Posted on 01/13/2012 9:53:23 AM PST by KeyLargo
Airlines paying more for fuel because waistlines are expanding
by: Anne Wright From: Herald Sun January 12, 2012 12:00AM
PEOPLE weighing more than average should pay more for their airfares than slimmer passengers, a former Qantas executive says.
Tony Webber said airlines were paying more for fuel because the average weight of the population had increased.
The extra fuel needed cost about $472 a plane, he said, and additional weight of passengers affected airlines' profits.
"It's just a fact, and the thing is airlines consider these things when deciding how much fuel to put on the plane," said Mr Webber, former Qantas chief economist.
"I think it's discriminatory that people who watch their weight actually have to pay a higher airfare because of people who are overweight."
Mr Webber, who runs a consultancy company, suggested a system where people would pay a charge for every kilo they weighed over a set certain weight.
At the same time, lighter people would pay less if they were under the limit.
While no airline has flagged such a policy, Mr Webber said some must be considering it.
"I definitely think some low-cost carriers will contemplate breaking up their charges or get people to stand on the scales with their baggage," he said.
But such measures would also open check-in staff to abuse from heavier people.
It would also thwart airlines' attempts to streamline the check-in process and reduce long queues at terminals.
I’m sure Air Force 1 has used PLENTY of extra fuel carting Moochelle.....
There’s a general rule-of-thumb that on longer (intercontinental) flights, each extra pound of weight burns an extra pound of fuel.
Charge by the pound, simple enough.
It’s not just that people are fatter than they used to be, they are also taller then they used to be.
Even an inch difference in height can mean a weight difference of between 7 and 15 pounds without accounting for any body fat.
As winmod70 says, put a scale at the gate and “charge by the pound”.
I'm not fat i'm just gravitationally challenged? 
There Is Now...
UNDENIABLE SCIENTIFIC PROOF!
“This *Secret Combination* of Specific Height Gain Methods GUARANTEE You Will Be At Least 2-4 Inches Taller In 8 Weeks!”
I am sure that international demand for jet fuel has nothing to do with it.
I am sure sitting for 40 minutes at a crack with engines idling has nothing to do with it.
I am sure having fuel mixes that need to comply with EPA’s ever-increasing idiotic regulations has nothing to do with it.
I am sure redesigning the interior of the planes to cram one or two extra rows of seats to carry additional passengers, has nothing to do with it.
I’m sure armoring the cockpit and other sections of the plane has nothing to do with burning more fuel.
I’m sure redesigns/retrofits of fuel tanks on various planes to hold more fuel has nothing to do with it.
Half of the planes aren’t loaded with meals anymore - that weight isn’t on the plane anymore.
How about charging extra for those who are CLINICALLY morbidly obese.
Thus if you height and age states you should be 180 but you real weight is 400, THEN you have to pay extra.
BTW it does not help that the seats are now narrower and closer together.
Airlines already have luggage scales at their check in counters. Simply step up and be weighed!
Meanwhile, the airlines are continuously adding more and more seats, built to smaller specs, to increase their ticket sales.
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Note to self: Bring alcohol wipes for the armrests.
I’ve seen where they want to have airplanes where you ride standing up. Think of how many fashion models you could crowd onto one plane. Oh, I’d pay extra to ride in the middle of that flight.
“The flight attendant will be coming around with your bag of peanut.”
“I’m sorry sir, this flight has no bathrooms. These women don’t drink anything so they won’t bloat up.”
“Don’t have to worry about hip room on this flight. It’s like riding with a bunch of mop handles.”
“Twins, eh? Would you like to go skiing? I could strap one of you to each foot.”
“In case of an emergency landing, grab a model and hold her in front of you to cushion the impact. There’s enough silicone in those chests to cushion a greyhound bus.”
So using their logic someone who weighs less than average, should be charged less, and a midget should be able to fly at half price.
Not necessarily... 
However on a positive note. Some airlines are giving fare discounts for little people that assist with aircraft ground handling. :)
They should give discounts for people who travel “light”
On the other hand, some people need to watch what they eat.
Indiana Man Threatens To Eat Cops, Families And Dogs After Arrest
January 13, 2012 10:26 AM
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (CBS) — Authorities say an Indiana man got so angry when he was arrested for stealing a car that he threatened to eat the police officers who arrested him, as well as their entire families and their dogs.
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