Comments on: Into thin air

By: Dirk

Dirk — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:29:00 +0000

If you are one of the "ever growing" few that would need to invade someone's space on a plane because of obesity through laziness, more than likely it wouldn't hurt to walk to your destination.

By: Todd

Todd — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:19:03 +0000

If the airlines start charging because you spill over your seat or can't fasten your seatbelt, how long do you think it will be before they start making seats and seatbelts smaller than they already are?

By: Sandi

Sandi — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:49:38 +0000

Having been stuck in the middle seat next to a very overweight man, I applaud this new policy. If they need two seats, they should pay for them. People know if they are too large for the seat. If they are upfront about it when they initially purchase their ticker, there won't be any ushering off the plane or upgrades necessary. The seats are small. I want all the space I pay for. I don't want to be totally uncomfortable for the entire flight due to the weight of the stranger next to me. Kudos to any airline that puts this policy in place.

By: colbert node

colbert node — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:49:26 +0000

Fat people know they are fat when they buy their tickets. They should by two seats then if they're flying coach. Problem solved.

By: Mareike (in Los Angeles)

Mareike (in Los Angeles) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:43:12 +0000

I don't think that airlines should charge more for overweight people. If we think WE'RE uncomfortable sitting next to a "fat" person we should think for a second about how it feels for them.
When we choose to fly we are almost always trading comfort for the convenience of getting to our destination a lot faster. Under the best of circumstances coach seats on airplanes are cramped with little leg room. It would be delightful if they made seats larger and with more space between rows but airlines are businesses that need to turn a profit. Fares would have to increase dramatically to do that and people already scream about high fares.
Some folks are just complainers (likely the same people who send their dinner back at a restaurant) and they should not be allowed to dictate how airlines handle the extremely sensitive issue of overweight passengers.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:42:54 +0000

I think that this is a perfectly acceptable response (for now). In the future, if the airlines have to make larger seats to suit obese passengers, i will be fine with it as long as ONLY those seats are more expensive than the regular ones. Obesity is an epidemic in our country and it needs to be addressed properly-not accommodated. People who neglect their health cost us all more money with soearing healthcare costs and resources. People in the US understand one thing--MONEY. A "fat tax" might not be such a bad motivator. Higher taxes on ciggarettes has achieved great results in encouraging people to quit. Shedding pounds to save on airfare will do more good than harm.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:40:49 +0000

I personally agree with United's new policy.

I've been stuck on flights squeezed between 2 large people, having to lean forward the entire flight because their arms were in my space.

Cant fit in one seat? You buy 2. I think it's perfectly fair.

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:40:16 +0000

It is about time. Two years ago I got squeezed into a middle seat between an overweight couple thinking they would have the middle seat to themsleves and could spread their girth out. When I insisted on putting down the armrest, and it couldn't be done, I had to insist on a different seat. Since no seats were available in coach, Delta bumped me to first class to avoid a scene. The last time it happened, again there were no seats available, so I was offered the next flight and a voucher. I came out ahead both trips, but it shouldn't have happened. I think grossly overweight people need to pony up the extra cash since they take up extra space. I don't know, maybe some extra wide seats, but not comparable to 1st class, should be offered for an additional 30-50%. My final thought, If I paid for a seat, I should get the whole thing.

By: Yoli

Yoli — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:39:58 +0000

Airlines have gotten ruder and nastier than ever. There is no costumer service, there is no pleasant flight anymore. You pay to get insulted.

By: mia

mia — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:37:54 +0000

As a frequent flier I'm elated with this change. I only fly United on occasion, but this problem is chronic on most airlines. After a long week of work at an offsite location, flight delays, flight changes, airport security, etc... It is awful to be stuck between people that literally ooze into your seat area. You can't get away and it is absolutely awful on longer flights. I understand the plight of people of large size, but that does not mean I have to give up part of my personal space (which I paid for) so that you can sit next to (on top of) me. Thank you United!

By: sarah griffith

sarah griffith — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:34:19 +0000

i used to weigh in an 180 pounds. now, i weigh 115. i did it through
grit and self discipline. you are what you shove into your mouth.

and yes, i resent having some slob take up half of my seat in an
airplane. infants wail but they are infants. fat people are fat because
they eat too much. if you take up one and a half seats or two seats,
then pay for it. if you ask for "seconds" in a restaurant, you pay for it.

