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Survey shows that Australians want fat fliers to pay for two seats
Earlier this year, Gadling reported on the upset of the century: The US lost the title of fattest nation to Australia (US 25% obese, Aus' 26%). But the surge in amply proportioned Aussies is causing a bit of a backlash. A survey by travel.com.au found that 53% of respondents favored a rule that would force obese passengers to purchase two seats when they fly. Canada recently passed a law forcing airlines to give two seats to girthful passengers - for the price of one seat. It is doubtful that Australian airlines will be adopting a similar approach. Travel experts have suggested that obese passengers voluntarily opt for premium economy class seats, which provide more room that standard econo-class.
Over 60% of the survey's 18-24 demographic thought that fat travelers should buy two seats, while over 70% of residents in Western Australia agreed. The rest of the nation was split about 50-50.
[source]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zach Dec 3rd 2008 12:35PM
Having dealt with seat overflow on many a flight, I'm in complete agreement. If a passengers bags are too big for the overhead, they need to pay to check them. And if the passenger is too big for his or her seat, he or she should have to buy another one.
Sylvia Reid Feb 11th 2009 5:50AM
What a shame they embarassed this poor passenger to
the degree they did? What good did this serve to force
her to purchase two seats when one was on the other side of the airplane. She should sue this airline for their atrocities,
as well as defamatory remarks. I can remember a time when
all airlines treated their passengers with the utmost decency
as well as respect, where has this gone? Has the downfall
in world economy turned us all into money gold diggers?
In my opinion, this airline should pay her travel fees for
the rest of her life, as well as compensate her monetarily
for the embarassment they have given this passenger.