Am I able to ask more from the Airlines?

Question

I'm a pretty tall man, 6'8" (203ish cm) and I fly a lot. My mother works as a flight attendant so I fly for free. I'm constantly uncomfortable in seats due to lack of legroom. Some of the staff are nice and accomidating, others are quite "rude" but I'm sure they're just trying to be fair. Anyway, what might you suggest I do about this situation?? I can't demand anything because I'm getting free travel, right?

Answer 1

I think you should always ask for an exit seat. It is not merely a demand on your part to be comfortable. When you sit in a cramped seat, your knees will be right up against the back of the person in front of you. That person will be very uncomfortable and not be able to lean back but not your fault. It makes sense to seat you somewhere else.

Answer 2

As a flight attendant I have passengers with your dilemma fairly often. I also fly the CRJ200 so it is quite cramped. I always try to accomadate tall passengers anyway I can, sometimes I'll move them to an aisle seat or an exit row but the best is the front row aisle. On the CRJ those are 1B and 1C.

My reccomendation would be to always ask, because you never know until you try! You may not always deal with friendly people and it may be impossible from time to time but as long as you are friendly and respectful you'll probably get good results. Ask the gate agent first when you get your seat assignment, preferably before she prints your ticket. Just let her know what you prefer if it's available. If all else fails put a bug in the FAs ear when you get onto the plane and it never hurts to bring a bribe! I have people bring candy to the flight crew all the time! Ha!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I don't think you have anything to complain about. You are flying for free. I'd love to fly for free, I wouldn't complain. You are unusually tall, it's not the airline's problem. The majority of the population is not over 6'5. Be happy you can fly for free- you can stretch your legs when you get to your destination.

Answer 4

No, you can't demand anything. However, there is one thing that you can do. Exit row seats often have some extra legroom. On widebody aircraft, economy class seats near exit doors often have no seats in front of them (although they may also be near a lavatory, which can be unpleasant).  Try to get one of those seats. Some airlines hold them back for frequent flyers or airport check-in, but you can politely ask at the airport.  Of course, you'll have to agree to help open the doors in the improbable event of an emergency.

If you're thinking about first class upgrades, then forget it. The airline is going to hold those for their most profitable customers - high level frequent flyers and travelers who are paying the highest fares. They're not going to waste first class seats on non-revenue passengers who are relatives of employees. Being tall doesn't entitle to you special treatment.  Obese people don't fit into standard economy seats either, but the airlines don't upgrade them.

Answer 5

yea i wouldnt plus i heard yesterday on the radio there gonna start weighng pepole with there bags and that detrmins  the price u pay which i think is crazy and stupid they also said they where gonna stop severing drinks cause they weigh about the same as 3 passengers wich i didnt think there was that many drinks on a plane things are chanigin due to gas which in like 10years the world is gonna be ****