A weighty issue: Mother and daughter told they're 'too fat to fly' on Southwest airlines flight

Daily Mail UK ^ | May 12, 2011

[rightwingintelligentsia]

After losing 120lbs flying has become less of a big issue for one woman.

But Kenlie Tiggeman, from Galliano, Louisiana, was cruelly reminded of her battle to lose weight this Easter when Southwest airlines said she and her mother were 'too fat to fly.'

Miss Tiggeman, a political strategist, and her mother Joan Charpentier, were on a stop-over in Dallas when they were singled out by an official in front of some 100 other passengers because of their size.

Another larger lady due on the same flight had also been targeted

'I asked him what the weight restrictions were and he said that he didn't know, just that we were too heavy to fly. Too fat to fly,' Miss Tiggeman told WDSU News.

The airline's 'customers of size' policy states passengers have to purchase a second seat if they cannot fit between the armrests, which are 17-inches across. However customers may be able to claim the money back if the flight isn't sold out.

[Hulka]

Hah. Yes, people are cheapskates, for sure. Nonetheless, I just wish the airlines would collectively raise fares by 20% and give it a go, just to see if the number of complaints and lost luggage would go down. I am sure it would.

Years ago, when I was getting my masters in aeronautical science (not a real science, airport/airline management), in one class this issue was discussed and at that time, late 80’s (yes, I am old), a fare increase of about 15% was projected to reduce the load factor by 20%.

With you on the skank. Part of the story.

While you don't fly for business, sadly, that is all I do. I refuse to fly for “pleasure,” as it is no pleasure even in first class.

I have an upcoming trip to the UK (business) and will be in First. I am fortunate and look forward to it, to get out of the office and relax, sortof, on the jet.

I dread the day when cell-phone use will be permitted in-flight.

Company policy requires we use American-flagged airline when on a nonstop international flight and I don't like that. When I fly to UAE, I fly Emerites, as they treat you like a king , if not Emir.

American-flagged carriers can learn a lot from foreign-flagged carriers.

[Borax Queen]

I agree about the 20%. I remember when flying was classy (I was very young in the 70s but I remember), clean, and quiet. Now some flights are so full of trashy people, I can barely stand it.

[HIDEK6]

My objection to those “Pity Me, I’m handicapped - well fat maybe” license plates is that the people who have them think that it gives them the right of way on left turns and 4-way stop signs.

[Sloth]

Supposedly Delta is now putting them in some of their 767 / 777 fleet.