Every aspect of a flight in a 50-seater jet evokes the term "compact". In comparison to a 747, it is a tiny little plane. It is ideal for short-haul, in-and-out speedy travel. Imagine the look on the flight attendant's face when a 490lb lady in a fur coat bellows, "Is it me, or are planes getting smaller these days?"

There was a queue of people dying to tell her the reality of her weight issue, but in America, telling the truth would be deemed as rude, so no one said a word.

Three days later she checked-in at a different airport, weighing a sprightly 522lbs.

The airline had been fighting noise from the accountants to start charging large people for 2 seats instead of one. Assessing the situation and the woman's size and condition, a ticket guy made it clear what he thought of that sort of victimisation of largies. He charged her an excess fare to cover the allocation of 3 seats.

Maybe she should go by motorbike next time!