I am watching a show about overweight people flying


Do you think that overweight people should have to purchase 2 seats if they can not fit between the arm rests of one seat and spill over into another seat?

It's not always about comfort and size of seats.

There are weight restrictions that the plane has to meet before take off. If every single morbidly obese person got one seat, and they all boarded the flight, it would be grounded.

If they can't fit in one seat, then yes I think they should have to. If they're using 2 seats, they should have to pay for 2 seats.

yes i think they should purchase two seats. not only is it more comfortable for them it's more comfortable for those that may be crammed next to them. my grandma's boss is 400+ lbs and he can only fly first class because if he flies anywhere else he's got to purchase 2 seats to be comfortable.

It's not always about comfort and size of seats.

There are weight restrictions that the plane has to meet before take off. If every single morbidly obese person got one seat, and they all boarded the flight, it would be grounded.

Quit nit picking my post Tawny!!! :giggle


And answer the original question :handup

I used to think so, but on my home in May, I sat by a guy that was bigger and the poor guy had such low self esteem about having to sit down next to someone!!! Before we had taken off, he told me that if he squished me, he would just sit on the floor, that he was so sorry about inconviencing me my having to be squished next to him(I really wasn't) and that he understood if I didn't want to sit by him because of his size. I felt so abd for the guy, because he was SOSOSOSOSO nice, he was just a big guy. So I don't know anymore. With gas prices going up, I'm sure they will have to buy 2 tickets, but I'm not sur eif it's a good policy

Honestly, I think they should if they can not fit into the seat properly between the arm rests with the seat belt fastened.

However, my question is if they have to give up the extra sea for someone do they get their money back? Because that would NOT be fair at all.

Yes, they should have to purchase 2 tickets.

Yes, they should have to purchase 2 tickets.

Thank You Ma'am:scared

YES. I hate flying coach for that reason. I am always stuck next to some huge person. That and screaming kids are what convince me to pay the $50 to upgrade to business class.

I am watching a show about overweight people flying


Do you think that overweight people should have to purchase 2 seats if they can not fit between the arm rests of one seat and spill over into another seat?

I think people that do more than spill over into another seat should have to purchase 2 seats. If someone knows that they're gonna take up more than the alotted space then they should've already purchased 2 seats. My grandmother was stuck on a plane with an overweight person and was unable to go to the restroom the entire flight because the person was having difficulty moving.

I'm not saying I'm a toothpick or anything but I sure as heck can fit into my 1 seat without any problems. :mwahaha

I think they should. there were extra seats on a flight I was on, and some 300 lber came and sat in the one next to my and Tandis's seats. He took up half of Tandis's seat even though there were extra seats elsewhere. It was really rude. I couldn't go to those seats because children under 12 arent allowed in`the emergency exit rows. It really pissed me off.

Now, are you talking like sides spill over, or like their arms take up a little more room than normal? I fit fine in airplane seats, but my arms make it kind of a tight squeeze. There's definately no "spilling over" though. I think that if they can't buckle the seatbelt properly then they need to buy another seat. I thought some airlines already had this policy though.

Pretty sure most airlines have it already in place, simply because of fuel costs. They don't care about passenger's comfort enough to do it just for us though. :lol

Now, are you talking like sides spill over, or like their arms take up a little more room than normal? I fit fine in airplane seats, but my arms make it kind of a tight squeeze. There's definately no "spilling over" though. I think that if they can't buckle the seatbelt properly then they need to buy another seat. I thought some airlines already had this policy though.

:dunno The show just said spill over into another seat. They do have seat belt extenders. And Southwest enforces the buy 2 seats policy. They have been sues 12 times over it and the show said they have never lost a case

.

The fat people sue because they have to pay more? Oh how sad. They obviously have the money, it's just all being spent on food. I don't mean to be a bitch, but when you get to that large of a size, it's just irresponsible.

Wow that was rude... I agree they should have to buy the second seat, but there's no reason to be mean about it like that.

The fat people sue because they have to pay more? Oh how sad. They obviously have the money, it's just all being spent on food. I don't mean to be a bitch, but when you get to that large of a size, it's just irresponsible.

Not all overweight people are like that because the amount they eat.

Soutwest's rule is if you can not travel with the arm rest DOWN comfortably for the entire flight or you encroach on the seat of your neighbor you will be asked to purchase a second seat. They don't go by upper body size or the extender, just if your lower half of your body can't fit in the seat with the rest down.

I'm sorry I just have no sympathy for morbidly obese people who cannot fit in those seats and then complain that they have to pay more. Yes not all are that large because of the amount they eat. Some have medical conditions, but in many cases the biggest factor is the diet they have chosen throughout their life. To me it is irresponsible and lazy to not take care of your body.

