The Seat I Paid For

I fly often, and I always run into the same problem — I’m heavier than average, and I simply don’t fit into a standard airplane seat without encroaching on the person next to me. To avoid inconveniencing anyone, I’ve made it a habit to buy two tickets: a window seat and the one beside it. It’s not cheap, but it allows me — and everyone else — to fly comfortably.

On a recent flight, I boarded the plane, found my row, and settled into my double-booked seats. For once, I felt completely at ease — no worried glances, no awkward apologies. That peace, however, was short-lived.

A woman appeared with her young child and, without a word, sat the little one down in the empty seat next to me — my extra seat. Startled, I turned to her and said calmly, “Excuse me, ma’am, but I purchased this seat as well. I need it for personal reasons.”

Instead of understanding, she began to protest loudly. Her voice grew sharper with every sentence, claiming it was unfair for one person to occupy two seats when her child needed one. Passengers started turning their heads. Whispers spread. The tension thickened, and I could already feel my calm slipping.

Read Part 2