How do you feel about airlines forcing obese people to buy two tickets due to the cost of fuel?

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southrntrnzplnt

I worked for an airline and this is a touchy issue at the ticket counter and gates. Southwest is the only airline to strictly enforce this rule. With the rising cost of fuel airlines are trying to think of ways to help out. And its about time people were having to be held accountable for space used. Many people of extreme size know the rules and are willing to buy the extra seat ahead of time just to ensure they have a comfortable flight. Ive even refunded the 2nd ticket on an empty flight in some instances.

But I think people SHOULD be required to buy an extra seat if they take up the space. Its rude to overflow into someone elses space especially on a long flight. Would you like someone all over you?? Heck no!! The seats are small enough as it is.

Jon T.

I fly a lot. And no disrespect intended to the folks of greater girth, but it is rather uncomfortable to be stuck next to someone who is oozing over the armrest, especially when it is hot and sticky and the plane is stuck out on the tarmac for an hour or so when the air conditioning is barely functionign.

It is not up to the airlines to redesign seats - they are about getting the most people from point A to point B. They do this by filling the planes. If there are few seats, the laws of supply and demand kick in and the airlines start charging everyone more.

The fuel costs are also a factor. Years ago (when oil was under $30 a barrel), British Airways calculated that if every person who boarded a flight brough one orange on board, that'd burn $40,000 more in fuel a year.

lak3rat

It isn't based on the price of fuel well not always the air line base it on size, they have what they call standard size seating. The more bodies they can get on the plane the more money they make. And if the person is larger than the seat, they have to accommodate and cant place another person there. So they charge for the extra seat. I have an Aunt ( who is rather large) who used to fly frequently and they have always charged her for two seats ( even back when fuel was just under 1.50 a gallon)

shiningthowra

People come in all shapes and sizes and aircrafts should be designed to reflect this. Instead the seats are just too small on some planes. The airlines should make them a little more generous and special accomodations should be made by anyone that needs special seating or whatever. If seats were larger, there would be fewer of them, and therefore each seat would be more expensive.

If the airlines have the means, the obese person should buy a higher class ticket where the seats are larger. But some airplanes have all seats the same size, so not "normal" case should pay an extra seat. "Excess baggage" charges should relate not just to luggage but to excess bodyweight as well, that's my opinion.

Nobody is force to use the airline if they don't offer the option of travelling confortable for overwhight people.

Some see it as a discrimination for overwheight persons, but obesity should not be normalised, it is a serious problem that not only kills, but on public transport, aeroplanes especially, compromises the safety of every other passenger.

aprilx4u

It seems to make sense. ONe ticket, one seat

extra weight on your check-in baggage is chargeable, so does the space that passenger would occupy. i recommend buying a business class seat rather than two economy tickets.

hisandhers

What ever the reason......if your a$$ can't fit into 1 seat......guess what?

perr_dogg

Fuel? I think it should be for extra space.

penelope

I don't think it is due to the cost of the fuel.

dr schmitty

does home depot give away free ladders to short people?

Donovan G

I dont think they do that because of the cost of fuel, as I work for an airline. They have this policy for the concerns of other customers. They would like all customers to be comfortable. I know for a fact the Southwest Airlines calls the a POS (Passenger of Size) and they have the person sit in a seat. If they can sit comfortably with the armrest down, they are fine. Otherwise, they must pay for another ticket. I dont work for SWA, so i dont know the exact details.

Belle

It has nothing to do with the cost of fuel. It has to do with the seats not being wide enough for them to fit properly. Most obese people are encouraged to buy first or business class seats instead of coach to accomodate their girth. Most have to have a seatbelt extender too.

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