Yes, they should have to pay for 2 seats because the person sitting next to them is paying for one seat and they don't even get the whole seat to themselves!!!!!

I think it would be more comfortable for both parties (the obese person and the person in the neighboring seat) if the obese bought 2 seats.

Nothing worse than being stuck on an airplane... maybe for 6 or more hours... with a stranger's body all up in your grill!!!

YUCK!! :puke

Yes, they should have to pay for 2 seats because the person sitting next to them is paying for one seat and they don't even get the whole seat to themselves!!!!!

I think it would be more comfortable for both parties (the obese person and the person in the neighboring seat) if the obese bought 2 seats.

Nothing worse than being stuck on an airplane... maybe for 6 or more hours... with a stranger's body all up in your grill!!!

YUCK!! :puke

i think if someone is encroaching in my seat i should only have to pay half the seat price since i'm not getting a whole seat

If they are going to have to pay for two seats then they should have larger comfortable seats so that they can get their money's worth. From the perspective of a person having to pay double, I wouldn't want to have to sit on top of a crease the entire flight since I just paid a shitload to fly.

If they are going to have to pay for two seats then they should have larger comfortable seats so that they can get their money's worth. From the perspective of a person having to pay double, I wouldn't want to have to sit on top of a crease the entire flight since I just paid a shitload to fly.

Then they can purchase a first class/business class seat. They're a lot wider and more comfortable.

i think if someone is encroaching in my seat i should only have to pay half the seat price since i'm not getting a whole seat

I think the encroacher should have to pay for the half the seat they took up. It's disgusting. I don't even sit that close to my own mother. I don't want some stranger all up against me. It makes me nauseous.

I don't think people should be mean about it though.

I think the encroacher should have to pay for the half the seat they took up. It's disgusting. I don't even sit that close to my own mother. I don't want some stranger all up against me. It makes me nauseous.

I don't think people should be mean about it though.

agree but if i pay full price and someone encroaches into my seat the other person should pay that half of my seat and i should get a half refund

Plus, you think they WANT to be cut in half during the flight. Choice of actually BEING overweight aside... many many overweight people don't fly because of embarrassment and extreme discomfort.

Then they can purchase a first class/business class seat. They're a lot wider and more comfortable.

Is first class double the price?

Plus, you think they WANT to be cut in half during the flight. Choice of actually BEING overweight aside... many many overweight people don't fly because of embarrassment and extreme discomfort.

of course they don't want to be "cut in half" i feel for larger people because things can't be easy for them. hell my grandma's boss is the sweetest man in the world and it's got to be hard for him but does that mean i want to be squished next to him on a plane...nope

Is first class double the price?

No it would be cheaper than purchasing two seats in coach.

I say they should be required to purchase 2 tickets. If for some reason they lucked out and didnt have anyone in the seat next to them they get a refund

Yes, I think they should have too.

I used to feel differently until I went to see the Last Mimsy. (Movie seats & plane seats are about the same size in width. A very large man sat down right next to me. his body was over lapping the arm rest and a roll was resting on the lid of my soda. It grossed me out. I felt bad but it still grossed me out. I had to move over one seat so that I had some room. I was not rude & I said nothing to the man. I just moved. Had when been in a plane I would of had no where to move.

The fat people sue because they have to pay more? Oh how sad. They obviously have the money, it's just all being spent on food. I don't mean to be a bitch, but when you get to that large of a size, it's just irresponsible.

Wow :no that was really mean and offensive.



I think if someone is large enough that they don't fit right in the seats or would be causing discomfort for another passenger then yeah they probably should have to pay for another seat or sit in a section that has larger seats ( I guess that would be first in class?).

Haha ok let's all point out how mean and offensive I am. :bringit :grin:

There's a huge difference between being fat and being obese. I consider myself fat but I am far from the point of spilling over an airline seat. Again, it all comes down to so many people being flat out lazy and not caring for their health or body.

Haha ok let's all point out how mean and offensive I am. :bringit :grin:

There's a huge difference between being fat and being obese. I consider myself fat but I am far from the point of spilling over an airline seat. Again, it all comes down to so many people being flat out lazy and not caring for their health or body.

:rolleyes

I'm sorry if you're obese and I offended you. If you're not, what does it matter to you if I feel that people should take better care of their bodies?

I'm sorry if you're obese and I offended you. If you're not, what does it matter to you if I feel that people should take better care of their bodies?

Well, I am and it did...not that you should have to care. I guess it just really hits a nerve when people like you can be so insensitve with comments like you made. :dunno Oh, and just so you know I don't blow all my money on food.

If there is a medical reason that the person has NO control over, then no. Otherwise, yeah, BUT, if airlines seats weren't so narrow this wouldn't be as much of a problem. I don't know many people with an 16 inch ass. LMAO. My husband is a freakin STICK and he doesn't have any extra room in a seat.

