[white trash redneck]

One of the worst flights I can remember was being stuck in the middle seat between two people who each required a seat belt extender to buckle the belt around their middle.

It's about time.

[Lazamataz]

The cutoff should be if you need the seatbelt extender.

[hollywood]

"Yo momma is so fat person-of-size, she was born with a silver shovel in her mouth."

Maybe the airlines should put a lone airplane seat by the gate to check each passenger for 'person-of-size' status. It could be right next to the box that checks the carry-on luggage size.

[white trash redneck]

Hmmm. If they require "persons of size" to buy 2 tickets, do they get twice the frequent flyer miles?

If some seriously obese person wants a wider seat without purchasing two, he or she can always fly first or business class. Plus, the food's better up there!

[tdadams]

"This is what the population looks like, and an airline has an obligation to make its seat fit the population."

Um, no, they don't.

Give me a break. Are these people so caught up in a sense of entitlement that they think even if they take up two seats they shouldn't have to pay for two seats?

I fit in Southwest's seats just fine, but then I don't eat 4000 calories a day and do run about 20 miles a week.

[usconservative]

One of the worst flights I can remember was being stuck in the middle seat between two people who each required a seat belt extender to buckle the belt around their middle.

I once was on a flight with a woman who was so large, she required TWO seatbelt extenders. I'm not kidding. Her "husband" (I think that's what he was) could've probably fit in a half of a seat, he was so skinny.

I looked at the pair and thought "jack sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean" ... I kid you not.

It's about time. If you take up two seats, then you ought to pay for two seats - whether the plane is full or not. Same for movie theatres.

These people think they're being "discriminated" against because they're fat? Well, how about me? I fit in ONE seat and I pay for ONE seat. Why don't I get TWO seats for the price of one like these people do? I'm the one truly being discriminated against.

[mewzilla]

If they have to lift the arm to sit in the seat they should buy another ticket.

[The Raven]

>>One of the worst flights I can remember was being stuck in the middle seat between two people who each required a seat belt extender to buckle the belt around their middle

Had one of those myself --- but it was a USAir "direct flight" with three stops - seemed like it would never end.

[LetsRok]

I suggest that the airlines replace two or more rows of seats and replace them with benches like on a school bus. The fat people can sit there and everyone will be happy.

[Bella_Bru]

"The fact is that Americans are getting larger," she said. "This is what the population looks like, and an airline has an obligation to make its seat fit the population."

No, the industry does not have an obligation to accomodate your Super Size loving lardass. There are few people that actually have thyroid or other problems that makes losing weight impossible. The rest have a problem with understanding basic nutrition.

[texlok]

"This is what the population looks like, and an airline has an obligation to make its seat fit the population."

So in other words, the airlines are supposed to only care a few dozen people per flight, because they are going to have seats the size of sofas?

[Vicki]

It's not only the seating space they require, but the more weight the plane has on it, the more fuel it will use.

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

It's about time they paid their fair share. I think the person having to share 1/2 of his/her seat with the large one's blubber should fly for 1/2 price too.

And while I'm at it... They should have to pay double (at least) for health care. I'm tired of my insurance premiums being high because to the high medical costs related to obesity.

[gwynapnudd]

Passengers are human cargo. Cargo charges are either based on weight or volume. If you are high volume, high weight, you should pay more.

Conversly, small, thin humans should pay less.

[Delbert]

SWA stands for Single Wide Ass, If you got a double wide ass you pay more.

[Intimidator]

Its good to be 5'8" and 160 lbs sometimes. hehehehe

[MississippiMan]

A few years back, I flew from Nashville to Indy sitting in front of the tallest woman on Earth. Can't remember her name or her exact height, but she was a BIG woman and very, very nice. I'm not comparing her to someone who can control their size; she cannot.

Anyway, I had a window seat and she took up all three seats on the row behind me. Even then, the only way she could fit was to sit crossways, with her back against her window. Her shoulders were so wide that they were wedged in between her seatback and the back of my own. The result was my seatback being pushed forward at a dramatic angle that was uncomfortable to say the least. It was a short flight and I didn't mind, because like I said, she has zero control over her size.

MM

[Hap]

Where did you find this information? I looked on SWA's website but there is no reference to the new rule.

[Hot Soup]

"Remember that you have a right to accessible transportation."

Ah, I remember that one. Amendment 42 on the liberals constitution was it not?
Oh wait, that would have to be 32 since they got rid of the first 10...

[Sloth]

All the fat-people-haters check out this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/fo cus/news/702647/posts

:)

[ArGee]

But Southwest doesn't pre-assign seats. I can see it now.

"Yes, sir, I know you paid for two seats, but there aren't two seats left together so you're just going to have to split yourself. Care for some peanuts?"

Shalom.