December 8, 2009
Check this out….
The picture, posted on an aviation blog, was reportedly taken by a flight attendant to illustrate to airline managers the difficulty of dealing with passengers who cannot fit into seats.
It is unclear if the man was aware his picture was being taken or whether the flight, on US carrier American Airlines, took off with the passenger spilling out of his seat.
Airlines already offer extended seatbelts to larger passengers to comply with safety rules but a number of carriers now insist obese customers buy an extra seat.
US domestic no-frills airline Southwest has a “customer of size” policy that insists passengers who cannot lower both armrests buy a second ticket which is reimbursed if the flight is not full.
American Airlines does not have such a requirement but urges passengers to “recognize ahead of time that they may need to purchase two seats”.
The image, apparently taken on a Boeing 757, was sent to writer Kieran Daly and posted on his blog at aviation news website, Flightglobal.
It is not clear if the image has been altered but Mr Daly wrote: “This is sent to me with the absolute assurance that it’s a genuine picture taken by a flight attendant at American Airlines. The F/A took it to show her manager what was happening on the aircraft (757???) and why she was unhappy about it. Seems the guy paid for only one seat and the gate staff let him board.”
Comments below the blog entry illustrate the debate over how to deal sensitively with obese passengers while ensuring others have enough room.
In a statement, American Airlines said: “At this time American Airlines is unable to confirm whether or not the image referred to was taken by a member of flight crew but will investigate the situation internally to determine if any of the airline’s strict policies were not correctly applied.
“American Airlines’ primary concern is for the safety and comfort of its passengers and crews and consequently passengers are advised to book two seats if they are concerned that they will require them. If a flight is not full, however, passengers’ needs would be accommodated without charge wherever possible.” (Source)
I personally don’t think the man knew his picture was being taken. The flight attendant was very rude to take a picture of him like he was a project.
What are your thoughts about plus size people being forced to buy an extra seat? Is it fair or should airlines be more accommodating?
Thanks to Lawana for the tip 
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I don’t think anyone should be made to pay for an extra seat. Flying can be costly as is and suggesting that people pay for extra seats will not only discourage people from flying but comes across as a form of discrimination. Even people who are not considered overweight are uncomfortable in those small seats on the airplanes. The size in seats and leg room makes it obvious that they are more concerned with fitting as many people on a plan (which can be hazardous) than the comfort of their customers. So instead of attempting to charge heavier individuals for an extra seat, why not give them the extra seat. For anyone over a certain weight, make their assigned seat next to an empty seat. If they must charge, don’t charge full price it’s just not fair.
Comment by Stephanie Danforth — December 8, 2009 @ 10:28 am
I feel the same way as the comment before, if it was me I wouldn’t want to pay for an extra seat. If they see it’s something that happens why not make the necessary accomadations for obese customers. Even if they have to make certain seats bigger that’s better than nothing. I know what it feels like to not have things accessible to me being in a wheelchair. In movie theaters they have sections for wheelchairs, they may be up front where nobody wants to sit but the thought is what counts.
Comment by MJW — December 8, 2009 @ 10:48 am
While it is unfortunate I think that they should have seats big enough for obese individuals or he needs to pay for another seat. It does not look safe. Also the passengers sitting next to him have to be uncomfortable as well. When you buy clothes in a larger size they cost more, but it’s also extra material. I am not a small woman but I am not his size either. I know I would be quite uncomfortable in his situation or that of his seat mate.
Comment by klb — December 8, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
The fact that the FA took the picture just shows the kind of discrimination that exists on board planes. I notice there are two empty seats behind him. It’s more than obvious even if this man was not overweight that he is a big man and would take up more than the allotted space.
Comment by Moe — December 9, 2009 @ 8:40 am
I do not think he should be charged for an extra seat I do think airlines should make the seats larger to accommodate the average person today not the average person from 1940!
The FA should be fired for taking the photo as it is nowhere in her job description for her to take photos during a flight.
Comment by Glen — December 9, 2009 @ 9:26 am
First and foremost, people should see the movie Food, Inc, ok, not okay what they have forced us to eat, encouraging obesity and health issues..
As far as this, needs to purchase extra seat or airlines need to think of a creative seat concept way for larger ppl.
I’m biased because my bro is a flight attendant, the photo is to show the frustration and abuse on the employee not to poke fun of the man, It’s a flight safety hazard!!! They can’t do their service for ALL passengers..
Comment by Lana — December 11, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
I think he should pay for the extra seat. I don’t think people realize the extra cost involved in making bigger seats (higher taxes/cost will be involved if they do that) or the dangers of being obese on an airplane. And to top it off, if he is in a particularly full airplane, he could be taking someone elses seat, thus the person is either out of a flight or is sitting somewhere highly uncomfortable. I don’t think its fair to have the guy on the right of him uncomfortable, or to endanger the flight attendants who are trying to service people in the aisles. Not only that, if there was and emergency on the plane, he could potentially endanger the people behind him if he cannot get off of the plane fast enough.
Personally, I’m not going to sit here and scream “Discrimination!” because xyz happens to be obese and thus have to pay more for their clothes or their flight. Its their weight, they should be able to bear the responsibility of it instead of expecting everything to accommodate them. Extra fabric, extra food, and extra plane seats cost cash. Pay up and quit complaining, or lose the weight man.
Comment by Rai — December 16, 2009 @ 5:37 am
While I do think airlines should brainstorm ways to possibly accommodate obese passengers, who have problems fitting comfortably in the seat, I do think that when a passenger occupies MORE THAN ONE seat, then he should pay for usage of that extra seat. Airlines charge per passenger, and any seat that- realistically and economically speaking- could very well be used for another paying customer but is occupied by a larger passenger is unfair. I would hate to have to be bumped due to this issue.
Taking the passenger’s picture seemed obnoxious, but I don’t think charging an obese passenger to use TWO seats is discriminatory at all. Perhaps airlines will continue to mull this issue over, and come to a better resolution.
Comment by Coffey — December 16, 2009 @ 7:24 pm