Obesity as a Disability - Extra Room on the Plane at No Extra Charge
March 29th 2008 03:02
Air Canada Airbus A330-300 by Arpingstone. Thank you for putting this into the public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
In January 2008, the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled that people who are so obese they cannot fit into a standard airplane seat will be entitled to more room at no extra charge.
One Person, One Fare
Called the "one person, one fare" policy, this ruling comes into effect in early 2009. It only applies to domestic flights within Canada. Both Air Canada (including Air Canada Jazz) and WestJet, the two major air carriers in Canada, are subject to the order.
The ruling is part of a larger decision that also allows disabled persons to travel with a necessary attendant at no extra charge.
The airlines have a year to work out the details of exactly how they will put these new rules into operation.
Canadian Transportation Agency Found that Obesity is a Disability (Sometimes)
There are lots of strongly held opinions about the obesity ruling in particular. To put things in perspective, it only applies to persons who are so obese that their obesity is a disability, not to the average punter with a spare tire.
I have written a few short articles about this ruling.
One of the many interesting dimensions lies in the history of the obesity case. The complainant actually asked to purchase an extra seat for herself, and told Air Canada she was obese and would need the extra space. It was the rude and humiliating response from the airline staff that prompted her to take further action. If the airline had just treated her with dignity and provided the space she requested - at her own expense - this case may never have started.
It definitely was not a case of someone trying to take advantage.
Here are links to two of my related articles:
Obese Air Passengers Win
One Person, One Fare Policy
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