Man Explains Why He Stood On Plane

A Philadelphia man who told a blogger he stood for seven hours on a US Airways flight is clarifying the incident. Arthu Berkowitz told blogger Christopher Elliott, who is also the National Geographic Traveler’s reader advocate, about his issues on a US Air flight this summer.

Elliott interviewed Berkowitz recently about a July 2011 incident where Berkowitz had to stand for much of an entire flight from Anchorage to Philadelphia because of a unique booking problem.

The story spread to the web sites for the Daily Mail and Business Insider, so Fox 29 spoke with Berkowitz in person, but not on camera, on Wednesday.

Berkowitz told Fox 29 the issue was not about the money, it was about safety.

He did contact the FAA, who told Berkowitz it felt US Airways had resolved the issue and the case was closed.

Berkowitz also told us the overweight passenger was very nice and apologized when he first boarded, and the man was able to get in the seat and fasten his belt.

A US Airways rep also told Fox 29 on Wednesday that Berkowitz was allowed to stay on flight because he did get in the seat and fasten his belt for landing and take off.

People are allowed to stand when the fasten seatbelt light is off, as long as they’re not blocking the isle, or cabin area, the airline said.

US Airways also said their “passenger of size” policy is that they try to accommodate them. If they can’t get into the seat or fasten seatbelt, they will be asked to purchase two seats.

US Airways confirmed it did issue a $200 voucher to Berkowitz, who told Fox 29 he will fly them again, because they are in Philadelphia and he uses them for business as well as personal travel.