I have traveled on some very long flights and been trapped on either side by obese people whose shoulders and arms rested over mine. If they take up more space than a seat allows, should they not have to pay for a second seat?
The argument these people make is that they are "disabled" and should not be discriminated against. I believe that passenger fares should be based on dimensions and weight, just as checked baggage is.
I expect to read TONS of answers. To prove my hypothesis, I would appreciate it if you would identify the U.S. city/state or country you live in.
Thanks.
Unfortunately, no one mentioned the issue of safety - what if a passenger can't crawl over or get past an obese person on his/her way to the exit? What if a passenger is too large to fit through the emergency exit door? It was SIZE, not really weight, that concerned me. Planes re-fuel before take-off and, being unable to determine the total weight of its passengers and cargo, generally put more fuel than is needed as a safeguard. Depending on the actual weight of the airplane, as well as how long it may have had to be in a holding pattern, fuel is almost ALWAYS dumped well before landing. Thanks for your answers. I'll put the question up for a vote. Sadly, "more" doesn't always mean better.
Timo K
Im from australia and i completely agree if they want to take up more than one seat pay for 2. and stop useing "im disabled" as an excuse. if you are that fat it not hard to lose a bit of weight, and its not like you have to get skinny just lose enough so you dont take up more than 1 seat.
Sunny Side Up
I'm fat. I fly all the time, but I make sure to bring someone with me so I don't inconvieniece other fliers.
I'm from California and there are obese people there too. Its a problem all over the U.S. so dont target the South like that.
Should a tall person have to pay for two seats since they're taking up there's and the one in front of them, nope cuz being tall isn't a sickness and people can't help it.
Some people can't help being obese. Please consider that we are all human beings and if you can stand to putting up with a larger person for what maybe 5 hours of your life you have problems.
~k~
I do know what you're saying. I think if your body takes up more space than the amount of space in one seat you should have to pay for two. It is not fair for other passengers who paid for a whole seat and only got a fraction of what they paid for. I do not believe these people should be considered disabled because they have brought this upon themselves. I understand that some of it has to do with genetics and family history, but it ultimately is your decision how healthy you are.
Kingscross
I'm overweight but I do fit between the seat arms. As long as passengers fit between the seat arms and do not touch the other passenger next to them with their body then it should be ok. but many obese/overweight flyers want to actually buy two seats just to be comfortable.
Deliciously N
I live in Boston.
I weigh 220 (and am pregnant) and recently flew to California (LAX). I had to sit next to someone who was probably 50 lbs larger than me. It was a little uncomfortable but I find that even when you sit next to someone skinny economy is ALWAYS uncomfortable.
One could, I suppose make the argument that the airlines should make wider seats. The average American is much bigger today than when the airplane seat was designed, and I doubt that it's changed much in, say, the last 50 years, when the weight of the average american woman has gone up over 20 lbs.
I think that if someone can't sit in the seat with the armrest down then that's an issue. I don't know that charging them for the second seat is fair--and to be fair I don't know what I do think is a great solution. It's not like the airline can know in advance and not book a full flight. And I don't think you can trust anyone to be honest when it comes to a flight that already is costing them $ 500 plus.
On the other hand, if I got double the free checked baggage (I have status with United) and double my frequent flier miles I'd almost consider doing it for business trips for the duration of my pregnancy.
Orignal From: Obese airline/train passengers charged for a 2nd seat? Serious answer, please.?
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