Because of my size, I always reserve two seats when I fly.
It’s not cheap, but it saves me embarrassment—and avoids making other passengers uncomfortable.
On one flight, I boarded early and settled into my two seats.
Everything was quiet until a woman with her 3-year-old daughter stopped beside me.
She politely asked if her child could sit in my extra seat.
I explained that I’d paid for both seats and needed the space.
Her expression changed instantly.
She sighed loudly, muttered that I was selfish, and called over a flight attendant.
People nearby started watching. I felt that familiar heat of shame—like I was on trial for existing.
When the flight attendant arrived, the woman complained that I was refusing to help a child.
The attendant calmly asked to see my boarding passes.
I handed over both.
She looked at them, nodded, and turned to the woman.
“Ma’am,” she said, “this passenger purchased both seats. They are under no obligation to give one up.”
The cabin went silent.
The woman scoffed, grabbed her daughter, and was escorted to her assigned seat.
Before walking away, the flight attendant quietly told me,
“You did nothing wrong. Thank you for handling this respectfully.”
For once, I didn’t feel embarrassed.
I felt seen—and defended.
