Pay More If You Weigh More?

With the summer travel season in full swing, I'd like to "weigh in" on a topic that has been hotly debated over the past year or so: should a person be required to buy an extra airline seat if they're obese?

Southwest Airlines has a policy in place requiring passengers whose size prevents lowering of the armrest between the seats to purchase a second ticket. This apparently applies only to full flights, as a flight that is not full qualifies them for a refund.

Canada adds a new twist to this: for a degree of obesity that is considered "disbabling", an extra seat can be requested, but the passenger does not have to pay the charge, the government does. This seems to put obesity into the realm of a disability, which is a whole other topic of discussion!

What do you think about this ongoing controversy? With airline ticket prices on the rise, and flight cutbacks, an increasing number of flights are completely full. With added seats seemingly packed on each plane, all travelers are feeling the space crunch on the airlines.

Is Southwest doing the right thing? What about the Canadian policy?

I'm not sure of the answers, but I do know that we must address the issue of weight loss at a MUCH earlier point of intervention, so this topic is not even an issue. In fact, I have a number of patients who've made a commitment to a long term weight loss plan (no quick fixes here!), when they had to request a seat belt extender on the airplane.

Many others opt for car travel for most trips, short of a cross-country flight.

What do you think?

Comments

Its There Falt I Should Not Have To Set Next To Somone Whos Hanging Over The Seat Thats Nasty

If they are spilling into my seat then yes. They should pay for two seats. It's ridiculous that people are even up in arms about this. If you are fat enough to take up two seats, then pay for two seats.

When is it ever fair to get squished by someone else? I know I cringe at having to sit by someone that is too big. (Or loud a$$ babies for that matter.) Why should I be uncomfortable because someone else is unhealthy. And yes, obesity is NOT healthy or sexy. I workout 4 days a week. I eat right even if I want to splurge on those extra calories. I should NOT be affected by someone else's lack of healthy living.

And really, it is hard enough to get by regular sized people to go to the restrooms, let alone an obese person.

I do not think that the government should have to pay the extra money. Maybe that will be motivation and embarassment enough to make folks lose a couple a pounds. The goverment did not force the food into people's mouth's. Why should it pay for the consequences?

I have to work-out and watch what I eat on a daily basis. They should have to pay for 2 seats. I do not believe the government (me the taxpayer) should have to pay for the extra seat. I do not believe obesity should be considered a disability. The airlines have made the seats and leg room so tight that an obese person makes it worse because they overflow above and below the armrests. I had to fly jammed against an obese person for 2 1/2 hours and it was very uncomfortable.

Being obese is not a disability! Too many people are finding ways to take advantage of their poor choices and we all have to pay for what the minority wants! Airline prices are going up and I should not have to pay all of that money for someone elses body to spill over into my paid for space!!! No one else made them obese but themselves and their poor choices.

I heard that one airline was thinking of weighing passengers and charging by weight over a certain poundage - like luggage. Not sure what I think about that idea, but yes, like most, there's nothing worse than being smushed in your seat next to a large person (other than the aforementioned screaming baby).

Dr. Fernstrom, I'd like to change the subject if you don't mind. Do you know anything about pine nut oil? My husband has been taking it for a few days for his gastric problems. It is working, less gas than ever, but now he is constipated. What can you tell me about your knowledge of pno.

I'm thinking that they should perhaps get the first class seat where there is more room for them and to pay for lst class rather than make other people comfortable sitting next to them.

Correction on my comments to be sitting next to a heavier person who makes it UNcomfortable to be sitting next to them.

As a fat person, it is hard to hear the comments. But I agree basically. The reason I should buy two seats is because I want space to feel I can sit without interfering with others comfort. My issue is being TALL. At 6 ft. tall, even when I am thin, an airplane ride is miserable. My brother is 6ft 6in. and only flies when he has to. And he is thin. We cannot change being tall ... but there is NO accomadation for someone who has long legs ...Somehow having to buy first class tickets because of your height seems WRONG.

