Flyers warn air travel is becoming unbearable as passenger seats keep shrinking

Viral videos and online posts highlight passenger frustration over tight seating and personal space issues on crowded flights.(iStock)

The post prompted hundreds of responses from users who said they, too, had encountered situations like that.

One user wrote, “United has a policy for this — [passengers] must be able to sit in their own seat with the armrests fully down, otherwise they need a second seat.If there aren’t extra seats, they need to change to a flight that has some.”

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Many people urged other passengers to raise seating concerns during the boarding process rather than after a flight departs — while others said the airlines often fail to enforce their own policies.

On TikTok, users have posted videos describing feeling squeezed into their seats during flights and debating who bears responsibility when space becomes an issue.

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“Keep your opinion to yourself.”

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In one video, a man described sitting next to a larger passenger and suggested the person may have needed two seats. 

larger passengers. 

“Instead of shaming them, you [should] keep your opinion to yourself,” one user wrote.

The discussion drew controversial reactions, with users sharply divided over seating policies, passenger comfort and accusations of shaming.(iStock)

Others defended those speaking out about the issue. 

“How is he being mean?” one user said, referencing a poster who complained about his situation.“Hepaid for a seatand was crushed into two-thirds of it.”

etiquette expertJacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant, said the issue reflects growing challenges as airplane seating continues to shrink.

Commenters suggested simple solutions, such as lowering the arm rest or asking a flight attendant about a seat change or upgrade.(iStock)

“The seats on airplanes seem to be getting smaller for everyone, which makes awareness essential,�

“No one should be pressed, leaned on or crowded out of their seat.”

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“When space becomes a problem and boundaries are crossed, the solution isn’t to suffer in silence,” she also said.

“It’s best to address the situation calmly, thoughtfully and appropriately.”

“No one should be pressed, leaned on or crowded out of their seat.”

The websites of United Airlines and American Airlines note that passengers who need more space can book an additional seat or upgrade to a wider premium cabin — withoptions to rebookon another flight if extra seating is unavailable.

“When space becomes a problem and boundaries are crossed, the solution isn’t to suffer in silence,” said one expert.(iStock)

The airlines also state that passengers must be able to sit within their own seats, with armrests fully lowered.

They recommend addressing seating needs in advance, as same-day accommodations may be limited on full flights.

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

com/category/united-airlines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Airlinesand American Airlines for further comment.