Obese have right to two airline seats (for the price of one)

Some people simply should not fly.

-True. Only because it is more difficult to get people to take an honest look at their life and their lifestyle.

Ok sorry but... if you have to have 2 damn seats you need to take a good look at yourself and stop freakin eating!! There is always some excuse why they eat so much too.. they have an eating disorder or some BS like that...Yeah the eating disorder is eating 5 peoples worth of food at every meal...To loose weight you need a calorie deficit... hence you burn more than you take in! Wow what a concept. I go to the gym, run, and pretty much eat what I want. Oh and yes by the way I have hardware in one foot, so it is never easy... But I do it!! It is wrong for us to have to sit next to someone like that when we paid the same price for a ticket and we have to sit there crammed up agains the wall because you are fat... I would drive my elbow into your gut every chance I got when I moved just to make it as uncomfortable as it was to me... Lose some weight and get some dedication about yourself...!!!!

My husband is 6'4 and weighs 220 lbs. he is not obese. We flew to Europe this summer and he barely fit in the seat, nevermind NO leg room. Not all big people are obese.  We put the arm rest up between us and it did not help, we were miserable.

How about a pregnant woman? There is no way she can get the belt on and be able to move at all.

The seats are too small unless you are a size 5. Most people are larger than that.

Your husband would not have had any easier time with a second seat beside him.

pregnant women, talll men, fat people.. what about me.. i am claustrophobic.

really i think the main problem is that over the years the airlines have jammed more and more seats into coach. SO much so that even a little guy liek me feels like they made a mistake and gave him the kids seats.

if we went back to the seatign we had in the 80s.. you know when the guy in front of you could lean his chair back the 1/2 inch they give him and not slam into your knees, we wouldn't be talking about this right now.

There are many forms of transportation that deals with people like a cattle herd.

 Buses have seats meant for children.

I am 5'6", my knees slam into the seat in front of me.

The plane has to make weight adjustments. Maybe they should pay more, but the whole cost of 2 seats, I don't think so. Maybe the cost of 1/2 an extra seat.

If we are talking about someone who weighs over 500 lbs.... well damn, I don't think he or she should fly. But what about those train seats???? If over seas, do you take a boat.

For the record, I have not been on a plane since I was 1 years old. Part of the reason, besides cost and basic fear, is my weight. I am planing a trip to Vegas the end of February and I have inquired about the whole 2 seat deal.

I hope to drop 80 lb by then.

Ok I guess the bottom line is that travel period is uncomfortable for all...so, the answer is travel less or drive yourself...I still dont agree that people should get too seats for nothing... Sorry.. I dont like to sit next to people period, can I get 2 seats because I am quirky??? I doubt it. Everytime I travel I have to sit next to someone that smells or someone that pees every 4 minutes.. it sucks, therefore I minimize travel at all costs or drive myself...Thats just life it is not always comfortable for you!!

That would be ideal -- treat people like the cargo they are.  Maybe then kids could fly cheaper.

We aren't treated much better than the luggage.  It sounds like a great idea for me.  How about adjustable seats for your weight.  Some will cause a 3 seat to turn into a 2 seat and even a 1 seat.

I had to sit next to someone who could fit in the seat for almost a 4 hour flight - it was awful for both of us. 

It seems really fair considering weight is one of the largest factors in fuel consumption.

In addition the standard for leg room must be increased by at least 7 inchs.  Long travel with cramped quarters is a medical issue.  If you can stretch out you have a much better chance of avoiding blood clots. 

I actually do not have too much of an issue with that. Just .... How much per pound???

In addition the standard for leg room must be increased by at least 7 inchs.

Ah, you won't see that...  That'd take out a couple of rows of seats, reduce their profit margin.

Max,

As a marathonner, and not a particularly fast one, I have to disagree with your "lazy" assessment.  I have to admit that there are some chunky people that finish faster than I do at a svelte 150lbs. 