As a "former fatty", I know the pain of walking down the aisle as passengers lower their heads quietly hoping that I'm not sitting next to them. I was never THAT large that a second seat or seat belt extension was needed but now that I'm "normal" (for what it's worth), I'm greeted with smiles. Trust me, obese individuals dread flying but when you need to be somewhere fast - that's the only option. I have seen, however, that airport personnel are inconsistent in WHO must purchase the second seat. I'm not sure that the training is consistent in all airports. I'm still trying to figure our WHY I ALWAYS get stuck in front of the "OMEN" child who screams and kicks the entire flight while the parents remain oblivious to the distraction caused by their out of control child. Give me a chunky seat mate anytime over a parent exclaiming, "Now Johnny, if you don't calm down, I'm going to give you a "time out"!!!! Serenity NOW!!!!

Wouldn’t it be ironic if three of these “fatties” were seated together across three seats? With no ability to change seats, they would experience first hand the discomfort imposed upon others.

Will this rule apply to pregnant women as well?

I totally agree why should peoples make up of thier on personal body influence others. Hey why don't we do this if someone is considered ugly charge them extra also. And hey if someone prefume doesn't fancy our noises let's charge them extra. Why shouldn't we do this it's a choice. If your ugly get some work done, if you smell wash. Just like all FAT A** as you call them it's a choice it never a medical condition. And hey how about those folks that think their better than everyone else. Should they pay more? Or is the problem that our Airplane companies are just wanting to get all the money they can out of everyone. Why can't I as a 6ft 4in 223 lbs man charge the airlines for my uncomfortable ride. Because they sure do not accommendate me.

There is really no reason whatsoever to refer to obese people with such horrible tags, like fatties, etc. I'm sure you're not perfect in every way where being so judgmental would be justified. How rude people are today. These are human beings who deserve some respect. Would you call them this to their face? I think not.

That being said, if a person takes up more space than one seat, they should pay for two seats. They would be more comfortable, and the person sitting next to them paid for their seat and should be allowed to be comfortable as well. The allowable weight load on the airplane must be considered as well.

Hopefully one day, airlines will have seats available for people with extra special needs. We all have to work together for the common good of everyone. When we learn how to do that, the world will be a better place to live.

No, cost for one seat is enough. They can't help if they are too big. Nobody would be that large by choice.
There's no need in humiliating people because of their size.

As someone who has battled with her weight from age 4 I have a few things to say. First off, WOW are you people rude. I do not go around calling you skinny bit*&^# or health conscious freaks??? Anyways, I have been type I diabetic since age 4. Being Type I (which means my pancreas shut down on its own, has nothing to do with weight, inactivity, etc) its hard to eat right, exercise and then have to screw it up because you have a low blood sugar. People DO put on weight because of medical problems. Those of you who state you eat healthy and go to the gym obviously do not have a thyroid condition.

Anyways, if over weight people are required to purchase an extra seat they should get that "perks" that go along with it, such as a piece of luggage that the person sitting there would have had, extra carry on, etc. This also goes along with the clothing issue that was brought up not that long ago. Regulations need to begin being made for everyone to follow. Not just when the airlines want to.

WOW THERE ARE REALLY SOME MEAN PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT OVERWEIGHT BY CHOICE. YOU HAVE TO REALIZE WHAT OBESITY IS TO UNDERSTAND. THEY DONT CHOOSE TO BE SICK AND MISERABLE SO WHY MAKE THEM FEEL ASAHMED OF WHO THEY ARE JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE IN SUCH GOOD SHAPE.JESUS NEVER MADE ANYONE FEEL ASHAMED BECAUSE OF WHO THEY WERE.SOME PEOPLE CANT AFFORD TO PAY FOR GYMS, HEALTHY FOODS OR EVEN SURGERY.SO BEFORE YOU CALL SOMEONE FATTY OR NASTY TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF ARE YOU PERFECT?

Reading these comments has been painful. It's not because I'm a fattie who is ashamed but because the grammar here is just so awful! So, the lot of you may be skinny but you clearly lack any manner of education. Especially Joe at the top there. Wooo wee!!! You are a mental midget! i's BEE SKINNIE BUTT i CAIN'T SPELZ!!! Let's start charging people extra for stupidity! We could make a lot more money on that instead of charging obese people for an extra seat.

There are so many issues with flying today - I agree passengers obviously obese should be forced to buy an extra seat.

