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I'm 6'7" and as you can imagine, flying is especially miserable. With airlines cutting legroom by the day, I've come to the point where I cannot fit in the 'cheap seats' anymore. And when I say I don't fit, I don't mean the seat in front hits if the person reclines. I mean I hit BEFORE it reclines. Therefore, I always have to upgrade to exit row, bulkhead, or some other section that guarantees more legroom.
Normally, my job doesn't require all that much travel, but recently I've had to fly three times in as many months. My employer covers most of my expenses but refuses to purchase anything better than the cheapest fare available, which of course means the seats with the least legroom. I've been paying out of pocket to upgrade my seat, and my travel department has told me they won't cover the cost. The cost averages roughly $40 per leg of the flight, so the cost can add up quick.
I'm currently working with my supervisor and HR to come to some sort of agreement on this, but I'm curious how others would handle this. Would you make a stink about it? Suck it up and pay it? Refuse to fly for work anymore? I've been looking for some sort of law I could site that would say they're required to compensate me (which would be the best solution IMHO), but I haven't found anything yet.
$240 over three months is not worth raising a stink about it. The reality is, when traveling every cost of yours is paid at most corps, so you are saving gas to/from work, eating, etc.
Well, the cost is per leg, so your $240 estimate is only accurate is it's a direct flight to and from. If it's a one-stop flight, it's $160 for the trip.
And yes, it's a relatively minor cost and I USUALLY come out ahead with the per diem given, but it's still a cost I incur that another employee wouldn't.
Well, the cost is per leg, so your $240 estimate is only accurate is it's a direct flight to and from. If it's a one-stop flight, it's $160 for the trip.
And yes, it's a relatively minor cost and I USUALLY come out ahead with the per diem given, but it's still a cost I incur that another employee wouldn't.
Mike
It is elective, however.
I'm 6'4" with very long legs, and travel frequently for my company, so I do know exactly what you go through. However, opting for a seat with more leg room is your choice, imo.
Personally I would just keep my mouth shut, be grateful that taller guys tend to get more promotions and have better employment security than those of more modest height (not to mention have greatly enhanced dating prospects...).
What youre asking for is basically a Reasonble Accommodation, but the law only requires that to be provided for someone with a disability. So unless theres some way to say its a medical necessity, I think you are out of luck.
But at what point do you flat-out not fit? The last time I tried to sit in a row in the back half of a plane, the only way to swing my knees in was to put one way out into the aisle and the other into the space for the middle seat passenger (basically straddling the seat in front). Thankfully that middle passenger was my wife, but if it was a complete stranger, they'd have every right to raise a stink about it.
I mean, I get it. Being tall isn't a medical condition, and until the airlines start mandating maximum heights (much in the same way they'll charge morbidly obese people for two seats on full flights), I guess I'm hosed. Actually, my supervisor is of the mindset that he simply won't make my fly for work anymore, which in some ways I'm happy about but I do worry it may affect future opportunities.
Are these long plane flights and are you jammed so tight you cant move? That is a risk factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis. Maybe talk to your doctor.
Personally, unless you are poverty stricken, I think I would suck it up and travel rather than limit future opportunity.
Is it possible to use the train and ask for extra time to get there rather than extra money? Ditto could you drive or is it too far for that to be reasonable.
Well, the cost is per leg, so your $240 estimate is only accurate is it's a direct flight to and from. If it's a one-stop flight, it's $160 for the trip.
And yes, it's a relatively minor cost and I USUALLY come out ahead with the per diem given, but it's still a cost I incur that another employee wouldn't.
Mike
That right there sounds almost childish. You come out ahead "usually" but don't like it because you aren't in essence ahead more than your co-workers? If I had a huge metabolism, can I get a bigger per-diem to cover my larger than allowed food budget? It surely isn't' your fault for being tall, but neither is it your employer's fault.
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiteboyslo
But at what point do you flat-out not fit? The last time I tried to sit in a row in the back half of a plane, the only way to swing my knees in was to put one way out into the aisle and the other into the space for the middle seat passenger (basically straddling the seat in front). Thankfully that middle passenger was my wife, but if it was a complete stranger, they'd have every right to raise a stink about it.
I guess you 'flat-out not fit' when you pose an issue to your flight. I've seen overly large folks being moved (or sometimes their seat neighbors). So I guess it's up to your flight crew.
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiteboyslo
I mean, I get it. Being tall isn't a medical condition, and until the airlines start mandating maximum heights (much in the same way they'll charge morbidly obese people for two seats on full flights), I guess I'm hosed. Actually, my supervisor is of the mindset that he simply won't make my fly for work anymore, which in some ways I'm happy about but I do worry it may affect future opportunities.
Mike
So you brought it up, and they came up with a solution. But you still don't like it.... Not sure the issue here is with the employer.
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