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]

It's no punishment.

Horsehockey.

When you are making someone pay a double fare simply because of their weight, how are you not penalizing that person?

[Poohbah]

If you make an airline haul that person around at no extra cost, in a business where paid seat occupancy rates are EVERYTHING, how are you not penalizing the business?

[steve-b]

Funny, that is just what Denny's thought.

Denny's should have hired me as an expert witness for the defense, to prove that they give rotten service to white folks, too.

[homeschool mama]

I don't see where the 'punishment' is. If you require two seats you should pay for two seats.

[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.

[CindyDawg]

I was lurking here and left but as I sit here planning what I'm going to eat today I was drawn back. You are right about reducing content, and exercise but I don't think a lot of you realize how hard it is and how your words hurt. I'm losing 2 pounds a week but I'm having to keep my calorie count around 800-900 to do it. I have family members and friends who eat 2-3 xs as much and never gain a pound. Life is unfair. I know that, but I also am determined to lose weight. I've lost 50 and have 46 more to go. (Please don't send me any praises or flames). The only reason I am even sharing this is to tell you that it is a manners problem and not a weight problem. I recently took a 24 hour bus trip. I don't fly (yeah I know, lol). I am in the 170's now but I was still very cautious to make sure I didn't get into anyone's space but I saw people, I know that topped over 300 pounds squeeze into seats and spread out. I would have bought 2 seats. No one would have had to ask me. Funny thing is, they weren't all fat either. Guys, regardless of their size seem to have a need to spread their legs. When I would see a grossly overweight person getting on I would put my bag on the seat and pretend I didn't see them. I know this was rude but there was no way I was going to be that cramped. I would just bump the guys legs with mine and bend over and sruggle to get my bag up each time they got in my space. After awhile they would figure out that if they wanted me to be still they needed to keep their legs on their side. I think the best thing for SW to do is have a door for you to walk thru. If you touch the sides you buy 2 tickets. Also, humble ,you need to be nicer to his wife. My husband tells me, he doesn't realize I'm fat until I bring it up. He supports me losing weight but says he loves me the way I am now, too. AWWWWWWWW.

[Trust but Verify]

I'm living proof that losing weight is easy. You just have to have the desire to do it.

I am approaching the 100 lb. mark. It took me 18 months to lose the first 90 and a year to lose the last 10. I'd like to celebrate with a nice dinner, but that would be counterproductive. I may have to treat myself to an expensive new dress. Size 10.

BTW, My goal is to lose another 10 lbs, just for good measure.

[Hunble]

If you make an airline haul that person around at no extra cost, in a business where paid seat occupancy rates are EVERYTHING, how are you not penalizing the business?

FALSE

The operational costs to an airline are FUEL and salaries. Even if the aircraft if totally empy, they will end up paying about the same amount.

But you are correct:

"Seat occupancy rates are EVERYTHING."

And this airline just lost our business. Not just for a single flight, but all flights in the future.

[Poohbah]

The operational costs to an airline are FUEL and salaries. Even if the aircraft if totally empy, they will end up paying about the same amount.

And paying passengers offset those costs.

"And this airline just lost our business. Not just for a single flight, but all flights in the future."

Eventually, every airline is going to have this policy. Sorry, but the manatee community is going either pay double or diet.

[Houmatt]

They don't single out blacks for poor service

You are correct. Denny's does not do that anymore. That is because they got sued, and they lost.

[CindyDawg]

Lucky you. I struggle and pray every day.

[Sloth]

The Aviation Act puts passenger aircraft in the realm of public accomidation

Shoot, as far as I'm concerned, we OWN the airlines after all that tax money went to keep them afloat. They're a subsidiary of the federal government.

[Hunble]

am approaching the 100 lb. mark. It took me 18 months to lose the first 90 and a year to lose the last 10. I'd like to celebrate with a nice dinner, but that would be counterproductive. I may have to treat myself to an expensive new dress. Size 10.

Good God girl EAT SOMETHING!

Now being over 300 lbs is FAT, but what you are expressing is almost a mental defect.

[Corin Stormhands]

It's not a question of discrimination. It's a simple fact that if you occupy two seats you pay for two seats.

Yes and no.

It is acceptable in this country to discriminate against middle-class WASP males and overweight people. I happen to be both.

I haven't flown in a number of years as my job no longer requires it. But even 10 years ago, when I was considerably lighter, it was difficult to fly.

I really don't have a problem with this policy, although it might prevent me from flying. I DO have a problem with being told after I'm on the flight that I'm going to have to pay for another ticket.

And to the smart-@$$e$ that say it's just a matter of not eating so much, you're just showing your ignorance. For many that's the case. But for many there are health issues involved, including compulsive disorders, depression, etc. Ultimately it is a lifestyle choice and lifestyle learning. But to say it's "easy" is just stupid.

[homeschool mama]

My words weren't meant to cause hurt in anyone. I *know* what it's like to be overweight. I also know the hurt.

You requested no praise for your success in your weight loss, but I have to tell you how enouraging your endeavor is to me. :o)

[Poohbah]

You are correct. Denny's does not do that anymore. That is because they got sued, and they lost.

Denny's never DID single out blacks for poor service--they gave everyone poor service, regardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

[Hunble]

And paying passengers offset those costs.

Yup, and that is why SouthWest Airlines just lost a huge chunk of cash.

The solution to this problem was rather easy. Install larger seats!

But instead, the morons want to dictate to people and make more regulations.

I wish them luck, but they will NEVER see my business again.

[tdadams]

Kinda like the "All Carry On Bags must fit in this space...", it would be "Your Fat Ass Must Fit in this Seat!"

Now there's a workable idea.

[Poohbah]

The solution to this problem was rather easy. Install larger seats!

I am 6'3" and weigh 240 pounds. I have no problem fitting in a Southwest Airlines seat.

Sorry, but the world does NOT owe the lardass community special favors.

[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.