But I think it's very sad to read the outright hostility and bias against overweight people here. You're right - obese people have a choice to work out and eat right - just like smokers have a choice not to smoke. But why is it ok for smokers because it's an "addiction," but it's just considered lazy if it's an obese person?

And as for the comment on "loud a$$ babies" - you try flying with a baby whose ears hurt because of the change in air pressure. I agree that it's wrong if the parent ignores the child's tantrum, but otherwise you're just being ignorant.

I believe people should be able to do whatever they want, as long as it doesn't affect those around them.

When people smoke, that causes other people to breathe that smoke and smell like smoke. Not fair.

When people are overweight and spill over into a seat that YOU paid for and cause you discomfort, that is not fair, either.

So for folks getting all up in arms about having to purchase an extra seat, can we agree that if someone was damn near sitting on you, heavy or not, for 2-3, you would not be very comfortable? If we can agree on that then that is a start.

We as Americans are getting bigger and bigger. This can be clearly seen as we walk outside, watch tv, look at our own families, folks are just not healthy. I am sorry if there is no happy happy way to say that. Obviously there are exceptions to that rule. I can clearly understand that people can have health issues, but how many people are just unhealthy with their decisions. Take responsibilty for your own body and my opinion woould not piss you off so much.

I know that folks don't want to walk around with all that extra weight. But it is up to them to make that personal choice to make some changes. Buying healthy foods can be expensive. But can you really place a price tag on your health. Are you really ok with knowingly clogging your arteries?

Holy cow. Most of you folks have some major educational & mental issues. Do you really think obese people are ALL lazy, they ALL choose poor foods, and they ALL want to be fat?! NO!
I happen to have gained a large amount of weight due to a medication that saved my life, and while I'm probably the healthiest person around you, you might not realize it.
It's people like YOU that make my life a living hell, and people like YOU that cause so many problems. If your body is so big that it takes up 2 whole airline seats, which btw are TINY, then I guess it's ok to charge for a 2nd seat.
But is it okay to degrade those people and call them hideous fat pigs? NO.
Try looking in a mirror. Who the hell raised you, anyway?

I guess my mom just taught me better than to call names, pass judgement and act like a complete jerk to everyone else in the world.

Guess your moms didn't seem to think that was very important.

These comments are a good example of why this country is in the shape it's in. The majority embarrass, irritate, sicken and nauseate me! Try thinking of others no matter what it may concern and hope that they can overlook your quirks. God help you all!

The way you talk about obese people is herrendous. And for quesha, I did not shove cocaine or crack into addict's mouths, but yet I still have to pay for their rehab, and their kids on welfare. Where do we draw the line what is a disability and what isn't? In the mean time how about some empathy people, what if your mom, or sister was the "fatty" these people speak of. Try a little kindness.

I agree Meg, we tax payers have to pay way too much for other's peoples choices and bad decisions. I agree. I think we need a whole lot of reform on a lot of fronts. I do think we should help helpless kids and real disabled people. I do not feel that I should work hard to pay for able-bodied people. But that is a completely different blog.

Now, the original topic was having to buy 2 seats on a plane. If I am in a situation on a plane where I am uncomfortable, and I paid for one seat, and I am taking up that allotted seat, why should someone infringe on my right to space? They are not paying me rent to have some of that space.

I think that folks make a lot of excuses. And as far as my mom, a lot of my aunt's, and myself, my family has some big girls in it. I am not a skinny minnie by any stretch of the imagination. But since I know that big girls run in my family, I make different choices. I think in black and white. Your actions have consequences and people make their own choices. You can choice health.

And I will be alot kinder if people were not in my personal space. This goes for smoking too. I don't think that I should have to inhale someone's else personal choice to kill themselves. FYI, my mom and boyfriend both smoke. And neither do it around me. It is called personal space. This goes for loved ones as well as perfect strangers.

I am an overweight person and I havent experienced the hate that is going around. Maybe because I choose to ignore it or am oblivious to it. I wasnt always overweight and found the seats on the planes very small when I was thin. Who determines if a person is overweight at the airlines? I would think a Dr. would have to be there to tell a person they have to purchase 2 seats. This is a very sensitive subject.

