should overweight people be charged extra on planes?

Question

.:Airline To Introduce Fat Tax
"Those with a body mass index (BMI) over 26 will be charged $49 for every BMI point they are over the limit"

i don't have further details on which airline it is because it was just posted on a local radio station website, but what do you think about that?

for a point of reference, a person that is 5'7 and weighs 170lbs, has a BMI of 26.6. that person would be over the level. they would definitely fit in one seat by the way.

Answer 1

If they're filling up extra seats then they need to pay for them. Those seats are small enough without sitting next to an elephant that's leaking over onto your side.

Answer 2

I think a better way to handle this might be to have a few "extra large" seats that overweight people could buy tickets for that would cost extra...something not quite as expensive as 1st class, and without the extra service that 1st class gets, but an extra $75 or $150 bucks or so depending on the length of the flight. To be fair, however, those seats would have to be open to non-obese people, too, and they'd be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, which means that obese people who wanted to be semi-comfortable would really have to plan ahead. Or perhaps they would simply be reserved for obese people, who would automatically be assigned to the seat and charge and extra 25% of their ticket price for the "upgrade." That would probably cause quite an upstir, however.

Otherwise, if you didn't offer alternative seating, what does the extra $49 go for? Does the airline use it to cover the cost of the seat next to them, which they then leave open? Do they give it to the poor guy stuck next to the obese person who has to put up with his excess weight during the entire flight? Or does the airline just stick it in its pocket? It's fine to make people who expect special or alternative arrangements to pay for them, but taking money from someone just because you can doesn't solve anyone's problems.

Answer 3

I don't know that it makes sense to take it to the BMI level. I can't see the process for measurement being accepted legally.

On the other hand, I don't have a a problem with an airline charging extra if a person requires more than a standard seat. Seats are the unit of measure for an airline. If you require one, they should expect you to pay for it. If you need two, for a child or an large adult, they shouldn't be expected to give away their product.

Answer 4

Yes. Anyone who can't fit in a normal seat should be charged for the extra room they take up. I don't want Ronald McDonald's 350lb lover sitting next to me on a 3 hour flight - using all the elbow room with extra large love handles oozing over the seat partition! Breathing heavy like an athlete who just ran a marathon. Sweating like a pig before turning into bacon.
Can't fit in a normal seat? Then buy two or stay home where Pizza Hut knows your address!

Answer 5

I don't understand this - it is not like the arline is giving the passenger extra room? If there was room available - maybe??? Like the other person said - where is this money going?

Airplanes are going to uncomfortable either way... whether the person next to use has a huge carry on, or is shoving their laptop in your area.... or the worst--- HOLDING A CHILD.... which for any of you business travelers trying to get their work done while a baby is screaming next to you.

I was on a plane a few years ago... a redeye from vegas to chicago...and a woman who weighed at least 400 lbs came on the plane. (Mind you she carried it in her lower body, which was even worse for fitting in a seat) She booked the redeye, on advice from United that it would be less crowded. Well the flight was booked... and they squeezed this woman into a seat with two teenage girls. They were literally pushed against each other. We woman offered to stand up.... the whole ride, but the FAA does not permit that. But is was completely inaappropriate for this woman not to have booked 2 seats for herself. He body doesnt physically fit in one seat.

I just think this is a hard thing to regulate.

Answer 6

How about a charge for each seat plus a per pound charge for everyone. For example LA to NY would be $200 per seat plus $1 per pound.

Answer 7

Yes! Their fat usually comes out of their seat and touches a person who is sitting next to...it's so gross. One time, my friend couldn't go to the bathroom on the plane because this fat person was blocking her in. They are also sweaty and breath too hard...and I don't want them too close to me. Sorry...but this is my honest opinion.

Answer 8

YES!

ONLY if they are taking up MORE than the seat allows.

This is a very unpleasant subject, but one that needs to be addressed because of the obese epidemic in this country.

Answer 9

if they ooze over the arm rests then they should be charged. not sure hwo the will get everyone to agree to bmi test tho. since muscle weighs more than fat some bodybuilders might have to pay more just to take their biceps onboard

Answer 10

It shouldn't be based on BMI - it should be a total weight over lets say, 175Lbs. It's not fair to charge more for a 4'11" man that weighs 150Lbs. and not a 5'8" woman who also weighs 150Lbs. They weigh the same. If they want to charge more $$ they should do so by offering larger seats and seat belt extenders. That way the person that wants - or need more space will be charged more.

KEEP IN MIND that your BMI is influenced by your amount of muscle mass!!!! You can be really fit and trim and your BMI be over due to your amount of muscle!

Answer 11

Yes definitely if they impinge on the seat next to them, they should pay for two seats, then other people would be more comfortable.