Free Extra Seat for Obese Air Passengers
May 3rd 2008 02:20
The topic of fat people flying turns out to be provocative and emotional. In Canada, a recent ruling is going to allow extremely obese people to have an extra seat without paying more.
Why does this upset people?
I have read the ruling in detail and written three articles about it. The ruling is about what's called the "One Person, One Fare" policy, or 1P1F. It applies to anyone who because of disability (severe enough to be a barrier to travel) needs extra seating for themselves or their attendant on a domestic flight in Canada. Technically only three airlines, Air Canada, Jazz (part of Air Canada), and WestJet were named but for practical purposes, it covers all Canadian domestic flights starting in early 2009.
People get sidetracked when they discuss the 1P1F policy, especially as it applies to obese air travellers. Here are some points to consider:
1. The flight is not comfortable for the fat person crammed into a single seat, nor for the person beside them.
2. The fat person does not want to cause discomfort.
3. If the fat person has an extra seat, everyone will be more comfortable.
4. The estimated additional cost will be a dollar or two on everyone's ticket.
So, why argue about how people get fat, whether fat people should fly, and how unfair it is to have to sit beside a large person? All that matters is that everyone on the plane be as comfortable as possible.
Here are my articles explaining more about the Canadian ruling.
One Person, One Fare Policy
Obese Air Passengers Win
Airlines and Disabled Passengers
Here's a very ironic thing. The obesity ruling came about because one passenger tried to purchase extra seating for herself, knowing she would not fit comfortably into the standard seat. The airline did not accommodate her - even though she offered to buy an extra seat. To make matters worse, at least one airline representative was rude and mocking.
If the airline had sold the lady the extra seat she wanted, the whole issue of obesity as a barrier to travel may never have come before the Canadian courts and the Canadian Transportation Agency.
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Why does this upset people?
I have read the ruling in detail and written three articles about it. The ruling is about what's called the "One Person, One Fare" policy, or 1P1F. It applies to anyone who because of disability (severe enough to be a barrier to travel) needs extra seating for themselves or their attendant on a domestic flight in Canada. Technically only three airlines, Air Canada, Jazz (part of Air Canada), and WestJet were named but for practical purposes, it covers all Canadian domestic flights starting in early 2009.
People get sidetracked when they discuss the 1P1F policy, especially as it applies to obese air travellers. Here are some points to consider:
1. The flight is not comfortable for the fat person crammed into a single seat, nor for the person beside them.
2. The fat person does not want to cause discomfort.
3. If the fat person has an extra seat, everyone will be more comfortable.
4. The estimated additional cost will be a dollar or two on everyone's ticket.
So, why argue about how people get fat, whether fat people should fly, and how unfair it is to have to sit beside a large person? All that matters is that everyone on the plane be as comfortable as possible.
Here are my articles explaining more about the Canadian ruling.
One Person, One Fare Policy
Obese Air Passengers Win
Airlines and Disabled Passengers
Here's a very ironic thing. The obesity ruling came about because one passenger tried to purchase extra seating for herself, knowing she would not fit comfortably into the standard seat. The airline did not accommodate her - even though she offered to buy an extra seat. To make matters worse, at least one airline representative was rude and mocking.
If the airline had sold the lady the extra seat she wanted, the whole issue of obesity as a barrier to travel may never have come before the Canadian courts and the Canadian Transportation Agency.
If you like this blog, please help spread the word
Click This Link to Add Skip On Over to Your Technorati Favourites
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