I am an overweight person and I havent experienced the hate that is going around. Maybe because I choose to ignore it or am oblivious to it. I wasnt always overweight and found the seats on the planes very small when I was thin. Who determines if a person is overweight at the airlines? I would think a Dr. would have to be there to tell a person they have to purchase 2 seats. This is a very sensitive subject.

I am an overweight person and I havent experienced the hate that is going around. Maybe because I choose to ignore it or am oblivious to it. I wasnt always overweight and found the seats on the planes very small when I was thin. Who determines if a person is overweight at the airlines? I would think a Dr. would have to be there to tell a person they have to purchase 2 seats. This is a very sensitive subject.

I am an overweight person and I havent experienced the hate that is going around. Maybe because I choose to ignore it or am oblivious to it. I wasnt always overweight and found the seats on the planes very small when I was thin. Who determines if a person is overweight at the airlines? I would think a Dr. would have to be there to tell a person they have to purchase 2 seats. This is a very sensitive subject.

I am an overweight person and I havent experienced the hate that is going around. Maybe because I choose to ignore it or am oblivious to it. I wasnt always overweight and found the seats on the planes very small when I was thin. Who determines if a person is overweight at the airlines? I would think a Dr. would have to be there to tell a person they have to purchase 2 seats. This is a very sensitive subject.

Having been the victim of not only having to sit next to an obese individual, but as well needing to give up my seat to her (I requested an aisle, got stuck (literally) with the window). She was the nicest person, but my back hurt terribly because of the position I was forced into due to her sharing my seat with me. Airplane seats are notoriously small to being with, so anyone who cannot fit in their seat, with the armrest down, should absolutely pay for two seats. Or fly first class where there is more room. Airplane manufacturers may start making larger aircraft to accommodate the larger American body, but we'll ALL have to pay for it. :(

I agree, Fat people should buy an extra seat. I am so glad I have the money to fly first class everytime. I refuse to deal with smelly people, fat people or loud children.

I think the comments are downright degrading and rude and I am not obese. People that are overweight do not always have a choice, there are health conditions that contriubte in many cases. This is a perfect example of the stereotypical world that we live in. Appreciate diversity, would you want everybody to be just like you....doubtful. If you say, you are way to conceited.

I'm pretty small, so I do just fine when I travel (even when I'm sitting next to someone who needs a little bit of my seat, too), so I can't speak for other folks. I do think that Americans are too obsessed with "fair", tho. We have no inherent right to personal space in an airplane, any more than we do on a crowded bus or subway. Pick your battles, folks. Bigger planes require more fuel, more resources, and more money, which gets passed along to us (the consumer). If you truly require two seats, make the appropriate accommodations (1st class, pay for the extra seat, whatever). If you find yourself seated next to someone who takes up a little more space... Deal with it. It's what comes with mass transit, and it's got nothing to do with 'fair'.

I once sat next to a "very" overweight person in the exit row. He not only was "overflowing" into my seat, there was no way he'd have been able to fit out the over-wing exit door should there have been an emergency. I asked a FA if something could be done, and she said "no" and even showed me her flight manual. This is wrong. Not only was I uncomfortable for the entire flight, if there had been an emergency the exit door would have been useless. I'm not one to discriminate, but I think it's only fair that there be a requirement that indicates "a person must fit in their (and only their) seat.

First, the seats are way too small, even for me a 6' 190 pound disciplined septugenarian. Secondly, reclining seats should be removed from all aircraft, except for first class cabins. If a passenger then could not fit an airline seat, the passenger should not be permitted to fly.

First, the seats are way too small, even for me a 6' 190 pound disciplined septugenarian. Secondly, reclining seats should be removed from all aircraft, except for first class cabins. If a passenger then could not fit an airline seat, the passenger should not be permitted to fly.

First, the seats are way too small, even for me a 6' 190 pound disciplined septugenarian. Secondly, reclining seats should be removed from all aircraft, except for first class cabins. If a passenger then could not fit an airline seat, the passenger should not be permitted to fly.

First, the seats are way too small, even for me a 6' 190 pound disciplined septugenarian. Secondly, reclining seats should be removed from all aircraft, except for first class cabins. If a passenger then could not fit an airline seat, the passenger should not be permitted to fly.