I'm not personally offended because I'm not one of the people who has to buy the second seat, but I am shocked at your lack of courtesy to those who might be offended. You probably offended a lot of people who have shown you nothing but support thus far with those tactless remarks. I'm disappointed.

I would have thought someone on a support board would show more consideration for the people that have been there for them so far. With something that sensitive you'd think that someone would have the tact to keep a rude remark like that to themselves, but I suppose that's just what I would do.

Well you can't please everyone. I try to hold back with most of my opinions on here because of course I'm going to be jumped for speaking my mind. I don't know your specific situation, but most people I have personally known that are considered medically obese make the poorest choices in their eating habits. If you don't, that's great. But that doesn't mean everyone else is that way. There wouldn't be so many obese people if eating wasn't the issue.

It's an epidemic so probably there are more overweight/obese people on that plane than underweight/healthy weight people so... they would probably be more worried about accommodating the body type from which they profit the most? :dunno

That's probably why nothing has been done about it. :wink

I'm not personally offended because I'm not one of the people who has to buy the second seat, but I am shocked at your lack of courtesy to those who might be offended. You probably offended a lot of people who have shown you nothing but support thus far with those tactless remarks. I'm disappointed.

I would have thought someone on a support board would show more consideration for the people that have been there for them so far. With something that sensitive you'd think that someone would have the tact to keep a rude remark like that to themselves, but I suppose that's just what I would do.

Right, ok. Support? I rarely ask for support on here because I rarely get it. When I do I might get a good 8 responses. Whereas one of you post, and automatically 5 pages. I did not say anything to anyone directly. There is nothing wrong with feeling that obesity in our country is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. People need to care more about themselves. If you don't like the way I come across, put me on your ignore list. No reason to be upset by someone over the internet.

Ya know, this wouldn't be such a big problem in the first place if the airlines would stop shrinking the size of their seats. LOL. The average airline seat is no bigger than a KEYBOARD from armrest to armrest. How many of you can sit on your keyboards without any cheek spilling over onto the sides. LOL.

Yes, I think that if you are unable to fit within the boundaries of your own seat you should pay for the extra seat you will encroach upon. Of course, with the ever shrinking space alloted to each passenger the number of people effected by this will be in the rise (one more reason I hate air travel, lol). It is uncomfortable for both parties - and quite unfair for the party whose seat is encroached upon. Purchasing the second seat elminates that issue altogether.

Well you can't please everyone. I try to hold back with most of my opinions on here because of course I'm going to be jumped for speaking my mind.

It is possible, though, to speak one's mind with tact. Personally, I think it defeats any point you may have to make when you resort to using nasty commentary to make it. What you think could have just as easily been expressed without the offensive tone.

Oh well.

The fat people sue because they have to pay more? Oh how sad. They obviously have the money, it's just all being spent on food. I don't mean to be a bitch, but when you get to that large of a size, it's just irresponsible.

I'm sorry I just have no sympathy for morbidly obese people who cannot fit in those seats and then complain that they have to pay more. Yes not all are that large because of the amount they eat. Some have medical conditions, but in many cases the biggest factor is the diet they have chosen throughout their life. To me it is irresponsible and lazy to not take care of your body.

Frankly I think this was very rude and tactless. :banghead My mother is morbidly obese. She even had gastric bypass done and it didn't help. I take alot of offense to someone knocking on heavy people. And in all honesty, because of the way that SOME skinny people view heavy people, I don't like them. This just shows how shallow those skinny people are. Your comments made me think of those that I don't like because of their "beliefs" of how heavy people are. :vent My mom doesn't go around eating everything in her sight. All of the heavy people I know are the sweetest people in the world. So I don't see why you had to be so rude about them. I would much rather have 1 heavy friend than have 10 skinny friends who make comments like you did.

If there is a medical reason that the person has NO control over, then no. Otherwise, yeah, BUT, if airlines seats weren't so narrow this wouldn't be as much of a problem. I don't know many people with an 16 inch ass. LMAO. My husband is a freakin STICK and he doesn't have any extra room in a seat.

I can't even fit comfortably into the seats on an airplane and I'm a size 10.

I'm not personally offended because I'm not one of the people who has to buy the second seat, but I am shocked at your lack of courtesy to those who might be offended. You probably offended a lot of people who have shown you nothing but support thus far with those tactless remarks. I'm disappointed.

I would have thought someone on a support board would show more consideration for the people that have been there for them so far. With something that sensitive you'd think that someone would have the tact to keep a rude remark like that to themselves, but I suppose that's just what I would do.

:agree You said it well.

I agree with Wicked that this wouldn't be such a problem if they made the seats a decent size to begin with. Americans are large people by world standards, and I'm not just talking about being overweight. American airlines are just asking for trouble by making seats so dang small.

