Fat Fliers: Charge Them or Accomodate Them?
Thursday, April 23, 2009 10:50
Heavy travelers flying United Airlines might find themselves paying for an extra seat. United is the third and latest airline to charge obese passengers for two seats instead of one. The guidelines are clear: Passengers need to be able to put the armrest between the seats down, and they need to be able to buckle their seat belt without an extender.
The decision, clearly, isn't without controversy. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance thinks United is way off course. "Tall, short, thin or fat, broad shoulders, wide hips or longer legs ... people come in all sizes and it is rare for any coach seat to provide a comfortable and pleasant travel experience," says a spokesman.
Other weight diversity advocates argue that since one-third of Americans are obese, airlines should upsize 30 percent of their seats, so that obese travelers can travel comfortably.