First, the seats are way too small, even for me a 6' 190 pound disciplined septugenarian. Secondly, reclining seats should be removed from all aircraft, except for first class cabins. If a passenger then could not fit an airline seat, the passenger should not be permitted to fly.

First, the seats are way too small, even for me a 6' 190 pound disciplined septugenarian. Secondly, reclining seats should be removed from all aircraft, except for first class cabins. If a passenger then could not fit an airline seat, the passenger should not be permitted to fly.

First, the seats are way too small, even for me a 6' 190 pound disciplined septugenarian. Secondly, reclining seats should be removed from all aircraft, except for first class cabins. If a passenger then could not fit an airline seat, the passenger should not be permitted to fly.

Boy, you people are rude. I am a large size person. It is uncomfortable for me as well. I don't like being this big and I am working on it. It's not easy. If I could afford first class, then I would buy it. As fat people, we are discriminated against enough. We have to take all the flack, yet there are rights for race, religions, colors, political views, disabled people, sexual orientation. We cannot be banned from airplanes because we pay to use them just like everyone else. How would you feel if someone told you mother to move her fat a#$? We have to just suck it up and deal with it, but if you don't like the screaming babies, the fat people, the gay couple, the jew, the black person, or the disabled person who cannot control their bowels, or the senior citizen with alzheimer's, then move your own hind end. Be considerate of people and stop being so hateful. All people have feelings, all people have families and I hope one day you will be faced with some of these challenges in life.

Boy, you people are rude. I am a large size person. It is uncomfortable for me as well. I don't like being this big and I am working on it. It's not easy. If I could afford first class, then I would buy it. As fat people, we are discriminated against enough. We have to take all the flack, yet there are rights for race, religions, colors, political views, disabled people, sexual orientation. We cannot be banned from airplanes because we pay to use them just like everyone else. How would you feel if someone told you mother to move her fat a#$? We have to just suck it up and deal with it, but if you don't like the screaming babies, the fat people, the gay couple, the jew, the black person, or the disabled person who cannot control their bowels, or the senior citizen with alzheimer's, then move your own hind end. Be considerate of people and stop being so hateful. All people have feelings, all people have families and I hope one day you will be faced with some of these challenges in life.

It's not about appreciating diversity. It's about paying for 2 seats because you take up 2 seats. I don't "judge" ... but I think if you take up 2 seats, you should pay for 2 seats.

I don't like the name-calling, either - it would be nice if we could have a conversation about this issue without resorting to name-calling - but I also think people need to toughen up a bit.

If you take up 2 seats - you pay for 2 seats.

It's that simple.

It is just amazing on how we always judge on a persons outter appearence. I was the "average" size before I had my son, gained quite of bit of weight due to being on bed rest for 8 months- has since lost it - but I have been on both sides of the fence. I did not want to be "fat" but ended up that way for 4 years. I flew to Germany on a 9 hour flight and was so looked at like here comes fatty - where is she going to sit. How do I decide to pay another $3 - 5 hundred dollars for another seat or do I sit uncomfortable for 2-3 hours and have a little bit of shopping money? I cannot say if you should or should not have to pay for another ticket. I have sat by overweight travelers and thought to myself, hope I can fall asleep so I will not feel so uncomfortable for too long.

people cannot choose their race. people do not choose their sex. people cannot choose to be born with a disability. those are not choices and therefore cannot be discriminated against. most people are fat, call it what it is, because of choices they have made. i'm sorry for the people who are bed-ridden or who were born with diabetes, (which was probably a result of the parents bad eating habits.) like the person said before, toughen up. quit feeling sorry for yourselves. you use the way people look at you as an excuse for not taking that next step. your health is your own responsibilty. and no one would dread sitting by you, if you weren't sitting on them.

As a current Fat person, am able to put the arm rest down between seats and celebrate every time I do not need the seat belt extender. I am currently working on my weight and cannot wait for the day that I am comfortable on a plane and have room. My issue is the people that recline their seats and I get a head in my lap.

Yes, they certainly should pay! If they're too lazy to eat less and exercise more, they should be penalized by paying more. After all, their fat butts are taking up the space that a normal-sized individual could sit in! This answer is a no-brainer!

Not only does this issue affect airlines passengers, but I have been at a concert,play,lecture-whatever- when an obese person comes in and expects everyone to make room for them. I appreciate their difficultires, but maybe they need to be more considerate of others!!

