Let's not even get into leg room; I'm short in the legs and even I have a hard time fitting my legs comfortably if anything bigger than a hamster is stored under the seat.

Sadly, I seem to be one of the few in my generation that follows this.  I refuse to buy on credit, and I think it's ridiculous that I need to have at least a small form of credit (line of credit, a card, etc.) in order for people to believe that I will pay them on time when renting or getting a cell phone.

However, going by the idea that if you can't afford it, go without, if the prices went up on airlines, fewer would be able to afford flying, (assuming they waited until the could afford it,) and the airlines would suffer as a result.  Perhaps that would cause them to lower costs again, which would make everything work out in the end, but by what means?  How many airlines would cut out areas, resulting in the loss of jobs?  I am probably thinking on too large a scale here.

While I agree that airline seats should start reflecting our larger status, I do wonder about this: you say that the increase in cost resulting from larger seats wouldn't matter to you.  Does that hold true if someone were to suggest that your family buy first class tickets (increase in cost for larger seats) instead of riding in business/coach/economy?

Good to see there are at least a couple of people still out there living by the "only buy what you can afford now" principle.  I do have criedit cards but only as a matter of convenience and always paid off when the bill comes in.

Again, there is no "one size fits all."  What would that minimum be? And what would the limit on the comfort be?

Incidentally airlines already charge extra (at least in Europe) for additional leg room.  I currently choose not to pay for this on the principle that the default leg room is usually insufficient and I don't see why I should pay more (individually) to get it up to a decent level.  That might be cutting off my nose to spite my face but there you go.

But wouldn't that be what happens?

More leg room, wider seats = more expensive tickets and/or fees.

"Individually"

So as long as it isn't just you paying (for your own comfort), then you are okay with paying more, correct?

I agree whole-heartedly with your premise, just not your argument. 

Why don't they go by Body Mass Index.  Would it not be better.  So say, if a person is over certain BMI, then they get charged more.

No, they need to do the same as they do with carry on luggage - there is a box or test seat and if you don't fit in it entirely you need a second seat/first class seat/etc.

Definately with you on that. Getting a loan for consumer goods is madness to start with, but doing it at the credit card company's (usually) extortionate rates is taking it to a whole new level. Credit cards are best used for online purchases etc. only.

But the thing is that you need a credit card to get a credit rating, which increase your eligiblity for a loan, and besides, what I do if i need a loan to get an consumer item like computers/cars/etc... get it from a bank for goodness sakes, much lower interest rates

Absolutely not true. I've never had a credit card in my life, and I have an excellent rating.

Best idea I've read in the entire thread.

And the thing is, you would not only be paying more for the tiny seat. You would be purchasing 2 joining seats (with the armrest removed) so that you would have the room that you require.

Airlines already do this. If you don't fit between the arm rests, you have to pony up for the extra seat.

Now if you're complaining about people impinging despite that restriction, then you're in some seriously hazy territory. I've had more uncomfortable experiences with broad shouldered guys (who were in perfectly good shape and by no stretch fat) impinging on my personal space than I have heavy-set people. Airline seats are too narrow for many people of normal weight and build to be able to sit comfortably if all seats on a flight are filled. That's no one's fault but the airline companies.

I have a simple solution to this simple problem.

Make the hatch narrow enough to fit the seats.