Recently I returned to the UK by Virgin Atlantic. My Seat No was 36K on Flight VS602 Friday 15 June. I had the window seat and when I arrived at my seat the huge man sitting in the aisle seat had lifted the arm rest between our seats and was overflowing into my seat. Shortly after I sat in my seat, I lowered the arm rest with great difficulty, as he obviously could not fit into the seat allocated to him, and a member of the cabin crew brought him an extension for his seat belt. His needs were met although it was obvious he was greatly uncomfortable, and I was ignored as it must have been very clear that I was squashed by the overflow of the passenger next to me. Don't tell me I should have complained there and then, because the airline has a duty of care to make sure I am not intimidated by being placed next to someone who is obviously obese and should be placed in a situation where he has an empty seat next to him. There were plenty of empty seats, and there was no excuse to seat him where he was seated. I had a very uncomfortable and sleepless journey, and he made no effort to apologise for the situation. During the journey he lifted the armrest several times, and I put it back because he overflowed even more into my space. I think airlines have to face this problem and put the needs of passengers who are not obese first, and obesity second. I don't like raising the issue on the plane, because I don't like drawing attention - I would find it deeply embarrassing. I am 79 years old and expect to be able to sit in my seat comfortably - I am not overweight - and not to be intimidated by someone who has no respect for others around them. Whatever reason they are vastly overweight is not my problem, it is theirs and should remain theirs.
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