What airline is weighing people??

I have absolutely no problem with obese people, their life decisions are their decisions. What I have a problem with is that I pay for a seat on an airplane and I only get to sit in half (or 3/4) of it because someone else is spilling into my seat.

And what bothers me more is that you can't say anything about it because that is rude and the flight attendents wont say anything to you if they notice you are uncomfortable.

BUT SOMETHING MUST BE DONE

So if overweight people have to pay for a 2nd seat, fine. But the person in front of me who reclines their seat so much that I can't shift my legs or pull down the tray or literally blocks me in should also pay for a 2nd seat, because they're infringing upon the space I "bought" when I got my ticket.

Folks, it's irrelevant how people became overweight and frankly rude to assume that they're just lazy with poor diets and no exercise. The media has managed to distort body image to the extent that if you're over a size 12, you're fat, and if you're over a size 16, you're obese. But yet, a size 0 woman is healthy because she looks fit. Give me a break.

There will always be people who don't fit what you might think is the norm. There's no way to possibly accomodate every single person. It'd be great if the airlines stopped lying to themselves about what they think is the average body size/weight. When that happens and seats are adjusted accordingly, I'll buy a 2nd seat if my thigh touches yours. Deal?

Agreed-the larger person should not be allowed to infringe on space paid for by a person within the space limitations allowed for one seat. Either Airlines arrange for a larger seating space for the weight challenged, or charge for two or three seats to fit the body size.

Agreed-the larger person should not be allowed to infringe on space paid for by a person within the space limitations allowed for one seat. Either Airlines arrange for a larger seating space for the weight challenged, or charge for two or three seats to fit the body size.

I do not feel sorry for myself nor do a lot of other "fat" people I know. I am not lazy either. I have lost and gained back weight for various reasons. It is always a challenge in no matter what you do. I did not choose to be fat and it is a continuing battle. If you were heavy and carried the extra weight around you'd see how lazy we really are. I don't choose to be fat, but I choose not to fly, not because I will or might have to pay for an extra seat, but because of insensitive people such as yourselves. And as I have said before, you might change your minds on being so harsh when it happens to someone you love. My sister used to be really hard on me about my weight. Exercise, diet...etc she'd say. But when someone criticized her teen daughter about it, was she livid. The teen is not lazy, she's very active in sports, clubs and friends, she eats well at home and with her thin friends...you decide where to draw the line. Hurt people if you want to...one day it may happen to you too.

And if I could afford it, I would buy the whole row just so I wouldn't have to sit next to one of you rude people who complain about me taking up too much space. I know you would be nice to me to my face..."oh honey it's ok" but you'd be cussing me under your breath while I am totally embarrassed. This way if I have 3 seats now you can complain about me hogging all three seats and taking all the overhead I want for myself. I'd have all the room I wanted and you wouldn't...I could lay down if I wanted to and not have to recline my seat back and offend everyone else. Imagine that. If people did that, we'd have planes with half the people on them all taking 3 seats....and nothing for the fat phobics to really complain about.

Yes. Overweight people can do something about their weight. It should not be labeled as a "disability". The extra seat cost would have to be paid somehow, yeah the rest of us. The tickets are already high enough.

I can't believe all that I'm reading!!! It's people like you that walk by the man hurt on the street or collapsed in the ER.Do any of you have a heart? Would you say these things to an actual person or do you think you can say these mean things because you are hidden behind a screen? You should be ashamed to talk about people the way some of you are. Everyone is different... some of us are skinny and some not so skinny. I believe the airlines should have a few larger seats to accomadate those people. No they should not have to pay more. Please think before you type...Would you say the things you write if you would actually be confronted in person? You are talking about someone's mom, sister, brother, daughter, son...

Not everyone is overweight by choice. Cushing's Disease usually causes etxreme weight gain and is uncontrolable until the disease is cured. I know because I have two diagnosed children and a husband who is testing for the disease. Few doctors understand this disease, therefore we fly across the country to see a specialist. While none of them are extremely large at this point, it could quickly change. The cost of extra tickets for three people would of prohibited getting to the doctor we needed.
Not everything in life is a choice. Some things just happen. This disease is bad enough without having others judge.

absolutely they should charge...if my lugage is over a certain weight, i certainly pay......a pound is a pound whether in passenger or cargo.