I had a flight from LA to Sydney once that was oversold. The woman sitting next to me was so large that I couldn't even put my own arm down, let alone the armrest. I think that flight was like 16 hours. It was miserable. I was scolded for being out of my seat too much. I complained that if I had an entire seat, maybe I could sit in it. I paid $3,500 for that roundtrip ticket. And I had to hold my arm across my chest, and have half my ass hanging off into the aisle, where I was consistenly bumped into for more than half a friggin' day.

I don't think the lady was at fault... I think the airline was. They should have policies in place to handle that kind of situation before hand, or at least on the spot.

So there is my answer to the question after that rant :giggle. I don't care if the person pays double, or if the affected person gets a discount, of if nothing at all happens as long as there is room for everyone to fit comfortably. But there needs to be a specific policy that dictates *something* so that the neighboring person isn't screwed.

To top off the unpleasant situation on that long flight, I offered the lady my aisle seat, so she could have more room. She refused because SHE didn't want to get bumped into. Had she been nice, I might have felt bad for her. But she was so rude. And then she told me how much she paid for the flight... $1600. Almost HALF what I paid. I wanted to scream.

I hope this doesn't come off as rude to obese people. I'm overweight myself. But I just don't see how it's fair to infringe on the very limited space of a complete stranger.

I agree with Wicked that this wouldn't be such a problem if they made the seats a decent size to begin with. Americans are large people by world standards, and I'm not just talking about being overweight. American airlines are just asking for trouble by making seats so dang small.

I had a flight from LA to Sydney once that was oversold. The woman sitting next to me was so large that I couldn't even put my own arm down, let alone the armrest. I think that flight was like 16 hours. It was miserable. I was scolded for being out of my seat too much. I complained that if I had an entire seat, maybe I could sit in it. I paid $3,500 for that roundtrip ticket. And I had to hold my arm across my chest, and have half my ass hanging off into the aisle, where I was consistenly bumped into for more than half a friggin' day.

I don't think the lady was at fault... I think the airline was. They should have policies in place to handle that kind of situation before hand, or at least on the spot.

So there is my answer to the question after that rant :giggle. I don't care if the person pays double, or if the affected person gets a discount, of if nothing at all happens as long as there is room for everyone to fit comfortably. But there needs to be a specific policy that dictates *something* so that the neighboring person isn't screwed.

To top off the unpleasant situation on that long flight, I offered the lady my aisle seat, so she could have more room. She refused because SHE didn't want to get bumped into. Had she been nice, I might have felt bad for her. But she was so rude. And then she told me how much she paid for the flight... $1600. Almost HALF what I paid. I wanted to scream.

I hope this doesn't come off as rude to obese people. I'm overweight myself. But I just don't see how it's fair to infringe on the very limited space of a complete stranger.


No, not rude at all and I totally sympathize with what you went through. That really sucks and for such a long flight ugh!!!

I have only flown on an international Delta flight and I have to say that I though the seats were plenty roomy enough.

If people are to be charged double for "taking up two seats", then those rail thin people should be able to pay half and share a seat. If we're to be fair, we're fair BOTH ways, not which way lines our bank account. I honestly believe this could be won in court if approached aggressively.

The reason many people are polarized by the obesity problem in the country is because of media coverage. I have yet, in my entire life, heard of someone on the news complaining that they paid regular price for something when they only needed half of it. But I can't count how many times I've heard of overweight people complaining on the 9 o'clock news about some injustice done to them. People get tired of hearing about the same things, particularly when bombarded with it by media (Paris Hilton comes to mind), and it tends to make us numb to other people's feelings on it.

Tact is a beautiful weapon - as is a rapier. When in the hands of a master, no foe can gain an edge. The difference is that with tact, you'll never have to watch your back.

If people are to be charged double for "taking up two seats", then those rail thin people should be able to pay half and share a seat. If we're to be fair, we're fair BOTH ways, not which way lines our bank account. I honestly believe this could be won in court if approached aggressively.

The reason many people are polarized by the obesity problem in the country is because of media coverage. I have yet, in my entire life, heard of someone on the news complaining that they paid regular price for something when they only needed half of it. But I can't count how many times I've heard of overweight people complaining on the 9 o'clock news about some injustice done to them. People get tired of hearing about the same things, particularly when bombarded with it by media (Paris Hilton comes to mind), and it tends to make us numb to other people's feelings on it.

Tact is a beautiful weapon - as is a rapier. When in the hands of a master, no foe can gain an edge. The difference is that with tact, you'll never have to watch your back.


I was wonderin if you was gonna show up and get in on this:scared

I was wonderin if you was gonna show up and get in on this:scared

Am I that predictable or am I morbidly obese?

