the big deal” is obviously not a tall person and I can tell you that I am in a lot of pain just travelling shorts flights (a couple of hours or more). I did manage to get an exit seat ONCE and on another occasion I luckily had 3 seats all to myself, so could put the armrests up and spread myself across them! But I think that as people are generally getting taller it should be a serious consideration for all airlines. My brother is an inch taller than me and his job involves a lot of flying, just like Colby.
I also think that it’s interesting that people take steps to accommodate others that are able to lose weight but don’t, but don’t take steps to help tall people that are unable to lose their height!