I feel the airlines should provide coach seats that are extra large for extra large folks. The airlines choose how many fares they want to squeeze into the aircraft so the airline should make a decision to have certain seats on their aircrafts designed to accommo-date larger folks. Instead of 3 seats across in a row, they could have 2 seats across in a row. Two extra large people could sit there. If no extra large folks booked to board that flight then "regular" sized people can have some extra comfort thanks to the airline's desire to accommodate all passengers wishing to fly their airline. Perhaps if the airline adopted such a policy then maybe more extra large passengers would choose their airline. The airlines aren't doing us a favor by letting us fly with them. The airline's business is to make money off us. If they don't want the extra large people's business, that's on them. But we're not getting younger, just older and bigger. Extra large people like to get to the same destinations via air, too. Thanks.

Wow, I am glad that I am not heavy as I see how people think such mean thoughts about them. Of course, they probably have mean things to say about people whose color they don't like, or was not born as perfect as theirselves. I recently sat next to an obese man on a flight that lasted almost 3 hours. It wasn't THAT uncomfortable and I really enjoyed our intelligent conversation. Is it really that hard to be accomodating for a few hours? People let the hate go, life is too short.

Air travel is getting very expensive now, and there is already not enough leg room in economy class. Having the person next to me raise the armrest and spill over into my seat adds to the discomfort and makes for a sweaty and uncomfortable journey. I'm in my 50s and work hard at exercising and eating right, so I don't want to suffer for someone else's poor lifestyle choices. I can't see how obesity can be classed as a disability.

I am diabetic type I obese since I was 8 years, been trying to loose weight instead of going up and down. I do diets and very active around the house and exercise regularly guess what? Am not a skinny and yet I get slap in the face with the typical sterotype coming from so called special med folks and ignorant people who think all obese people do nothing but eat lay lazy but don't look at other condition that has contributed from negligent parents, to low incomes, medical conditions, poor support from family and people around among other factors. So far,in my experience flying I never had the problem of going over and beign able to put down the arm rest.What the airlines should do at least before buying the ticket online tells how wide the seat is so that person who is obese can be ready and have some extra $.in addition, the personnel can be more discreet and more sensible both to the obese and the parent of the lousy kid.Plus, add the perks of the additional seat if it is a full flight.

Also the extra charge should go to that person who is playing with the seat back and forth or simply lays it down to sleep through the flight and later complains how rude one is for kicking when practically am been saying please place the back of the seat higher so i can pass to take a leak! What about the other folk who simply likes to kick the behind or lower part of the seat. Igf a charge is going to place for an obese person also apply charges to the parent of screaming child, the kicker the , a-h who thinks owns the row behind and in front ( saw that in my last flight the guy was practically kicking the lower part of the seat and had his head in my lap literally!). Sorry for any grammar mistakes but English isn't my first language >-

People should not judge or make nasty comments about obese folks. Some do have health problems and some are just lazy. Both facts are true. If you take up more than your own seat then you should pay for another. It's only fair. We both pay for our seats and regardless of the reason, I did not cause you to become obese and therefore should not be made to be uncomfortable for it. If one has to pay for personal space during a flight, then one should be entitled to not have to share it. As for those who are name calling in their comments, close your mouths, get an education, and learn to look at situations of this nature objectively instead of subjectively. When you have the nerve to speak like this in public you make no one look bad but yourselves.

If the person weight doesn't impose any inconveniences upon my seating arrangement;such as can I exit without intrusion in an emergency. But deep down, I feel the airline got it right, if your suspass the baggage weight limit, you pay extra. The same requirements should be placed on overweight people.

do we get a discount for being too skinny??? under 120 lbs you get 10.00 off???..lol...

Re: Message from Joe...."Its There Falt I Should Not Have To Set Next To Somone Whos Hanging Over The Seat Thats Nasty"
Posted by joe on June 30 at 01:12pm

I agree that you shouldn't have to sit next to someone like that. But you are illiterate! Nobody should have to read messages from an ignorant person like you. Please do yourself and everyone else a favor and go back to school so you can learn to write and spell correctly.