Southwest will charge large fliers extra fare

Wash Times ^ | 19 jun 02 | Mary Beaudette

[white trash redneck]

Southwest Airlines will start charging larger passengers for two seats on its 2,800 daily flights starting June 26.

The airline, which operates out of 58 U.S. cities and is the largest carrier at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, will begin charging "persons of size" for two seats if they think they may not fit comfortably in one.

[Houmatt]

In addition, we're discussing larger individuals, not blacks or homosexuals. So, are you saying it is not okay to discriminate against blacks or homosexuals but it is with fat people? I am pointing out there is not a difference.

You blasted me for thinking a person requiring 2 seats should pay for 2 seats. Why do you think it's wrong?

See message 159.

[Hunble]

If you actually think that you are purchasing a seat instead of a contract to deliver you to a specified destination. Then the airlines have my full support to screw you in any way that they can.

This old fool knows better.


For way too many years, we have let them get away with this crap. I am old enough to remember the concept of contracts and how a business can deliver a service.

[glory]

EXACTLY..BTDT..not so easy.

[Houmatt]

It's the fat person's right to take up 50% of the seat for which I paid, right?

As it is your right to get up and move.

[.38sw]

As it is your right to get up and move.

On a full flight? Move where? Most of the flights I've been on (prior to 9/11, I've only flown once since, and the flights were very nearly full both ways) have been absolutely full, nowhere to move to.

[NittanyLion]

As it is your right to get up and move.

Why would I? That's my seat. By your logic, if I was at a restaurant and someone at a nearby table began eating my meal, it's incumbent upon ME to move. You've got serious flaws in your reasoning.

[NittanyLion]

I've go a simple solution. Every seat should be outfitted with a 2' x 4' board, which can be jammed in a vertical position extending from the armrest toward the ceiling. If the person next to you is not fat, leave it down. If you don't want them spilling into your seat, put it up.

[glory]

You know what's so disingenious about the "fat bashers". If an attractive man or a good looking, thin young woman sat down beside them and needed a little extra space to do whatever, you bet they'd have no problem giving it to them. If they felt such anger over any little intrusion into thier space and told that young man or lady that no, they could not provide the extra room, then it would be genuine. AS it is though, it's basically a bunch of people who dislike overweight people.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

It is not because if their weight. It is because they occupy TWO seats, and the arilines make money on seat miles.

SW is not the first to do this; other airlines have done this for YEARS.

You take two seat, you pay for two seats.

[glory]

aahh..then you must be past child bearing age(or not there yet) and probably not an emotional eater either. I gained weight back when I had an infertility problem, between the medications(which are notorious for putting on weight) and the depression it piled on. The reasoning you are using only worked during the "good times" for this emotional eater. But best of luck to you. Isn't something small like 15% keep the weight off? You may very well be one of the 15%.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Not all fat people are fat by choice. Some it is glandular, some genetic, some disorders (like lymphedema).

BUT!

You pay for the seats you occupy, period.

[Houmatt]

No, if you do not like having your "space" being taken up by a fat person, YOU get up and move. Not them, YOU!

Being uncomfortable sitting next to a fat person is not their problem. It is YOURS!

Is there any part of that you do not understand?

[RogerWilko]

I'm with you! I have exercised and ate right my WHOLE life and
what does it get you (besides being in great shape, little to NO health
problems, and a good outlook on life)? It allows you to pick
up the tab for all the people who have NO self-control, discipline,
or the responsibility to look after their own health! I give
exception to the 1% of the population that have no control over
their own health... but NOT to the other 30-50%? that refuse to
do any exercise and go for the twinkies, chips, beer, and soda
when they plop down on the couch for a 6 hour TV session.

People that have preventative health problems, but choose to do
nothing about it SHOULD be paying WAY more than me! I have to
pay the price to keep myself in GREAT shape, they should have to
pay the price for keeping themselves in BAD shape!!

[glory]

I believe about 54% of the women in the US are a size 12+. So much for your VAST middle ground.

[pfflier]

I think you got the wrong number.

[Houmatt]

SW is not the first to do this; other airlines have done this for YEARS.

But SouthWest is the first to make such a policy public. That is why they will be the first to be sued.

[SLB]

My husband is 6'6" and fits into a seat just fine...as long as it's in the emergency aisle. Flight attendants are always willing to accomodate him for this. He doesn't take two seats...just needs more leg space.

I am 6'4" and they usually get me in a aisle seat or one by the ememrgency exit.

[Intimidator]

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

[NautiNurse]

Being uncomfortable sitting next to a fat person is not their problem. It is YOURS!

I am uncomfortable when any stranger is pressed up against and on top of
my body. I consider it assault.
Would you enjoy a stranger sitting on top of you?

[RightWhale]

6-3, 240

It's interesting when the Alaska Airlines plane flies from LA to Seattle. The people are so small, there is plenty of room. Then the little people in their little business suits get off at Seattle and people in Carhartts get on whose heads brush the cabin roof and shoulders hang over both sides of the aisle. Off to Alaska! where 6-3, 240 is not considered large.