“I’ve tossed out healthy passengers who cite a mysterious disability that requires the comfort and girth only a big leather seat can provide.
“I’ve deposed doctors, college professors, sweet little old ladies, even a member of the clergy who looked up at me and swore that be had misread his seat assignment. (How in God’s name can 28-F be confused with 3-A?).”
Hester continued: “The excuses are as wide-ranging as the personalities on any given airplane: ‘Oh… I’m sorry,’ a bookish female passenger once said after being asked to vacate the premises.
“‘I’m going to be in a hurry to make my connection. I didn’t think you’d mind if I sat up front.’
“Another good one: ‘I’m a fearful flyer, I’m scared to sit in coach.’