This topic has been hashed out a million times, and every single time it has devolved into a name-calling match. People who are morbidly obese (or are close with those that are) are touchy about the topic because their entire life has been a battle with self image. People who aren't morbidly obese tend to believe what the media says because they don't know any better. When you combine people who have low self image with people who have been convinced that obesity is choice, the ONLY end result is negative. This entire debate will end, at best, lose-lose.

Am I that predictable or am I morbidly obese?

This topic has been hashed out a million times, and every single time it has devolved into a name-calling match. People who are morbidly obese (or are close with those that are) are touchy about the topic because their entire life has been a battle with self image. People who aren't morbidly obese tend to believe what the media says because they don't know any better. When you combine people who have low self image with people who have been convinced that obesity is choice, the ONLY end result is negative. This entire debate will end, at best, lose-lose.

:yes Very well said.

Am I that predictable or am I morbidly obese?

This topic has been hashed out a million times, and every single time it has devolved into a name-calling match. People who are morbidly obese (or are close with those that are) are touchy about the topic because their entire life has been a battle with self image. People who aren't morbidly obese tend to believe what the media says because they don't know any better. When you combine people who have low self image with people who have been convinced that obesity is choice, the ONLY end result is negative. This entire debate will end, at best, lose-lose.


I have no clue if you are obese or not. You are by far the best debator and we all look forward to your views.

Maybe I should just have the debate closed. Sorry I started a war guys.

Well most debates turn into namecalling and all that. I don't think this one had to, though.

I really do think that airlines need to make seats roomier for everyone. My one year old wasn't even comfortable in his seat.

"Skinnies" are hated and believe what the media says, eh?

I have no clue if you are obese or not. You are by far the best debator and we all look forward to your views.

Maybe I should just have the debate closed. Sorry I started a war guys.

Absolutely not! While there will be no winner, people will walk away from this debate with the knowledge that self image is a choice and the media biased. If this debate can change one persons thought process on how they view the world presented to them, you'll have improved the human condition - which is fantastically hard to do. Keep it open and I'll do my best to keep the mud-slinging to a minimum and point out potential landmines.

Well I'm glad you all assume I am just a skinny woman who has been so influenced by the media that I believe being fat is a choice. How I wish that were true.

I'm overweight and have struggled with an eating disorder for 6 years now. I struggle with my body image every second of my life. I look at being overweight as something that is digusting, because it's what I see in myself.

"Skinnies" are hated and believe what the media says, eh?

No more so that morbidly obese people spend all their money on food.

not all skinny's Goldi...

Eh, was just goin off of one poster saying that because of the way SOME skinnies act, that she doesn't like any of them.

I'm not touching this one. :lol

self image is a choice


Now THAT is deep! :handshake

Absolutely not! While there will be no winner, people will walk away from this debate with the knowledge that self image is a choice and the media biased. If this debate can change one persons thought process on how they view the world presented to them, you'll have improved the human condition - which is fantastically hard to do. Keep it open and I'll do my best to keep the mud-slinging to a minimum and point out potential landmines.

You're the Master 'bater :giggle Yeah couldn't resist... :tsktsk

Anyway I completely agree with you.

Tawny, no one hates skinnies... or at least I don't.

I don't think they should have to pay for 2 seats.

Eh, was just goin off of one poster saying that because of the way SOME skinnies act, that she doesn't like any of them.

I'm not touching this one. :lol
I didn't say I didn't like skinny people. I was referring to the skinny people that blatently (sp) make the remarks about heavy people. Maybe I should have clarified more.

I didn't say I didn't like skinny people. I was referring to the skinny people that blatently (sp) make the remarks about heavy people. Maybe I should have clarified more.

Thank you for clarifying, I was pretty offended.

OK I'm going to change what I said because this debate has actually changed my mind. :wow

As it stands NOW with the size of the seats etc, people should have to buy two seats if the flight is packed and they encroach on someone else's seat. If the flight is not full and you are able to have a free seat by you like I did on 4/6 of my flights (Tandis had his own seat then), then you shouldn't have to.

However, I think that airlines need to start making their seats roomier for people because the size of the seats they shove you into is ridiculous. I am not a sardine, and I do not want to be packed like one. I imagine that it's even more uncomfortable the bigger you are. In other words, no one should HAVE to buy an extra seat.

Thank you for clarifying, I was pretty offended.
Np girly. My hands were going faster than my brain was thinking.

OK I'm going to change what I said because this debate has actually changed my mind. :wow

As it stands NOW with the size of the seats etc, people should have to buy two seats if the flight is packed and they encroach on someone else's seat. If the flight is not full and you are able to have a free seat by you like I did on 4/6 of my flights (Tandis had his own seat then), then you shouldn't have to.

