What its like to be that fat person sitting next to you on the plane.

I have made it a point to request at the desk to be sat by any morbidly obese people traveling alone that might have an issue when I am traveling by myself. They are all too happy to oblige as there is usually someone aboard that they are worried about seating -- or worried that other passengers will complain about.

 I remember how it felt -- how humiliating.  It's my way of doing something randomly kind for someone else.  I never say anything of course -- and I've take a few very uncomfortable flights -- often stuck in the inarguably horrendous middle seat  -- but it's my way of showing love & respect to the fat woman I once was --  and to someone else who's likely having a far more uncomfortable flight than me.

Pay it forward.  If you've survived obesity, NEVER FORGET.

I do something similar on Southwest.  Since I am first to board (A-Lister), I will gladly give up the best seat in the house for someone really tall or someone on the larger size who is stuck in a middle seat.  I do worry about coming across as condescending, so I will say things like, "You can have my aisle seat if you don't mind getting up a few times because I drink a lot of water... :-) No one has ever turned down the offer...

My beloved father used to say, "another jewel in your crown" -- to him that meant when we do something kind with no return or expectation, we are actually making ourselves richer.  

So here's to the jewels in your crown, friend.

That is such a lovely thing to do Kat.  I flew to CA last spring and for the first time in forever was able to fit fine without an extender or lifting the armrest.  But a female passenger was complaining loudly to the flight attendant about her seatmate who was obese and demanded to be given another seat as she was not going to sit next to him from NY to San Diego.  My heart broke for him and I thought that easily could have been me and I would have died of embarrassment.  People can sometimes be so cruel...

Her actions say a lot more about her than about his weight.  

I do understand that some people may have claustrophobia, chronic pain or medical problems that make sitting with an obese person too difficult.  However, to humiliate someone is never acceptable.

May she be treated with the same kindness she gave to him in her future.

That's beautiful, Kat. It just made me tear up.  I may start doing that myself. Thanks for sharing.

Kat, you are a lovely person.  This is a wonderful thing to do.  ILU  

I love you, too Mo.

Kat!  I could kiss you!  This is my plan too.  You are a gem!

What a beautiful act.  Next time I fly I will do the same!