A man is suing British Airways after claiming he suffered a pelvic injury and nerve damage when he was 'squashed' next to an obese passenger during a 13-hour flight from Bangkok to London in January 2016.
Stephen Huw Prosser, 51, from Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taff, told Pontypridd County Court that the neighbouring passenger was 'built like the late rugby player Jonah Lomu' and estimated he was 6ft 4in and over 22 stone. Mr Prosser, who is 5ft 3in, said the man's bulk pushed his spine into a painful, unnatural position.
The civil engineer said he complained to cabin crew but was told no alternative seat was available. He remained in his seat in 'continual pain' and later claimed his stance was 'twisted' and he suffered back spasms. He said he had to restrict working hours for three months and give up mountain-biking and motorcycling.
However, BA customer service manager Chris McLindon disputed the account, saying the passenger was 'tall and broad but certainly not obese' and did not overflow the armrest. He said Mr Prosser showed no signs of injury when he left the aircraft.
Lawyers for BA argued that Mr Prosser's description was an exaggeration and that it is 'not unexpected' to sit next to a large passenger on a long-haul flight. The airline does not require passengers to provide their size or weight when booking, though some who know they will struggle to fit purchase two seats.
Mr Prosser's lawyer said his client faced a 'Hobson's Choice' of suffering in silence or walking the cabin for 13 hours, and that the injury was caused by the awkward angle forced by the neighbouring passenger.
