4/16/09: United Airlines Says Big People Have To Pay More
Posted by the912project on April 15, 2009 · 79 Comments
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79 Responses to “4/16/09: United Airlines Says Big People Have To Pay More”The Restoring Honor Rally August 28, 2010
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I don't smoke…but I still think a cig. tax is wrong…but this is not the same…there are weight and space issues aboard planes…if you take up two spaces you need to pay for two spaces…seems pretty simple to me.
Ya, your right, but they are singling out a group of people, if they were to sing out another group it would be racist. This is wrong. Your screen name says Liberty72, not Liberty72 only if your skinny. Its wrong, there is nothing stopping a person asking to move seats.
Also United Air charges more if one is obese, well does that person you describe get part of that profit. No, so if one skinny person is sitting next to a obese person, (but the obese person paid more) does that skinny person then get half off? NO this is sad.
What if someone came up to you and said because of your physical conditions (including but not limited to fat, skinny, hair color, athletic ability both positive and negative, tall or short etc…) you have to pay more, we will sing you out…
Remember, it’s not all about you, or me. Walk a mile in their shoes
Good, charge them extra.
Just because America is getting fatter doesn't mean the airlines should adapt to a unhealthy lifestyle
I don't think this is fair because it discriminates against a certain individual. Why can't the airlines just make larger seats and charge more for them. Besides I'm sure people won't mind larger seats with more room instead of trying to squeeze everyone into a tight space. This is a tough one.
So often the most complex issues have simple solutions. Just charge people by the pound to fly. We use this system for hauling frieght. Its simple easy and fair. Plus you could lower your ticket by packing less.
Makes perfect sense to me. If you are a (good amount) overweight, you should pay more. Why should I have an overweight person squeeze me for an entire flight.
I have read some comments that confuse me a little. It seems some are implying that the government has something to do with Delta's overweight passenger pricing policy. Did I miss something here?
I am not over weight but do have family members and colleagues who are so I can understand why this topic is so annoying for big people. In spite of my size I always feel squeezed when I fly. It might just be me but have the seats in aircraft gotten smaller? It sure seems that way.
Washington has declared war on fat people just like smokers and the tabbaco co.next it will be mcds.and people w/ suggar then the elderly any body that will cost them money in big government health care I see a future where in big government health care where a flu vac. will wipe out a bunch of the elderly to ease S.S payments just one reason government needs to stay out of health care.we need to quite giving out hand outs and put people to work they need to earn a wage not a hand out we need to put people to work not make more dependents
Those that are full of hot air should pay more. I travel around the world and at times the size of someone sitting next to you is an issue; however I assure you there are many other issues that are just as much a problem.
Nancy and Barney should pay more for the carbon monoxide they produce on planes.
This policy is another example of the slippery slope to fascism; if you do not fit the PC mold you will pay.
I don't have a problem with this. When I went to work for a major airline in 1978 that was the policy with all carriers, and possibly a CAB or FAA rule…if you couldn't comfortably, and safely, fit in one seat, you either had to buy two seats or pay for first class. It's a safety issue!! Then it became politically incorrect to acknowledge that someone is fat. Quite frankly, I don't care to share my seat, that I PAID for, with someone else, just because I'm not using it all. Flying is stressful enough without having half of someone else plopped on top of you. Yes, airline seats are too small.Thanks to deregulation, more people have to be crammed into the same amount of space in order for the airlines to keep operating. It's a catch 22.
I am sorry but this is DISCRIMINATORY!!!! It is exactly like the smoking issue. They purposely pick something controversial or unpopular and then attack it. Look at how almost everyone on this site is siding with the airline. YOU ARE FALLING IN LINE JUST LIKE THEY WANT YOU TO. Yesterday it was smokers freedoms, and no one stuck up for them, now it it overweight people, obviously it will be the same. TOMORROW IT WILL BE YOU, THINK ABOUT IT! Do not make it personal. Discriminating against any group is wrong! The airlines should be called out.
Don't make it easy for anyone to take away anyones freedom. I am not overweight but I support anyones freedom to do what ever they want within the law! It's call the pursuit of happiness. In a free society we will rub elbows with people we don't necessarily want to. So you sat next to an overweight person on a plane was were made uncomfortable, big deal. Don't make it easy for them, treat people as you would like to be treated.