However, I think that airlines need to start making their seats roomier for people because the size of the seats they shove you into is ridiculous. I am not a sardine, and I do not want to be packed like one. I imagine that it's even more uncomfortable the bigger you are. In other words, no one should HAVE to buy an extra seat.

:yes i agree. though if they make the seats bigger, less seats on a plane therefore more flights so the cost of the flight would go up

I feel like it's telling a person they are the size of two people and that kind of bothers me to think about. I understand it from the money perspective and the comfort perspective though. I wouldn't mind sitting uncomfortably for a very small amount of my life (in the great scheme of things) as long as someone didn't have to pay more money. Maybe I could even make friends with the person? I don't know, that's just how I think of it. I definetly see it from both sides though.

:yes i agree. though if they make the seats bigger, less seats on a plane therefore more flights so the cost of the flight would go up

In more ways than you think. They'd go through more fuel, sure. But you also have to realize that the airline pays the airport they fly to, maintenance crews (because flight hours just went up), inspector visits more frequent, hiring of more captain (pilots can only fly after XX hours of sleep), more flight crews and support staff, etc...

To deviate from the current standards will cost an airline MILLIONS. Post 9/11 airlines don't have that kind of cash to throw around. There is no way an airline can impose ANY type of weight/height/race/religion standards on it's airlines without drawing flak from someone. Legally, they shouldn't be able to make someone pay for double seats, but they surely could make a couple of rows specifically for obese people and charge for a seat and a half, along with the disclaimer saying that the airline cares for ALL of it's passengers comfort, not just those who have special needs.

In more ways than you think. They'd go through more fuel, sure. But you also have to realize that the airline pays the airport they fly to, maintenance crews (because flight hours just went up), inspector visits more frequent, hiring of more captain (pilots can only fly after XX hours of sleep), more flight crews and support staff, etc...

To deviate from the current standards will cost an airline MILLIONS. Post 9/11 airlines don't have that kind of cash to throw around. There is no way an airline can impose ANY type of weight/height/race/religion standards on it's airlines without drawing flak from someone. Legally, they shouldn't be able to make someone pay for double seats, but they surely could make a couple of rows specifically for obese people and charge for a seat and a half, along with the disclaimer saying that the airline cares for ALL of it's passengers comfort, not just those who have special needs.

I like that idea. I also think THAT would be more productive than their recent idea getting thrown around to make a seperate section for people flying with children.

I feel like it's telling a person they are the size of two people and that kind of bothers me to think about. I understand it from the money perspective and the comfort perspective though. I wouldn't mind sitting uncomfortably for a very small amount of my life (in the great scheme of things) as long as someone didn't have to pay more money. Maybe I could even make friends with the person? I don't know, that's just how I think of it. I definetly see it from both sides though.

It's not JUST the money and comfort though. Like I stated before, aircraft has weight restrictions. That's why there are weight restrictions on bags that you check as well. If every seat is filled with a person who is obese, the flight would not be safe enough to fly.

It's not JUST the money and comfort though. Like I stated before, aircraft has weight restrictions. That's why there are weight restrictions on bags that you check as well. If every seat is filled with a person who is obese, the flight would not be safe enough to fly.

I understand that:wink

The fat people sue because they have to pay more? Oh how sad. They obviously have the money, it's just all being spent on food. I don't mean to be a bitch, but when you get to that large of a size, it's just irresponsible.

:wowsers That was maybe THE most indecent thing I ever read on a message board. Thyroid problems, diabetes, the loss of limbs, etc are all reasons for being overweight. For all you know, they DON'T have money for decent care. Other people eat and eat because they were fed and fed as children. It's like smoking. People say, "I should quit. I need to quit. I HAVE to quit. ...one more."

My grandma used to be a police officer, as hot as they come. She lost some of her movement abilities and JUST because she HAD been so strict her whole life, when she slackened at all the weight came on like the tide, but she can't lose it. DH's was the same way. His cousin has a problem where if he gets hungry, it literally affects his brain and he can't NOT eat. I'm sure that's because he has money. I have battled my weight, and I sure as blue F**K am not rich. Keep that closed minded shit to yourself.

For the record, yes, if you take up more than one seat, yes, I think it's in the passenger's best interest to buy two. I think they should have to for theirs and others' safety, and for weight limitations. It's sad, that people can get that heavy that this is an issue, especially when it's something like they were force fed as kids (the clean-your-plate club, my grandma used to call it) and it's something they can't help, but safety is safety.

It's not JUST the money and comfort though. Like I stated before, aircraft has weight restrictions. That's why there are weight restrictions on bags that you check as well. If every seat is filled with a person who is obese, the flight would not be safe enough to fly.

If you or someone you know is planning on petitioning an airline to force the inclusion of a "approximate weight" block in the ticket purchasing process, please let me know. I think we'd have a viral video of an entire legal department bursting into flames.

