The Debate Rages On: Should Obese Passengers Pay More?

 

The photo in question is believed to have been taken from American Airlines. We spoke with American Airlines media spokesperson Tim Smith to get his take on the situation. Here's what he had to say:

"We are currently in the process of looking into this situation. We do have a policy that tries to be flexible for passengers of size. Certainly no passenger would ever be allowed to fly on American Airlines in any way that obstructs the aisles of the aircraft, and all passengers must be properly seat-belted—part of the FAA rules. It is very obvious in the photo that the aircraft is not inflight at the time the photo was taken—other passengers are still boarding and several overhead bins are still open. We can assure you that all passengers on this flight were safely and comfortably accommodated, and that no FAA rules were broken."

Tim says that they don't "routinely charge for an extra seat unless there are simply no other options. Our people are trained to work with customers to try and accommodate ALL passengers onboard. Often, pending how full the flight is, we can get everyone taken care of." Tim adds that "each situation is handled individually on a case-by-case basis with utmost professionalism and discretion." He also cites FAA rules on the matter, which state that "all passengers must use FAA required restraint devices" and that "no aisle may be blocked by any passenger or bags in case of emergency." 

article excerpt taken from AOL:read more... related post:

Not so "Silent Bob" director Kevin Smith

come on now give your honest opinion and please refrain from insulting folks.. thanks...

YES they should pay more for extra seat or pay for a business class. You may think it is unfair for them. But it is also unfair to other passengers. I was assigned next to a really fat guy, 1/3 space of mine was taken by his arm and his fat legs blocked the aisle so nobody can use the lavatory. A total nightmare the whole flight and he could not even put a seat belt on ! Now you know what causes turbulence.

Obesity costs the US public around $100bil/year (figures vary depending on the source) I don't want to discriminate I just want them to pay their fair share of the costs that they create. I agree that some people have legit medical issues hat are contributing factors but that does not mean I should have to subsidize it. I hit the gym 4-5 times a week to stay healthy. It's not too much to ask an obese person to take a 20 min walk a few times a week. Now to counter the cost issue...Some argue that bcuz fat people die earlier that the costs are recouped in the long run but that's a debate that could drag on..

Hey I've lost weight since that photo was taken! I only need one and a half seats nowadays!

I think people should have to show some sort of medical proof that they are seriously obese for reasons beyond their own control or fault and this would put they into 'disabled' category.

But if a person is this obese for just chronic over-eating and bad living from their own choices etc, then they should pay the extra to be accommodated or not allowed to fly.

Bectha he's from Mississippi

PeeMarc...if you make fat people pay more, then that could be construed as fatism.

Better to just put them in the hold. ;-)

I thought some airlines had a COS (customer of size) charge. I swear I saw that on Airport.

But, yea they should pay more, because if I bring extra baggage with me I get charged, so why shouldnt they get charged just because they are wearing their baggage!!!? ;-)

faa rules my ass i flew from Chicago to tokyo and the pig in the middle sat on top of the seat arms jamming me half in the isle,and the girl on the window side against the wall.she culd not wear a seat belt,and her gut was pushing up against the seat in front.all she got were stares from the crew

Maybe they should give an instant discount to their seatmate!??

Ex. ...Moo Noy's Chicago to Tokyo...what a nightmare flight that would have been...sorry to hear sis!)