I stopped flying United Airlines a long time ago, not because of their policy, it's because they can't seem to get you from point A to Point B with all of your luggage. I also, can't seem to catch the connections and customer service just plain sucks. If I was to rate Airlines on a 1-10 scale (United is the worst and gets a 1) (Delta gets a 5) (US Airways, a 6) (Northwest
(Southwest 9)
I will only give flying ………(my personal aircraft a 10)
As an independent business, it is reasonable that if the airline provides the extra seating to safely accomodate 1 person they can change the price. It's supply and demand. However I'm curious to see where it goes as America is getting fat. No disrespect as I've been both sides of that coin. I like Jsuman's proposal, different seating for different folks. Everybody wins.
This is why when I travel I drive. I love America and love to see the great country side when traveling. There is nothing that can replace showing my children great landmarks, and letting them understand what makes this country so great.
It always has amused me that the engineers that fashion these multi-million dollar airplanes using the most advanced mathematics to design the airframes have not yet encountered the bell curve. In any population most people will be of average height and weight; on the extremes of the bell curve will be those who are tiny and skinny and those who are fat and/or tall. Variable spacing in the seating would accommodate everyone without discomfort and without the need to charge extra for those who are big. This is obviously simple but beyond the cretins that design the cabins of commercial airliners. If you're tall or big, don't patronize these idiots; go by car, bus or rail.
I simply figure this as the same way as one would send a package air freight. The more the package weighs, the more it'll cost you.
If you were to take my measurements right now I would be considered obese, but I am 9 months pregnant. I know I can't fly right now, but earlier in my pregnancy I could, and I would think the seatbelt might have been a problem because it would have been awkward to reach under my belly to do it up. I will be taking a trip shortly after baby is born if all goes well. I am a regular person so my motabolism isn't as good as Angelina Jolie and her buddies, so should I be worried about being singled out if I am still carrying baby weight?
Increasing the seat size will cost everyone more money. I'm for financial independance… if someone wants to be obese, that's ok with me as long as I'm not paying for it (ie medical care or airline costs). I don't want airline seats to be larger because then I'll get charged more. If you don't mind getting charged more for more space, there's always business class.
Well welcome to the site Liberty72, checked out your profile. Thanks for your opinion. : )
Who and when does this determination of "to big" get made. Are you humiliated at the ticket counter or before you board or on the plane in tight quarters. Not everyone can be skinney. I am 6' and weigh 210 lbs Am I overweight? I hate the little seat we are given. Those seats are meant for the super models and their 20" waist. They are tight for the average person let alone a taller or bigger person.
'
This is Stupid!
I can’t believe my eyes, but its actions like this that will make United go out of business.
I have three round trips planed this summer, all No loner with United. Not because I am over weight, but because what they are doing is wrong and unfair.
I hope one of two things in this case. One, they go out of business or two they get their heads out of their butts and stop this extra price for obese people
And how fair is it to the petite woman left with half a seat because she's stuck sitting next to an obese person? Not at all. With postage you pay by weight and size, why should it be different with flying?
How about, they are a business and therefore have the right to charge whatever price they wish. I don't think this topic deserves much more commentary than that. Unless people start complaining that United is being discriminatory to overweight passengers. I doubt they would encounter any legal issues with this policy though.
Thank you!! I'm a petite person and I paid for a whole seat.
This is ridiculous, next the airlines will want to charge people who have one leg, arm, blind, or emotionally confussed an extra fee. This is "STUPID", but in this new world order, anything is possible!!!
Hey…don't be miffed and vexed for now you know you are next. The govt. (and other social engineers) have been targeting smokers for years..but no one stood up for their civil rights..so now they're coming after you. Surprise, surprise…someone had to make up for the shortfall in revenue. I wonder, who's next after you? But more important than that is…what will it take to get us (we the people) to finally join together & stop sniping at each other?!!!