It's not JUST the money and comfort though. Like I stated before, aircraft has weight restrictions. That's why there are weight restrictions on bags that you check as well. If every seat is filled with a person who is obese, the flight would not be safe enough to fly.

But if this were such a big deal wouldn't they be asking people to currently measure their ass width and weigh themselves before purchasing a ticket:dunno

When we were flying back from Hawaii my aunts bag was over the allowed weight and they just charged her (for an overweight bag) about 40 bucks (right there on the spot). Which makes me believe that the weight restrictions has more to do with the employees lifting the bags:hehe

I don't agree with the airlines charging more.....for offering the SAME exact service to each and every passenger......to get them from point A to point B. Why should the overweight person have to pay more for the same service? IMO they shouldn't have to but should be provided with adequate room. Why are the seats they currently have to offer being considered "normal". What is normal size anyway:dunno

But if this were such a big deal wouldn't they be asking people to currently measure their ass width and weigh themselves before purchasing a ticket:dunno

When we were flying back from Hawaii my aunts bag was over the allowed weight and they just charged her (for an overweight bag) about 40 bucks (right there on the spot). Which makes me believe that the weight restrictions has more to do with the employees lifting the bags:hehe

I don't agree with the airlines charging more.....for offering the SAME exact service to each and every passenger......to get them from point A to point B. Why should the overweight person have to pay more for the same service? IMO they shouldn't have to but should be provided with adequate room. Why are the seats they currently have to offer being considered "normal". What is normal size anyway:dunno
Well, if you want to go by what society believes is normal, just look at the BMI chart. (Which frankly I think is a crock of shit.) That chart even says that I'm obese. WTF ever. Frankly, I think the seats should be bigger. JMHO.

If concert tickets, which the total amount of are based on the number of available seats, can be purchased without having to pay double, then airlines shouldn't be allowed to double charge, either. HOWEVER, there is a fair amount of personal responsibility a person needs to assume. If a person knows they are going to need more space on an airline, they should be responsible enough to pay for it, REGARDLESS IF THE OBESITY IS GENETIC OR ELECTIVE. I have size 11 feet, but I USED to wear size 9's.. I think I should be allowed to pay the size 9 price, right?

If they are going to have to pay for two seats then they should have larger comfortable seats so that they can get their money's worth. From the perspective of a person having to pay double, I wouldn't want to have to sit on top of a crease the entire flight since I just paid a shitload to fly.
This is very true. I never thought about that.

I say they should be required to purchase 2 tickets. If for some reason they lucked out and didnt have anyone in the seat next to them they get a refund
That would be hard, because unless someone was willing to move, the reason the seat next to them is empty, is because they bought the ticket. Or are you saying that if there are extra, empty seats already, they should get a refund? Just wondering! :)

Ya know, this wouldn't be such a big problem in the first place if the airlines would stop shrinking the size of their seats. LOL. The average airline seat is no bigger than a KEYBOARD from armrest to armrest. How many of you can sit on your keyboards without any cheek spilling over onto the sides. LOL.
LOL You're so funny!! :D I loved your responses with this.



I hope this doesn't come off as rude to obese people. I'm overweight myself. But I just don't see how it's fair to infringe on the very limited space of a complete stranger.

That wasn't rude. That was very very well said. In that case, I completely understand why you were upset, and would have understood if you petitioned for a refund.

People who are morbidly obese (or are close with those that are) are touchy about the topic because their entire life has been a battle with self image. People who aren't morbidly obese tend to believe what the media says because they don't know any better. When you combine people who have low self image with people who have been convinced that obesity is choice, the ONLY end result is negative. This entire debate will end, at best, lose-lose.

I think I (L) you.... :D

]To deviate from the current standards will cost an airline MILLIONS. Post 9/11 airlines don't have that kind of cash to throw around. There is no way an airline can impose ANY type of weight/height/race/religion standards on it's airlines without drawing flak from someone. Legally, they shouldn't be able to make someone pay for double seats, but they surely could make a couple of rows specifically for obese people and charge for a seat and a half, along with the disclaimer saying that the airline cares for ALL of it's passengers comfort, not just those who have special needs.

True, true, true, and THAT IS A DAMN GOOD IDEA!! lol

I don't agree with the airlines charging more.....for offering the SAME exact service to each and every passenger......to get them from point A to point B. Why should the overweight person have to pay more for the same service? IMO they shouldn't have to but should be provided with adequate room. Why are the seats they currently have to offer being considered "normal". What is normal size anyway:dunno

That is a very valid point, but I don't know if it IS the same service. Morbidly obese person A might be riding in comfort, while "Normal" person B might be getting from point a to point b in severe discomfort because of A's body moving in, a possibly bad smell, etc, OR Morbidly obese A might be flying, hardly able to breathe while "Normal" B is actually fairly comfortable, but bitching the whole way. But, that's not the airline's call.