There are some people that I'd call "big" although I don't know that I'd call anyone I've seen finish a marathon obese.  Certainly there are plenty of people that, if they told you they ran marathons you wouldn't believe them.  More importantly, people that I see on the route and think to myself "I can't believe that fat@ss is beating me..."

I agree though with Red Rat Rob's suggestion that the airlines should go by raw combined poundage though.  It does seem only fair.

Oh, leave the lazy ass thing alone. I'm skinny and lazy, like my grammy (a personal trainer may not see us skinny lazy types professionally). It's genetics.

This reminded me of the SNL 'Gap Girls' skit where Chris Farley (dressed in drag) yells, "LAY OFF, I'M STARVING," after one of the other 'girls' tried to take the desert away.

oh so funny,,,,

weight (wait) I am going to laugh soon,,,,

I know it is coming,,,,

**eyes rolling**

oh well, I guess it really was not that funny.

I guess it really was not that funny.

It was for the rest of us.

You know what's funny?  Comma abuse.

We live in a country where companys can charge you more for insurance because one is obese....I doubt SERIOUSLY that it would pass here.

I dont know if you've noticed, but America is slowly turning into an "entitlement" country. Everyone thinks they have a ridiculous right to something. Look at the illegals. We basically give everyone anything they want in the name of political correctness. So unfortunatley i'm pretty sure it "will fly here". 

dont know if you've noticed, but America is slowly turning into an "entitlement" country

Um, isn't this article discussing Canada?

It balances the flight, this is why some passengers are switched to Business or First Class.

It's probably a human rights issue.

I'm disturbed at some of the comments I've read here about overweight people. Do the people who regard overweight people with such disdain and negativity translate that prejudice into treating overweight folks badly in real life?

Judge a person negatively by their skin colour - you're a racist. Judge a person  negatively by their sexual orientation - you're a homophobe. Judge a person negatively by their weight...

You know, after some thought and consideration, I don't think I'd mind if a person who doesn't like people who are overweight at all judged me negatively. I wouldn't want to keep company with a person that stereotyped others like that anyway. The haters can just keep company with themselves.

I'll be happy with my friends, who all colours, shapes, and sizes. Their external appearance doesn't matter to me so much as who is inside. And those who don't understand that are missing out.

I'll be happy with my friends, who all colours, shapes, and sizes.

As will I. But, why should anybody be forced to subsidize the cost of transporting somebody else on the flight? If the second seat is "free", the cost of all the other seats will have to rise to accomodate that one person.

The comments are no surprise to me.

I was once walking to the bus, and a man hauled his butt half out his drivers side window in 4 lane traffic as he was coming to the intersection to scream "boy you're fat" at me. Did not know him. Was feeling pretty damn good up until then. Nice huh???

They don't realize that part of the issue is once the weight is there, you deal with criticism. If you are an emotional eater (guess who I am) you deal with it that way.

You fall into depression, the snow ball builds up, criticism never helps.

Skippin meals hurt more than help...especially if you are diabetic... and I am.

I don't expect special treatment, nor would I sue for disability.

I find it stupid that someone who can not read or write goes on "disability" welfare.

• High Fructose corn syrup ridden everything
• All you can eat buffets
• breaded chicken patties on big buns with tons of condiments (also filled with corn syrup)
• diet adds (all wrong... I would love to see a class action lawsuit against them)

all piss me off to no end.

I hear ya. Stuff like that has happen to me. Most men want women to be skinny not big. We cant help it just like most men cant help it.

We are who we are.

Im not saying that all men are like this. Everyone is different.

Oh there are some chubby lovin men. And it is not like I can't help it, there is this invisable line that is the longest space to cross.

Getting started. Then there is another.

Changing the way you are, the way you live your life.

• Get up
• Go to work
• Come home
• Eat
• Go to bed

You get stuck in the same routines, the same diet too.

I will admit changing a little bit at a time helps. What you buy and bring into your house is your responsibility (and mine). What sucks is when you live with others who refuse to change. So easy to get sucked in with them.