Wow…What a touchy subject. To me, this is a no brainer. Facts are facts…larger people take up more space and therefore should have to pay for the extra seat…period. I, too, have been a passenger on a plane and had to endure a 3.5 hour flight practically smooshed up against the window simply because a large person was sitting next to me. As fliers know, coach class isn't that comfortable to begin with. Then, to have someone "invading" your tiny bit of space, just makes it all the more uncomfortable. Perhaps this seems like a cold and cruel thing for the airlines to either implement or consider, but they really don't have much of a choice. Maybe one day there will be bigger planes that offer a lot more space, but we're not there just yet. Besides, even if we were, the airlines couldn't afford to buy the larger planes anyways. You know, we have a lot of problems in this country. Just one of the problems that we have is that we want to classify every type of problem as a "disability". I know that the growing obesity rate is a problem in this country, but I refuse to list it as a disability. As soon as it's been given that classification, then it absolves the obese of any culpability for their own actions. I'm sorry, but obesity just doesn't occur naturally. Yes, I realize that there are those rare cases of people who have some sort of genetic or hormonal problem. These people do have a legitimate medical condition that would and should be classified as a disability. But, over all, most people are obese because they won't stop eating. Now, before any of you start replying to me and ranting that I'm not compassionate, I just want you to know that I've been on both sides of the obese fence. I struggled with a weight problem for almost 20 years. I used to feel "victimized" by the thinner world. I blamed everyone and everything for my weight problem until I woke up and realized one day that I was the only one to blame for it. From that day onward, I took control of my life in all areas…including food. I learned to love myself more than I loved food. As a result, I lost all of my excess weight…without having to eat nothing but "rabbit food". So, don't go telling me it's not a self-control issue. If you don't like paying for an extra seat, then lose the weight.
This topic hinges on the fine print on your ticket.
Some airlines define this ticket as "right to passage" in which case size would be irrelevant. Most airlines define the ticket as a "right to a seat" in which case size does matter.
To me, if you are sufficient in size that the seat next to you cannot be sold, then you should get to pay for that seat also. You are costing the airlines the equivalent of more than one person's worth of not only space, but fuel as well. Imagine taking this issue to its ridiculous conclusion: 65 large people filling up an airplane with 135 seats. Should the airlines have to fly that aircraft (pay the crew, use the gas, pay for the ongoing maintenance, etc.) for the same price as if they were ferrying 135 folks? I think not.
I recall that Southwest Airlines already won at least one case on this issue, and likely more than one. You pay for a seat — if you require more than one seat, you either pay for an additional seat or you get to stay home.
As some one who has done a lot of air travel over the years I understand what the air lines are trying to do. It is my opion they are trying to provide the best enviroment possible for their passengers. I have been on flights where ther has been some seated next me that was bigger than average, I am 6-1 250lbs so I am also bigger then avareage, it becomes very uncomfortable for both people when this happens. I have read what Uniteds Rule is and it states that the will first try to reseat some onenext to a seat that is empty, if there are no empty seats then they will have to upgrade or wait for another flight. http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52985,0...
We need to keep in mind that their many people that they have to try an satisfy on each and every flight.
I have read the story and it doesn't apply to slightly overweight people. It clearly states that if you A) can't put down the armrest or B)cannot buckle your seat belt with a seat belt extender. Only then would you have to purchase another seat. If you have flown in the past and can do either of those you are good to go. I really don't find anything terribly wrong with this other than that you have to tell someone that they are overweight. Part of what we need to start doing as a country is not only think of ourselves, but how our actions affect other people. Is it fair that if you are severely obese that the person sitting next to you is uncomfortable?
RetiredChief brings up an excellent point though. The airlines should try and not cram us into the plane like sardines. If they would increase the seating legroom and buttroom (not sure if that is the technical term) a lot of this policy would be null and void.
I don't know for sure, but I would think that disabled people who are wheelchair-bound, would probably not only have to pay more for a flight, but would also have more trouble booking a flight, as they would need to find a carrier that has a plane that is able to accomodate a wheelchair, that is scheduled to fly to their chosen destination. I would be interested in hearing from any participants that work for an airline on this, that has knowledge on booking rates for wheelchair-bound passengers.
If you use the space you should pay for the space. As to overweight being a medical condition, I am sure that a few are but in reality most people for overweight because of their eating habits, lack of physical activity, or the hormones that are used to grow our foods bigger and faster. I think primarily the hormones. I can't explain boobs on 12 year old girls any other way, they certainly did not have them in the middle of the last century when I was 12. We depend on our government to keep our food safe and we all know where that gets us.
I think a few people are missing the point here. I feel like I have an unbiased point of view here, considering I used to battle weight problems before I took control of my life, I fly VERY often for work, and I'm a pilot that flies for fun when I can.
