I travel by plane quite often, and as someone who is heavier than average, I’ve faced the same challenge many times: airplane seats are just not designed for people like me. Standard seats are narrow, and when I try to fit into one, I inevitably end up encroaching on the space of the passenger next to me. To avoid making others uncomfortable and to give myself enough room to sit without stress or embarrassment, I’ve developed a habit of purchasing two tickets for every flight. I buy the window seat for myself and the seat beside it, ensuring that I have enough space to travel comfortably.

While this isn’t an ideal or cheap solution, it has allowed me to fly with peace of mind. Over the years, most flights went smoothly, and I was able to enjoy the journey without worrying about space or apologizing to strangers. However, on a recent flight, that sense of calm was unexpectedly disrupted. After boarding and settling into my double seats, feeling relaxed for once, a woman approached with a young child and, without asking, placed the child in the seat next to me — my paid-for extra seat. I was taken aback but kept my composure.

I politely said, “Excuse me, ma’am, but I purchased this seat as well. I need it for personal reasons.” Instead of understanding, the woman responded with loud protests, claiming it was unfair for one person to occupy two seats while her child needed one. Passengers nearby began to notice, turning their heads and whispering. The tension in the cabin quickly grew. I took a deep breath to keep calm and gently explained again, “I understand that traveling with a child can be stressful, but I have paid for both seats. I truly need the space.”

Despite my efforts, she refused to move. Realizing that reasoning alone wouldn’t resolve the situation, I called over a flight attendant. I calmly explained the situation and showed proof that I had purchased both seats. The attendant listened attentively and then addressed the woman with kindness but firmness, confirming that I was within my rights to occupy both seats.

Reluctantly, the woman accepted and was helped to find another seat for her child. The cabin’s atmosphere settled back to normal, and I sat down, feeling a wave of relief. As the plane took off, I reminded myself that buying the extra seat was the right choice—not only for my comfort but for maintaining respect and dignity for myself and those around me.

This experience reinforced something important: empathy is a two-way street. Traveling can be challenging for everyone, but it’s crucial to remain calm, kind, and assertive when necessary. Buying an extra seat isn’t just about comfort; it’s about ensuring a respectful and dignified experience for all passengers, including myself.