A California man says American Airlines kicked him off a flight after the passenger seated next to him complained about his size.
Chris Shelley said his troubles began after he boarded a flight from Dallas to Orange County, California, on Friday.
He says an elderly, petite woman sat in the aisle seat next to him.
“She was clearly not particularly happy, got up left and went toward the front of the aircraft,” Shelley said.
An employee with the airline then told him he needed to deplane immediately.
According to Shelley, the employee told him that the woman seated next to him complained he was too big for his seat.
“The worst part was being treated as if I was some sort of criminal. Not only a criminal but a fat criminal,” Shelley said. “They told me anyone over two inches in the seat cannot sit in the aircraft."
Shelley asked the employee if the woman next to him would switch seats, and she agreed. He was allowed back on the plane and was given the aisle seat instead.
American Airlines said it has sent Shelley two letters apologizing for what happened and has launched an investigation.
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