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:33:17 +0000

I believe that any way you look at this, it is discrimination. Being fat, for most people is not a choice. I find it ironic that now, when like 75% of the american population is considered obese, the airlines start enforcing "fat policies." I mean economy seats are generally not even comfortable for the average sized person. Get a clue, airlines need to start making their seats a bit larger to accomodate the growing population of obese people. I sure do hope I don't gain another pound or two, I may not get to go the Carribean for my yearly vacations anymore!!!

By: John

John — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:31:47 +0000

I think it's easy to forget that passengers pay for a seat on the plane and transportation of your luggage. They do not pay for the right to be transported to another city. If a passenger takes up more than one seat, they should pay for more than one seat. I don't see this as discrimination, but rather preventing large passengers from stealing. I've seen plenty of passengers bring large musical instruments on board and pay for a seat for their excess fragile baggage. Just because large passengers excess baggage happens to be attached to their bodies doesn't negate the fact that they should pay for the space they take up.

By: JonPeter Hartford, CT

JonPeter Hartford, CT — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:43 +0000

It is about time. People who need extra room need to get over the idea they can crowd other passengers who paid for their seats as well. I've been in the situation where I have given up a seat to move a person who was crowded unfairly and asked to be seated elsewhere. Most people are afraid to speak up, I'm not one of them and to their credit the cabin crews have dealt with the situation.

If you can't fit comfortably in one space, in particular on a crowded flight, then you need to pay for the extra space. Clear and simple.

By: Scotty P.

Scotty P. — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:40 +0000

I'll believe it when i see it. I live for the day when i am on a flight and get to watch our beloved flight crew all named Audrey wrestle off a "portly passenger." Really easy to make policy when you aren't the one enforcing it.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:19 +0000

What happens if someone is traveling on business and his or her company is not willing to pick up the extra cost? Come on, now, airlines - we know you need money, but is it really necessary to discriminate against overweight passengers? Companies aren't allowed to discriminate against weight unless absolutely necessary for the job, so why should airlines do it when business travel accounts for a large chunk of profit? The policy that the overweight passenger MUST upgrade and pay for it is ridiculous. Unless airlines start measuring girth at the gate, this will be left to the discretion of the flight attendants, who may have personal opinions on who's too big to fly. I see issues similar to the girl who flew in "inappropriate attire" coming to the surface.....

By: Bryan

Bryan — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:30:09 +0000

I thank airlines for protecting the comfort of the vast majority of its passengers. I am not for discriminating against anyone and obese people have the right to utilize airplanes just like the rest of us. However, others shouldn't be expected to have to give up a lot of comfort for hours at a time in an already often crammed and uncomfortable situation on a flight exacerbated by being next to someone who takes up part of their seat.

This is different than other disabilities. For example, I take the bus to work in Washington DC and when a disabled person on a wheelchair attempts to board, this takes a few extra minutes and no discomfort to other passengers than possibly changing seats or very occasionally standing for 5-10 minutes. Obesity's impact on others quality of life on flights can be dramatic and increase stress and great discomfort. Additionally, we are already subsidizing obese people. A person who weighs two to three times what I do costs that much more in fuel and resultingly higher fares.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:29:38 +0000

I'm sympathetic to large passengers. But I don't see why I should pay $300 or more to fly on an airplane and have to be uncomfortable because of another passenger's girth, especially on a long haul. The airlines should bear the brunt of this, though. Equip airplanes with special seats that can accommodate larger passengers. These passengers also shouldn't have to pay upgrade fees.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:27:32 +0000

I feel that if you take more than one seat, you should pay for each seat occupied. Yes, I would love the seats to be roomier, but they aren't.

By: David Ellis

David Ellis — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:26:52 +0000

I believe it is fair to charge extremely overweight people extra fares as long as it is done humanely and with complete respect for the overweight passenger. Such policies should be clearly noted at the time the ticket is purchased to prevent on-board surprises and unwanted embarrassment. Practices like these ensure everyone's comfort on-board.

A passenger's first choice should be a larger seat, if one is available. In the case of economy, the passenger should be required to purchase a second seat. Since weight is not always a choice, a decent airline would not charge full price for the second seat.