Large women run in my family, not because of some gene, but because of tradition.

dragonwoman,

Well, think like my sister, the more to love.

why should anybody be forced to subsidize the cost of transporting somebody else on the flight?

Jay, read #9. *sighs*

DragonWoman, I sympathise. I have a friend - no, really, this actually happened, and "friend" is not a euphemism for "me" - who is overweight. Not extremely so, either. She told me about one time she was walking down the street, feeling pretty happy about life, and happened to pass by some guys sitting on their front steps, one of them strumming a guitar. He spotted her and started singing "Chubby Woman" to the tune of "Pretty Woman." It ruined her day. If she happens to remember it at any time, it levels her self-esteem.

Some people have no understanding of how their words and behaviours hurt. If this was about skin colour, or religion, or sex, they would (hopefully!) immediately realise how shameful and wrong their comments were. *shakes head*

Myself, I've been thin, and I've been overweight, and I know first hand how radically people's behaviour changes toward you based on your weight.

When I was thin, geez, you would think roses cascaded out of my butt. Salespersons rushed to me as soon as I walked into a store. Women and men struck up conversations with me casually. In professional settings, I was treated extremely well.

Skip a few years ahead to after the birth of my child. I watch salespersons deliberately and blatantly ignore me. I can't ever remember feeling so socially isolated since... well, since high school. It's as if I'm invisible. In professional settings, I've had people talk around me to others as if I wasn't even there.

I wouldn't have believed how badly overweight people are treated until I gained a few pounds myself. I can't imagine how truly badly the very obese are treated.

Don't mind people.

I remember this story that I read about a monkey that was laughing at all the monkeys until all the rest of the monkeys were laughing at him and is that he had the longest tail of all.

Lift your head and think that you are the most beautiful woman of the world.

You know most of the time I don't care what people say. On the out side. It does take its toll

 At 13... a boy slides up to me in gym and starts slapping my thighs sing "Watch them wiggle see them giggle..." (There is always room for Jell-O)

..... getting spit balled in class.

Various ages.... ignored, passed by (professionally and personally)

Most of the time I can say it built a pretty good sense of humor. It has also taken a toll on self- esteem.

I use to say if you don't like how I look "Dial 1-800-EAT-SH!T" and then proceed to pack on more fat.

I now understand what I did was to myself. Nothing I did affects them, they just go on with their lives. I am stuck in......

pause.

I do need a change.... for me.

I love your comments though determine and alkimija. Thank you.

There is no way aircraft seating in coach is designed for the 98th percentile. They are an excellent example of poor ergonomic design.

I look at this another way. I'm all for obese people getting two seats. Ever been sandwiched between a couple 400-pounders? I have. I was simply untenable. Anything that prevents that from happening, I'm okay with. Don't look at me for sympathy towards the airline industry.

I look at this another way. I'm all for obese people getting two seats. Ever been sandwiched between a couple 400-pounders? I have. I was simply untenable. Anything that prevents that from happening, I'm okay with. Don't look at me for sympathy towards the airline industry.

I wonder what you'll think when you're bumped from a flight because 10 fat guys are taking 20 seats.

Ever been sandwiched between a couple 400-pounders?

What you do with your weekends is your own business.

Just kidding.

lol =}

ok that made me smile

Why shouldn't they pay full price?

Because the fares are per person, the airlines made their seats to an arbitrary measure.

I disagree. When I buy a plane ticket, I'm not buying an arbitrary space on an airplane, I'm buying a seat. One. If I needed more, I would fully expect to pay for exactly as much as I needed. 

I, for one, am stunned that a group of fat people found it of the overall greater good to fight this all the way to the supreme court. You'd think you'd have better things to do, like working out.

That's socialism and Canada is a socialized society. You work or pay for others.

I live in Canada, determined, don't talk to me or anyone about Canada. You don't understand the United States let alone a foreign country.

Yes I take the bus to work and there are the hub a round wheel chairs, some of the handicapped in them are over weight to obese.

