[Alter Kaker]

The overweight didn’t stand up for my right to smoke on the plane.

Nor should they. My company just paid $8000 for a last minute business class round trip ticket for me from Paris to New York (can you say, rip off?). For that kind of money, I shouldn't have to put up with a chain smoking 430 pound guy oozing over the armrest into my seat. If I'm wrong, please explain why.

[Sonny M]

My company just paid $8000 for a last minute business class round trip ticket for me from Paris to New York (can you say, rip off?). For that kind of money, I shouldn't have to put up with a chain smoking 430 pound guy oozing over the armrest into my seat. If I'm wrong, please explain why.

Your right, except I don't think thats what happened here.

By the fact that he was ready to board, and was told to (and able to) purchase an additional seat, implies they had at least one, unsold seat.

If they have empty seats, why make him pay for two?

I believe they did it, simply because they could.

[Tanniker Smith]

For that kind of money, your company should’ve gotten you a non-smoking flight.

[mysterio]

If I'm wrong, please explain why.

You're not wrong. I am simply pointing out that now that there are fewer smokers to persecute, the overweight are going to be increasingly in the crosshairs.