I can say, I've had MANY flights completely ruined because the person in the seat next to me couldn't fit in that seat next to me. I'm not making fun, it's just a fact. I'm not sure why I have to suffer because someone else doesn't have much self control. The one thing I will say for the airlines, and trust me, I HATE defending them, is this…When a pilot is figuring out the weight on board an aircraft, he/she has used 170lbs as the avg weight per person, for many years…As I fly around the country, I've started to notice that 170lbs sure doesn't seem like the norm anymore. More like 195lbs, and of course, actual obesity is running rampant in this country. This adds alot of weight to the aircraft, which costs the airline LOTS of money over the long term in fuel.
If you can't fit into the seat, you are A) making the other paying customers uncomfortable, and B) helping the airline to burn more fuel….I have NO problem making obese folks pay for an extra seat, and PLEASE don't turn this into a "big business conservatives are mean!" story, because the liberal mecca of Canada just passed the same law!
I'm somewhat tall and for me to be comfortable (especially on a long flight) I make sure I get a seat in the "business" class (each airline calls it something different). This way I get more leg room. And, yes, I pay more for that ticket….as I should; It's a larger space. So why don't they make a "husky" class on a plane? Just one row or maybe it would take 2….They could charge more also…..The problem with charging more for overweight people is that then we'd all have to quantify our weight when we fly? How are you going to do that? Yes,I think they should just have a "husky" or "large" class. At least the space is available. Heck, I'd buy a seat there! Not that I'm fat, I just like to have room. If I could afford 1st, I would, but I would definitely pay more for more room.
After flying for many years, I have made my children adhere to what I learned a long time ago… "Do Not Raise The Arm Rest For Any Reason!" I paid for that seat as uncomfortable as it is and no one has the "RIGHT" to take it. I do not care how big a person is, that is for them to worry about. I'm short, now let's see who should pay for all the ladders and step stools I buy…. gee, I guess that's my problem. Where the heck is accountability for ourselves these days? Whether it be self made or God given, resolve your own problems and stop expecting hand outs every step of the way.
Deb
you hear that Glenn? It's going to cost you more to fly now!
(I kid because I love)
Yet another reason not to fly. After all, since we are all potential terrorists, thus not able to carry even a pocket knife or bottle of soda on the plain (wouldn't want the nasty "little people" to be able to stay hydrated or defend them selves – that the job for big daddy government) having to show the status of my pedicure, and now this. guess I'll stick to ground travel.
Fat is rarely an illness but it seems to be considered a handicap! Stop whining about it and stop eating away your sorrows! Paying more for airline tickets seems fare since so many of you get all the handicapped parking spaces at Wal-Mart! Plus, I already have to pay more there to offset the cost of your motorized shopping buggies! Here is an idea, Wal-Mart is spacious and climate controlled, how’s about walking some of that weight off! Your not fat because your knees/ankles hurt, your knees/ankles hurt because you are so fat! If it is a medical condition seek medical treatment, if it is not, stop looking for answers in the bottom of your bowl! Obesity runs in my family, as does alcoholism, I am neither because I choose not to be!
Mike I couldn't agree more. I'm a senior citizen with disabilities (I walk with a cane), and I'm not very big, so when I go to Walmart and try to find a wheelchair, guess what….they are mostly in use by obese people that are not old. Therefore, I do not shop at Walmart. My grandson told me one day when he was helping me that he gets furious when he sees that, not only at Walmart but everywhere. Oh let's not stop there, what about stores making handicap spots for pregnant women, since when was that a handicap? I traveled one time on a plane and was set between TWO obese women, I had a panic attack and felt so smothered, one of the women changed seats for me, so I was in the aisle.
now my dad is over weight he got polio at the age of five before there was a vac he has a leg that is a dead limb he has a sticker and parks in a handicap spot and uses the eletric buggie looking at him you would just think he is fat and lazy he worked till his late fifties did not get a government check did all he could do to do his part and not be a burden to the rest of the working class so don't be to fast to judge
Airline seats are not an all you can eat buffet. People who encroach upon others personal space on a crowded plane should be required to purchase additional space. Here is a hypothetical equilvalent; If wanted to upgrade from a 1000 sq. ft. house to a 2000 sq. ft. house, shouldnt I have to pay more? As for those that say obesity is an illness, I would agree only to the point that it is an illness related to their own lack of self control. Obesity does not seem a problem in impoverished nations, and seems to now be epidemic in our society. Not that I dont have concern for those that are obese, I'm just sick of people claiming victim status.