Soo, tall people should be automatically upgraded to first class, it's only fair after all.

-Well said. I think a better idea would be to offer free private jet service to anyone over average height or weight. G-4's anyone?

I am about average size and I use a whole seat. But, I only think that I should pay for half of it. It's only fair.

Try 6'4 220 lbs. Its like being in a Iron maiden for 8 hours on flights overseas.

Wes:

Now that made me laugh.

If you don't keep a close eye on your own meal, I suppose they would. :-)  Might want to watch out for your carry-on bag while you're at it...

I hear plane food sucks!!!

There is a meal I would gladly pass on,

but give me the nuts man!!!!

Just because they are overweight or obese doesnt mean that they will take your meal.

They may ask for something though. LOL

meals? bag of nuts, is what they toss to passengers nowadays.

Then the airline should enlarge their seat manufacturing guidelines to accommodate larger tushies. Human rights should not be based on furniture.

All men are created equal, except if they don't fit on a cushion?

All men are created equal, it's what they decide to do after that that can lead to difficulties. 

Human rights? Are you joking? This is a private business and they have every right (and obligation) to charge full price for the number of seats required by a person.

Then the airline should enlarge their seat manufacturing guidelines to accommodate larger tushies

Yeah, I mean the airline industry has been coasting these last few years. They sure can afford to take a drop in profits in the name of accommodating a few obese people at the expense of the rest of us and their business.

Dav:

How is it "discrimination?"  Do you believe that the airlines purposefully, so fat people won't fly, made their seats smaller?

For there to be discrimination, there needs to be a discriminatory intent.

true. but some people will argue, i'm one person, i should be allowed to pay for the same ticket as any other person.  even when you take up the physical mass of two people.

Seat prices by weight is not discrimatory.  Airlines already think we are cargo. 

While I hate more government but the current size seats and current leg room verge on criminal.  What about a minimum length on leg room.  I don't know of average size 5'10 - 6' who can fit let alone someone over 6'.   Overall height has increased in the US but the airlines see average as 5'3" and 130.  (or so it seems)

The airlines decided on the size of the furnishings in the cabins that would bring them the best return on their investment. Clearly they tried to base the furnishings on some average human measurement with the idea of squeezing in the most fares per flight. ("Not quite dead yet" isn't a valid measure)

They should pay the cost where a human doesn't fit their arbitrary cost benefit ratio; because the fares are sold per person. And, that is saving them money compared to increasing their seat sizes.

Am I the only one who finds the size of a seat on an airplane entirely reasonable? It's no different than a bus.

I don't agree with that.  Of course it varies slightly based on the airline, or the bus, but in my experience planes have smaller seats.

exactly what bus are you riding on nick?

City, Greyhound, you name it.

If you don't like the service, upgrade to first class or drive.

I personally have never paid for any seat at a restaurant, and my movie theatre makes it impossible to sit across two seats. No biggie.

Yes, there is no way to enforce this decision without a strict definition of "obese" or "functionally disabled obesity", etc.

Perhaps an illustration? Or one of those "If you are wider than this . . . you get one seat free!"

Edit: If you think legislating from the courts is bad in the US, it's infinitely worse in Canada and has been since 1982.

Perhaps we shouldnt get in the habit of letting alcoholics drink on planes either.

i agree, no special treatment...(shld we allocate only half the seat to skinny people or midget).

Perhaps we shouldnt get in the habit of letting alcoholics drink on planes either.

...except that this story is not about whether or not obese people should be allowed to eat on planes.  As far as I know, alcoholics take up one seat and pay just as much per drink as everyone else.

If you relied upon eating on planes you'd be thin in no time - instant weight loss!

Because it's probably not a word that needs to be used in a discussion on a site where the tag line is "Get Smarter Here".

Nick, you're obviously not from the south. Hissy and coniption are both perfectly discriptive words. (And, I promise, you'd much prefer to be around a hissy than a coniption! If you choose to use them just remember, you do not have them but pitch them.)

Have a great weekend!