2006-06-13 22:57:30 · 18 answers · asked by Benny* 1 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
Having worked in aviation for many years, I can tell you that this is a very real debate within the industry!
My personal opinion is 'yes' they should. We all end up having to subsidise the fuel costs - why should a slim person be penalised because the passenger next to them is carrying more weight?
Perhaps the fairest way would be to weigh the passenger together with their luggage ...
2006-06-13 23:21:00 · answer #1 · answered by Away With The Fairies 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I think the word choice is not correct. You would only be charged "Extra baggage" or excess baggage if your luggage was over weight, has nothing to do with your weight. If a person is obviously the size of 2 seats some airlines will enforce the Extra Seat policy. Southwest is one that sticks to it no matter what. Some other airlines find it hard to enforce, but can and do if it is beyond obvious. There are alot of people who know and obviously book the second seat for their comfort and to avoid the confrontation. It can be a very embarassing situation for both parties involved, the passenger and the agent who has to enforce it.
If the airplane is packed, and you have no additional seats, its becomes a problem if a person is obviously over the size of one of the seats, which yes, are small by all standards. The person sitting next to them loses their personal space and if they are in a middle seat, makes for a very uncomfortable flight. I have had instances where passengers come off of the plane and refuse to fly in these cases. Unfortunately airline travel has not been made easy for the obese yet. So, as of now, if you are obviously overly obese and need the room, unfortunately, I have to say yes....the charges should apply.
2006-06-14 01:41:06 · answer #2 · answered by southrntrnzplnt 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Airlines make us pay excess baggage on the basis that the plane is heavier and uses more fuel. So a person should be checked in on a big set of scales and weighed with their baggage. This would be a fairer for everyone. Basically it is a con by the airlines to get more money out of us when on holiday.
2006-06-13 23:06:59 · answer #3 · answered by Mo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's funny you should mention that.
On my way here to New York, I was charged $25 by the airline for having a bag that was 20# overweight.
Then I got onto the plane and sat next to a man who was 120# overweight. Not a comfy flight.
I don't propose to have the answer to that one, but I understand where you're coming from.
There are times in my life where I find that I have to take solace in the fact that I don't have to be the person I am dealing with.
This applies for me whether I'm dealing with someone who isn't being very smart, someone who's downright unpleasant , or someone who, for whatever reason, has detracted from the quality of my life.
So, no...leave the poor folks who are wedged into their coach seats alone. They've already suffered enough indignity by being stuffed into that seat.
2006-06-13 23:15:11 · answer #4 · answered by Cincinnati Food and Wine Guy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only reason you should have to pay extra baggage cost is if your bag is over the weight restrictions inpose by the carrier. so if clothes are so heavy they exceed the standard 50lbs p bag. then yes you have to by the extra cost. dont like it get over it. Airlines can do what the want withint reason. and trust me they do, i ahve been working with them the last year in a half.
2006-06-14 05:07:46 · answer #5 · answered by AriessGoddess 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have heard of airlines asking people to pay for two seats because they couldn't fit into one. If you have ever sat next to an obese person on a flight only able to use half your seat because the other person is taking it up, you will understand why. Blind people have to pay extra for their guide dogs to get on a flight too!
2006-06-13 23:12:59 · answer #6 · answered by claude 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
are you joking? lol...you are so funny (sarcasm)! I am assuming you are a skinny, smug, white boy? Am I right? And yes I am an overwiegth person, but I have not had any troubles with "extra baggage" when flying on a plane!
2006-06-13 23:05:13 · answer #7 · answered by magicalmezz 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
how big are we talking, i mean someone who cant walk and has to be transported for medical reasons or just a chubby person?
and no i don't think so, if the airport wants to charge extra, then there should be real accommodations, and not just the arm lifted so they can sit and be teased, but real big seats for that extra charge. and if that were the case, a smaller person should also be offered those seats at that same extra charge
2006-06-13 23:09:08 · answer #8 · answered by Dawn C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One piece live human body irrespective of its weight is not charged under the head "extra baggage" by any airline.
2006-06-13 23:07:00 · answer #9 · answered by helpaneed 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Although I'm very thin I would definetly say NO... Tickets are sold per person not per kilogram. Not considering the fact that your question is kinda mean I also think that all it matters is the brain. One brain, one ticket.
2006-06-13 23:04:56 · answer #10 · answered by caesareor 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