Is Being Big Impolite?

Dear Sky Steward,

I flew into Dallas today for meetings and although my flight landed this morning, I am still suffering with back pain this evening. It all started when I boarded my flight from Los Angeles and discovered that the person sitting next to me was extremely overweight. I tried to approach it with an understanding attitude, but this wore thin as this large person invaded my space. It caused me to have to practically twist myself as my torso and shoulders were practically pushed out into the aisle.

This person's obliques were literally on my lap. Well, I am exaggerating, but it was so absolutely miserable. What should I do the next time? I promised myself this would be the last flight in which I pay for a seat only to have someone else spill over into it.

Signed, Aching in Anaheim

Dear Aching,

The Sky Steward understands your position and agrees that it is not acceptable for you to be miserable as you travel. He has seen passengers leave the plane because they refuse to sit next to someone that is encroaching on their space. The truth is that people that are too large for one seat, must purchase two. Next time, you have to make the decision to discreetly advise a flight attendant or agent about the situation.

The Sky Steward knows that the last thing you want to do is to humiliate someone and that is why you did your best to endure the situation you had on your flight. Next time, enlist the help of those whose responsibility it is to enforce policies in place to protect the comfort of all.