Obesity is caused by our government!
The USDA Food Pyramid has been sabotaged by Big Ag to contain too many carbohydrates. Luise Light who came up with the original Food Pyramid said "[it] was designed to promote a diet based on fruits and vegetables, with only limited amounts of starch." "[Her] team’s recommendation of 2 to 4 servings of whole-grain breads and cereals was nixed in favor of a whopping 6-11 servings, no doubt pleasing the corn and wheat industries. Crackers, baked goods, and low-nutrient processed starches were taken from the top of the pyramid and moved to the base, where they were to make up the bulk of the American diet. Subtle changes were made to Light’s wording to emphasize processed foods over whole foods and change recommendations such as 'eat less' to 'avoid too much.' The Food Pyramid also now downplayed lean meats and low-fat dairy so as not to diminish sales of full-fat products."
That won't fly with me. How many obese persons or parents of obese children are consulting said pyramid before consuming their supersized fries? However, I agree that the pyramid was off, I just don't agree we need the government to tell us how to eat, that's what moms are for.
I agree. If you want a spacious car, you're going to have to pay more for it than you would for an economy car. If you can't fit into an economy car, then you must buy a spacious car or just not drive. How is it different with airlines?
Fair analogy jwjcc. I'd like to expand your analogy though. If my family were cramped in my 1000 sf home and I wanted to build an addition, but my lot was too small, I would not be within my rights to encroach onto my neighbor's lot, even if that lot was currently vacant. I could, however, offer to purchase the neighbor's lot, or move to a bigger (business class) house.
See both sides of this issue, my biggest problem with it is this example children over two pay full fare, have not seen one use that seat much during flights. So I guess if you can charge for two if your weight does not meet their criteria, why is it o.k. to charge normal fare when they are underweight .Just seems the airlines want it both ways. I travel a great deal and have sat next to both children and people considered overweight.
I drive trucks for a living…we charge by weight or by 'space' which ever pays us the most…that's just buisness…we can only put so much weight in a trailer…so if you are shipping a pallet of freight that weighs 3000 pounds you pay more than the guy that has a pallet weighing 500 pounds…If your shipment weighs 500 pounds and takes up half the trailer space…you are charged more than the guy who's 500 pound shipment only takes up one pallet space…so i guess I don't see what the big deal is with what the air lines are doing.
Personally, I’m 5’6 and 120lbs, and still find the airline seats to small for long distance travel. Hopefully they will not start weighing us at check-in as they do with our luggage. This has potential to hurt United Airlines financially. Asking the consumer that they rely on for business and profit to pay more if overweight as opposed to perhaps increasing the airline seats size for comfort of all their patrons.
I would have to say that children are a bit of a different scenario than overweight people. Please try not to take offense, because that's not my intention, but while childrens' body mass may not spill over into the adjacent seats, they can be an equal or even greater inconvenience to the other passengers, and therefore the airline, in terms of noise, and the inability to adhere to the etiquette of airline travel. Look, I'm the father of two small children myself, and I realize that 2+ hours of sitting in a small, confined seat can be quite difficult for kids, because well, they're kids. My wife and I have decided against flying with our children until they are a bit older for exactly that reason. Your children might be very well behaved on a plane, but adults aren't given a "good behavior" discount on flights either.
Crimsonphoenix, no offense taken and appreciate your point of view. My concern regarding this is who and what standard of guidelines would be the determining factor for overweight.
This is because an airline ticket is a measurement of space rather than weight. It's "1 seat." Children and adults take up one seat whether they are 40 lbs. or 160 lbs. Obese people are not being charged because of their weight, but their physical space overflows out of their "1 seat" that they purchased into someone else's "1 seat."
WOW…I just read my comments and I think Im a fatist….is there a support group for people like me? No actually the truth is I was attacked (not Physically) everyday for 10 years by a fat woman who hated me for no other reason than that I was thin………..I just cured myself…so all you fat people you too can work on your mental problems
Can you say "CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT" Just because I am 6'5" 235 I have to pay for 2 seats. How about you make the planes more comfortable for everyone? Instead of cramming everyone in like sardines lose one seat in the middle. This is the new world? Screw anyone that doesn't fit a nice mold of what they think people should be. Next it will be anyone that isn't lighter than they're luggage!
