"Barbara Hewson, 63, was offered damages by Virgin Atlantic after suffering a blood clot, torn leg muscles and sciatica following a flight to Los Angeles in January 2001, the UK's Press Association reported."
"She said the woman passenger was so large she had to sit with the arm rests up, but when she complained, the crew said there was nothing they could do as the plane was full."
Didn't we have a long thread about this earlier this last summer? This might be a follow-up, then.
Anyway, here's the results of an unscientific poll at CNN on the question of Who should have to pay for an extra seat for an obese passenger QuickVote Results
posted on October 22, 2002 01:46:24 PM new
We have to deal with reality here. Too many people are too much overweight to fit in the standard airline seat. On our way back from Florida we were on two solidly booked flights. There were three very obese people on the flight but I never saw where they sat. They may have booked two seats for all I know. I don't know how they could have taken one standard seat without greatly inconveniencing their seatmates. HOWEVER! The population in the US in general has become overweight, so I believe airlines have a responsibilty to face reality. Offer larger seats or force the overweight passengers to buy two tickets ( perhaps at a discounted price). The danger of bloodclots occuring on long distance flights has been broadcast for some time now, so it seems reasonable to make seats more spacious.
posted on October 22, 2002 08:28:38 PM new
I find flying unnatural, unpleasant, and scary. I do it sometimes though, when it is unavoidable, usually after a lengthy prep period in the airport bar. Maybe, since ultimately a plane's cargo must be measured in weight, not bodies, the airlines should sell fares by the pound, instead of by the head. If we are all just packages being sent from A to B, it might make sense. That way seats could be designed for humans, and the per pound price could be adjusted accordingly....
posted on October 23, 2002 08:54:26 AM new
If a person would (logically) be charged per pound, would we need more bathrooms near the scales and more resturants near the scale's exits?
posted on October 25, 2002 05:40:50 PM new
Either charge the poor soul, who has to sit next to the obese person, less, or charge the obese person more. Since the airlne shouldn't have to lose money, it's fair to charge the obese person more.
posted on October 26, 2002 11:59:10 AM new
If I were to be forced to share half my seat with someone I'd expect them to pay me for half my seat.
The airline is not being inconvenienced, I am.
posted on October 27, 2002 08:28:38 PM new
They could arrange for little fliers to sit in the laps of fat ones in order to alleviate blood clottings and suffocations.
