United Airlines to charge obese passengers for the extra space {Gadling}

Apr 16th 2009 12:44PM I'm 300lbs. Even when I was smaller my shoulders are BROAD! (I played a lot of football) At first I was concerned with the rules but they make sense. Even at my heaviest (330+) I was still always able to fit a single seatbelt around me (let alone one with an extender). If you need more than one... you also need a second seat.

Some people have legitimate reasons for their size (hormone issues, etc.) but they are a severe minority. In those cases, perhaps there's a way to have the airline refund the money after proof of the disability was given.

Also whenever I fly, I try to upgrade to business class, simply because of the seat size. Even though I fit, I don't want to squeeze into a seat. If you're (the skinny person) uncomfortable, imagine the big guy/girl.