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.

[skateman]

Ok, I give up. Who is the moron that convinced you that you were purchasing a seat?

So it's ok, if they ask you to stand, while they deliver you to your destination?

[.38sw]

Maybe in the overhead bins, or how about in the cargo space? Either way, you're delivered to your destination. :-)

[Delbert]

Question to you folks in all seriousness, I am rather health concious and work out regularly. My wife of 2 years was rather "rubenesque" or some would say "voluptuious" when we met. Not fat but "healthy", Big boobs seem to run in that family : ) When she became pregnant she always said, "Dont worry after I have the baby I will get back in shape , I wont balloon out like so many women do." Well...it didnt work out that way, she is bigger now and weighs more now than she did 2 months after our baby was born. I do not criticize her about it, I dont have to anyway, she knows how I feel about excess poundage and being "in shape". Im not talking about the hollywood stereo type, just height weight proportionate. Shes 5'11 and hitting around 230.My mom said not to say anything about it and to lead by example. I work out regularly 3 or 4 times a week and do some martial arts etc..., She went to the gym with me for about 2 weeks and started finding reasons not to go. I want her to lose weight but I dont want to hurt her self esteem or feelings by bringing it up. Some people Live to Eat , I Eat to Live. Its becoming a bit of a problem for me personally but I dont know what to do about it. any suggestions?

[RogerWilko]

You didn't read what I said... I said I give exception to the 1% of the population that has no control over their own destiny. The fact is, a HUGE AMOUNT of health problems are attributed to drinking, overeating, smoking, drugs, and
NO physical activity! These are ALL personal choices! To abuse yourself or not to abuse yourself, that is the question!

And for your information, I have been running 40-50 miles a week, lifting weights 3 times a week, competing in decathlons, track and field, and road races for 30 years, I have been to the doctor TWO times because of injuries!! Once for a
broken wrist and another time for some stitches in my leg. I'll bet a cast and some sutures are A WHOLE LOT less expensive then a quadruple bypass or numerous trips to the doctor for diabetes or some other nagging ailment, along
with the life-long medications and treatments.

I have nothing against fat people, I have fat friends, it's your choice, I just don't want to have to pay for you, you don't have to pay for me, because I don't smoke, take drugs, overeat, and drink very little. I feel the same way about heavy
drinkers, drug users, and smokers!!

[Chemist_Geek]

If you actually think that you are purchasing a seat instead of a contract to deliver you to a specified destination.

That depends on the teensy tiny type that used to be on the back of the ticket. I belive that you're correct insofar as the contract is for safe transportation from hither to thither, without regard to method or comfort or anything else. Of course, the airlines need to comply with governmental regulations which might address the method and comfort and other issues.

Off topic, when did they put in the new posting page? Pretty neat, IMHO. I really appreciate having the text of the post I'm referring to right there on the same page...

[Bella_Bru]

Ummmm..people who are a size 12 can easily fit into airline seats without spilling over into the next. We are talking about people that need extension belts, here.

[Chemist_Geek]

you know what, I had to exercise for about 3-4 hours A DAY, everyday.

Jeez, let's see here. Assume a total one hour commute, ten hours total at work (including the "lunch hour"), then add four hours of exercise, and one gets 15 hours, leaving exactly one hour for hygiene, cooking, cleaning, shopping, relaxation, etc.

Wow. It's no wonder I don't "exercise enough." I've got better things to do with my time!

[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...

[white trash redneck]

I looked on SWA's website but there is no reference to the new rule.

I couldn't find it either. Gives a whole new meaning to "wide body."

[Sloth]

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

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

:)

[Bella_Bru]

Are you aware that a lot of overweight people got that way due to emotional problems? People have been known to turn to drugs, alcohol. How many people do you know have been killed by food addictions? Who is getting hurt by a fat person? Hmm? So do you think they should be penalized, punished

Oh, so because of your emotional problems, I should only get half of my seat because your porky butt cannot fit in yours only, right?

[A CA Guy]

They can use another airline that doesn't do that.

They also have the right to buy their own plane and fly around in it as heavy as they want.

But a private business can probably frame the issue as selling tickets by the amount of space taken up.
For a long time they have charged for extra weight in luggage, so where is the difference?

If a person uses more they pay more. The airlines don't have to act like they are a buffet without limits.

[Salgak]

According to the law, not the "disabled" person. And SOME people are fat through no fault of their own, although I'd say they were in the distinct minority. But the bottom line is this: an obese person has a disability IN THE EYES OF THE LAW, and that's all that matters. Slam-dunk and the first to file will likely be in the money.

So. . .I happen to be flying SW out of Baltimore on the 26th. . .excuse me while I head for the nearest Krispy Kreme (g)

[Salgak]

Not to be snide, but if you're pro-life, then it's two people. . . . thus, justifying 2 tickets. . .

[Salgak]

So fat people are equivalent to cows ?? Hmm. You get that at the James Carville School for Winning Friends and Influencing People ???

[spectre]

This is really very simple. Use the SWA test (Sooo Wide Ass) test.. Do the SWA "seat test" before boarding. If ya don't fit into the seat...ya buy two tickets, lift up the armrest and be comfortable.. Maybe they'll give a discount or a "buy one, get one free"...:~)

sw

[Intimidator]

thats why I have big guns too.

[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.

[ArGee]

SW Airlines introduces
Fatty Fares!
("Fatty Fares" - you heard the term used first, here on FR)

Oh, oh, then the next thing.

For a limited time only, when you buy a regular ticket at the regular price, your friend or your fat a$$ can fly free!

Shalom.

[Hap]

Unfortunately, charging by the pound doesn't fix the "spillover" problem.

I think the real solution is to have some seats 25 or 50% larger than others, then charge passengers who want to use them 25 or 50% more. I'd bet that even people who were not overweight might purchase those seats just to be more comfortable.