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AirAsiaX mulls charging passengers by weight
Based on heated previous discussions here at Gadling, we know that the idea of charging passengers by their weight is a very touchy subject. In addition to the questionable legality of the concept, many are uncomfortable with the fact that one passenger may have to spend significantly more than the next -- only to occupy the same seat on an aircraft.For a while it was almost a joke -- people knew that no American company would dare try something so bold at the risk of alienating the majority of their passenger base. Even Philadelphia Media Holdings ran a full page ad for a fake airline called "Derrie-air" to tease people and collect some marketing data on what the reaction would be.
Our new perspective on oil and the economy, however, is turning some of those chuckles into awkward inquisitions. Could someone really get away with charging a passenger by his or her weight?
AirAsiaX is starting to think so. Darren Wright, operating manager of the airline, recently told Travel Today that such extreme measures might be a possibility given the current state of the market. Stating that weighing each passenger could help balance cargo and overall aircraft balance, Mr Wright suggested that the measure "could help Aussies lose weight."
No word on whether the airline is seriously considering the changes or whether Wright was just speaking candidly, but if something like this were to go into effect, it would surely rock the industry in which we now fly.
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Reader Comments (Page 18 of 18)
CoLorDan Aug 5th 2008 10:17PM
Tee Coats, I believe you see both sides of this issue. I am a larger female who is overweight, (through no fault of my own due to medications) and it is VERY embarrassing to "take up" any other passengers space on a plane. I too have had to apologize to fellow passengers, and most have been very understanding. I would love to see all airlines accomodate larger passengers with seats that are a little larger, but don't feel like they should charge more. This country is so ready to accomodate people who don't speak English, people who refuse to work for a living, and to help the homeless and orphaned in any other country but our own, but we can't get it through our heads that not all people have a small frame? I just don't get it.
bb Aug 5th 2008 10:01PM
Hey, I work for an airline, and frankly the weight is a BIG factor! The weight MUST be calculated correctly or ..... the plane won't fly accurately. We are chaging more for the weight of the luggage so it only makes sence. When you fly in a small plane you have to know the weight too! If some people are Xtra large it is too sad, but after all this is an airplane, and it is only so wide and the seats are just so big. If you can't fit in the seat, you NEED to buy TWO. It is only fair to the other passengers that have paid as well. It can also be a safty hazzard too.
AirplanesFly Aug 5th 2008 10:14PM
This is discrtiminating but would you want to sit next to a obese person. Maybe charge regular but if you are over a certain weight you have to buy 2 seats.
kb Aug 5th 2008 10:32PM
I wish they would charge by the pound, then the oversized person taking up half of my space could actually claim they paid for it, instead of just mooching it. I don't see whats wrong with it, there's a lot of things you pay extra for when it's oversized... food, clothes, shoes, cars... what's the difference? they aren't saying people can't fly. just that they need to pay their fair share.
E Aug 6th 2008 1:23AM
AMEN!!
Ei Aug 6th 2008 1:20AM
R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y If you happen to be a slim person and want to take 20 bags on vacation - PAY FOR IT!! If you are a large person and require 2 seats in order to get to your destination comfortably -PAY FOR IT!!! I have been on many flights where the passenger next to me has put UP the armrest and is halfway in my seat!! NO! I don't bother you PLEASE don't bother me.
mastertiny6 Aug 6th 2008 4:38AM
Well to start off I am a big man and I fly all the time. So I don't have a problem for paying more them the 110 woman or so on. But if the airline wants to do this then they should make seats to fit us larger people. Yes I know that I take up a little of the seat on each side of me and that is not fair. But it is also not fair that I have to sqeese my big ass in a seat made for a little person. The airline should make a few areas in the plane with larger seats.
jean bloom Aug 6th 2008 3:02PM
They already do make them, in business or first class.
gernot Aug 6th 2008 12:33PM
First class, fits any ass
Business fits most asses
Coach fits only asses
cce Aug 10th 2008 8:42PM
OK - this is very simple. Either you fit into the seat or you don't. If you don't, it is not fair to take up any portion of a seat you did not pay for. Therefore, you absolutely need to purchase the seat next to you so that you are not mooching off of someone else's seat that they paid a nice piece of change for. I pay for a seat-you pay for a seat. My seat is not yours. Your seat is not mine. I do not want to be touching arms and legs of a stranger sitting next to me on my flight. It is MY SEAT!! The person sitting next to me has no right to my seat. Is this CLEAR?
bunny Aug 8th 2008 5:32PM
I think that charging people by the pound to fly is a terrible idea. It IS discriminatory and bottom line, will lead to lawsuits, which will cost the airlines more $$$$$$ to settle than the increase in fuel prices.......
A better idea is to raise airfares in a "realistic" manner and include all the items that are now "surcharged" [all the fees for blankets, water, checking a bag should be rolled into the airfare].......
At a certain point, people will quit flying because of all the hassles and the "extra" fees.......
lajr1951 Aug 9th 2008 2:35AM
I will never fly in an airplane again?I HATE FLYING.
steve326m Aug 9th 2008 4:42AM
I myself am 5-8, 240. But, most of my extra is in my belly so I actually Thank God do fit inside the seat. I do feel that those who can't should buy 2 seats. This way, both them and you are comfortable as can be possible. I am also considered short legged and long waisted so most of my height is on top. Here in The Philippines, everyone is small. Even food portions that we consider small or medium in the US is considered large here. I get stares everywhere I go and made fun of right out in the open for their minds can't comprehend a person my size. Yes, they even weigh you on a scale before you board the plane. Their security is very tight but the guards are warm and friendly about it and even joke with you about it which can get you cuffed and stuffed if you did that in the US. Back in 1990, I applied as a F/A on SWA. I was told I was too heavy. God Bless...
CC Aug 11th 2008 11:02PM
If they did that then I'd be the least expensive out of my family of 4.
LETS DO IT!!!!!!!!!