Before anyone want to flame me I didn't make United go into that business. If they can't make it QUIT! I for one will NEVER FLY UNITED again!
This is fair, because if you weight 400 LBS. You are making the aircraft burn more fuel. Where two 200 LBS people are paying the price of two tickets. This helps cover the fuel costs. Plus the larger person takes up more room.
I have been in this situation before as a "skinny" person sitting next to an obese person. It is a touchy subject. If it is because of a medical condition, the airline should waive the fee. If someone is just fat because they eat too much and are lazy, then no. I have to say it was the worst flight of my life. You have to respect those who have a confirmed medical condition. The rest though, there is no excuse.
come on you are being sooo nice and correct..so now the airlines have to do a medical check to determine if you are fat because of a medical condition?? what if the problem is not physical but emotional which it more than likely is..that to under your rules is excused so we are back to fat people needing two seats..stop trying to please the whole world and be so nice it is what it is and if you require two seats no matter what the reason you should pay for two seats or three or four (hey I dont know you could be reallly fat) you pay..give me a break!
this makes me think of something I have dealt with for years. very wide feet run in my family, (dad wears and 8 1/2 EEEEE) and for years I could not find wide shoes that were stylish, they only came in old-lady orthopedic styles. finally…shoe makers got the drift…MORE people have wider feet!!! and they started making fashionable shoes in nice styles….while they're much more available now, designers are WAY behind….I'd LOVE a pair of christian Laboutin's…..but I can't squeeze 1/2 a foot in them.
While I sympathize with you, Carole, it is really awful being smooshed up against the window by someone who is overflowing into the seats either side of them. Here's how I see it….people, in general, are bigger then they used to be, a sign of prosperity…the airlines make seats to fit "the average person" making it impossible for larger than average people to "fit". What about a person who's over 7 feet tall, you'd assume that person would also weigh 300 lbs, even if they're not "obese"….should they pay extra too? Damn straight. There's absolutely NO tactful way to tell someone, "I'm sorry, you're too fat…." the airlines make special arrangements for persons in Wheelchairs, perhaps they ought to have a couple rows of "wider" seats, with more leg room too….to accomodate large people and tall people. .
They have it already, it's called "First Class".
so our airfare costs go up because now the airlines have to add special rows..no I think not I am tired of paying extra to accomodate a few..suck it up and pay I am tired of saying YOUR PROBLEM IS NOT MINE..I PAY MY WAY YOU PAY YOURS do I get a break because I am thin perhaps a smaller seat NO I pay the same as a large person who can squeeze their … into a seat
I think they make the seats and leg room too small on planes. They have done this to accomadate taking more passengers at a time. I am only 5' tall and I don't know how tall people do it! My husband is 6'1" ; he's very fit and he's cramped in those seats! He always trys to get the exit row because it's easier to fly there especially if he has to go across the country! I don't think anyone is comfortable on a plane whether they are large or not! We could look at greed on this one; again! "We can get more passengers if we have smaller seats, no leg room, narrow aisles!" I don't think it is entirely the heavier persons fault! The planes are designed to be crammed full!
If I sit next to a Lib I should get to fly for free for listening to the BS that fills the cabin…
You hit the nail on the head!
I do not fly anymore so I will have to pass on this one but I can see where it may be intrusive on another. I am concern though that some people are obese because of thyroid which is a medical condition, not a choice.
One time I was seated between 2 large people. I sat the whole flight with my elbows touching my belly button because that's how far their arms pushed into me. If the flight had not been full I would have asked to be moved. But you can bet your bippy that someone is going to scream discrimination and you know we can't have that….hehe.
I actually think that this is a good idea, cause if you haven't sat next to an obese person you really shouldn't talk.
It is very awkward and they really should pay for 2 seats, trust me I've sat next to an obese person its very uncomfortable.
It's even worse when you are stuck in the middle seat between two huge people.
I refuse to fly with United anymore because of an experience unrelated to this topic, but I also agree that this is a good idea. If your body takes up more space than the single seat allows, then you should pay for an additional seat. It's just that easy and it's not an outrageous concept. It's not as if you're being forced to fly. You also have the choice to try and find an airline that offers more accomodating seat space. If such an airline doesn't exist, then it's your tough luck. You're not entitled to the perfect airline experience. If you don't care for the service that you receive, then you don't patronize that carrier any more and you spread the word to your friends. Trust me, the airlines are feeling the effects of their sliding quality of service right in their back pockets and have been for some time.
