Flight Passenger Forced to Stand 7 Hours
U.S. Airways flight passenger Arthur Berkowitz was unable to sit during his seven hour flight due to there not being enough room next to an overweight neighboring passenger.
The flight from Anchorage to Philadelphia is one of the airline's longest domestic non-stop flights available, and Berkowitz was unable to sit in the flight attendant's jump seats because of regulations.
Speaking to elliott.org, Berkowitz reported that the 400-pound man's weight spilled over into the seat assigned to him, making it impossible for him to remain seated.
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The 57-year-old passenger acknowledged that U.S. Airways employees during the flight were "sympathetic" and that they "full acknowledged the mistake made by their gate agent," but that he stood throughout the duration of the flight in the aisle and in the galley area.
The overweight passenger told Berkowitz: "I'm your worst nightmare," and apologized.
"He was a real gentleman," said Berkotwitz.
Berkowitz did not have a seatbelt for take-off or landing during the incident, which happened four months ago, and as compensation for the inconvenience, he received just a $200 voucher from the airline.
He did not receive reimbursement for the $800 airfare, and the overweight passenger was not charged an additional fee for occupying the seat.
In addition, Berkowitz said the airline failed to acknowledges the safety issue, and said he is worried the same thing may happen to others.
The "regrettable" incident has left many people weary of flight travel. Fox News reported that 10 percent of 42.5 million Americans traveling this Thanksgiving will fly, leaving the other 90 percent choosing to drive.