I guess the fact that I am fat/obese is still a good enough reason to discriminate. If I remember not to long ago they termed obesity an 'illness'. So now because of the KIND of disability they have, it is ok to charge extra?
How about the ones who are in wheel chairs etc…why not them to.
Better yet! Since we aren't' normal weight' why not just put a gun to our head and kill us off…we aren't worth anything anyhow!
Last 'disablity' /area that it is legal to discriminate.
As if we don't already feel like dirt.
Carole
Obesity is not an illness. Yes, some who are obese have a true illness. But, because you can't part with that bowl of ice cream and bag of chips, is not an illness. It means you are lazy. Don't tell me you can't lose weight. I watch the biggest loser, if they can, so can many. Sometimes when you splurge, you have to work that much harder. But, deciding to give up and continue a distructive behaivor is just plain lazy.
It isn't about discriminating against obese people for the sake of discrimination, it's because obese people infringe on the comfort/space that non-obese people pay the same money for. When you buy a ticket on an airplane you are buying a single seat and the space that accompanies that seat. If the person next to you is too fat to be contained in the space that they reserved for themselves through the purchase of their seat and spills into the space that you purchased, then that is an infringement. Why should obese people be allowed to infringe on the space that I bought for the same money? Aren't I entitled to the same space as the next person?
You could make the argument that airlines who don't charge obese people more are actually cheating adjacent non-obese people. They are paying full price for less room than is implied when purchasing "one seat" while the obese person paid the same price for more room implied in "one seat." It would only be fair then to charge the person who takes up more than one seat the fare for more than one seat. It's not discrimination, it's simple math that protects the purchase of all customers, obese and non-obese alike.
Umm..sorry you feel like dirt, but it really is not my problem when your being fat spills over on my seat then you make it my problem therefore lose weight ,pay extra or find another means of transporting your very big self and for petes sake stop your whining again your problem is yours and not ours…
Be glad you don't travel in a stretcher.
Flying in a stretcher
Larger, international airlines can nowadays accommodate travellers in stretchers, though you will have to fly with the necessary medical supervision.Sadly, carriage of a stretcher often entails the _purchase of 6-9 seats_ to cover the airline's cost of lost seating.
I actually think that this is a good idea, cause if you haven't sat next to a obese person you really shouldn't talk.
It is very awkward and they really should pay for 2 seats, trust me I've sat next to an obese person.
Its not all about you or me. Walk a mile in their shoes.
I am a big guy, not fat but muscles. Well my shoulders are big and the seats are tight for me, how is that fair to me that I pay more because I like to weight lift, or because some one has an eating disability. I pay more money for the same product from the same producer because I am big.
What if I told you, that you have to pay more money for certain products because of your physical attributes? How would you feel?
Now there needs also to be respect too, i know im big so a try to stay on my side but still i should not pay more.
Its not all about you or me. Walk a mile in their shoes.
I am a big guy, not fat but muscles. Well my shoulders are big and the seats are tight for me, how is that fair to me that I pay more because I like to weight lift, or because some one has an eating disability. I pay more money for the same product from the same producer because I am big.
What if I told you, that you have to pay more money for certain products because of your physical attributes? How would you feel?
True. The government should get out of telling us what to do. If it were not for the government, we would not have the low fat propaganda we are inundated with today. The competing hypothesis, that excess carbohydrates caused heart disease was ignored or ridiculed, just like how scientific opposition to man-made Global Warming is treated today. Read "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes. It all started with the McGovern Dietary Goals for the United States. The only time lowering cholesterol has ever been proven to reduce heart disease is when people are given drugs (Lipitor, Crestor, etc.)
"Like the flourishing American affinity for alternative medicine, an antifat movement evolved independently of science in the 1960s. It was fed by distrust of the establishment–in this case, both the medical establishment and the food industry–and by counterculture attacks on excessive consumption, whether manifested in gas-guzzling cars or the classic American cuisine of bacon and eggs and marbled steaks. And while the data on fat and health remained ambiguous and the scientific community polarized, the deadlock was broken not by any new science, but by politicians. It was Senator George McGovern's bipartisan, non-legislative Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs–and, to be precise, a handful of McGovern's staff members–that almost single-handedly changed nutritional policy in this country and initiated the process of turning the dietary fat hypothesis into dogma."