Lol, I'm not debating you or calling you out. You just got me thinking.

That would be hard, because unless someone was willing to move, the reason the seat next to them is empty, is because they bought the ticket. Or are you saying that if there are extra, empty seats already, they should get a refund? Just wondering! :)




If there are extra empty seats already.

I think I (L) you.... :D



.

Err ummm he's spoken for! :D :teehee

Err ummm he's spoken for! :D :teehee

rut roh :catfight

I see a potential throwdown here. And I am in the front row!!:taptap:popcorn

First off, some things said on this thread were very offensive.

My best friend has a thyroid disorder. He's 6'7" 400 pounds, and he eats less a day than I do. He simply can't help it. He doesn't fly, and when he does he gets first class because he knows people are judging him as being an "Obese person who doesn't take care of their body." Oh well, enough of that.

I think larger people should have to either buy two seats or a first class eat to avoid inconvienincing other flyers. :)

Err ummm he's spoken for! :D :teehee

:panic :sheep :sorrysign

LOL Does it make you feel better my first reaction was "HE?"

It is possible, though, to speak one's mind with tact. Personally, I think it defeats any point you may have to make when you resort to using nasty commentary to make it. What you think could have just as easily been expressed without the offensive tone.


My mind is to slow right now after sitting in the hospital with my brother who has had a major operation on both his legs...... BUT....

I do think that it is awful and uncomfortable sitting next to a larger person. They are not neccessarily obese...

BUT the worse experience I have had is sitting next to this poor woman crying the whole flight back from Hawaii to Seattle. The crying wasnt the bad experience of the flight... her oozing sores that were covered by bandages that were barely covering the sores during the flight... she was a bigger lady so I had to use my pillow for the side of my arm in hope that I wouldnt get any germs or bodily fluid on me....:scared

My mind is to slow right now after sitting in the hospital with my brother who has had a major operation on both his legs...... BUT....

I do think that it is awful and uncomfortable sitting next to a larger person. They are not neccessarily obese...

BUT the worse experience I have had is sitting next to this poor woman crying the whole flight back from Hawaii to Seattle. The crying wasnt the bad experience of the flight... her oozing sores that were covered by bandages that were barely covering the sores during the flight... she was a bigger lady so I had to use my pillow for the side of my arm in hope that I wouldnt get any germs or bodily fluid on me....:scared

:puke EWWWW! What the hell was she even doing on the damn plane in that state? :sick I would have complained until they either booted her off or gave me a different seat! :refuse

:puke EWWWW! What the hell was she even doing on the damn plane in that state? :sick I would have complained until they either booted her off or gave me a different seat! :refuse

I felt terrible for her... she must have had something terrible happen to her in her life. I was in the middle sit and had a nice understanding woman who worked for the airlines but a different route.... she knew I needed to share her seat with her...:hehe

I was beat tired... Making a stink is not in my blood... but I guess I should have....

This poor woman was holding a cross and her xrays when she came on the plane.. I felt terrible for her.

i agree with most of the ladies on here. i think that if an individual spills over into another seat and is having to use that seat, then they should have to pay for it. granted, airplanes aren't amazingly comfortable and sometimes arms can cause a tight seat. but if someone's sides and/or rear end is spilling into the seat next to them, it's not fair to the other passenger/passengers to be more uncomfortable than necessary.

i wanted to add another dimension to this. i think we should keep in mind that being too big for a coach seat doesn't just mean being obese.

db is 7 ft tall. the leg room, in a coach seat, is shorter than the distance between his hip and his knee. to sit in a coach seat he has to open his legs to the side, either infringing on the aisle or his neighbors seat. db's civy job is as a consultant and he's flying constantly. he or his company (depending whether he's on business) always pay extra to upgrade his seat or at least get him the emergency exit row so he's not in a neighbor's space.

he certainly can't help his height, but he pays for the extra space he needs. as i pay for the space i need with a coach seat.

I really dont think that people should have to deal with someone else in their seats. So yes if there is no other way the person should have to buy 2 seats. And maybe the airline should have standards set for the seats. As for them gettin a first class seat not all air planes have first class. And i really do think that the airlines need to make some bigger seats. The last time i flew my daugthers car seat just fit in the seat.

If I'm paying all that money to fly then I want to fly comfortable...I expect to be able to use my own armrest not having to sit with my hands in my lap or folding my arms because I don't have room from someone else...And that is my skinny on the subject. So yes I think they should have to pay for two tickets...

I think seats need to be made bigger. I request to be in the emergency exit row as much as posisble because I hate having no leg room. Tickets are expensive enough without having to upgrade to first/business class and the military definitely won't pay for it when PCSing. I hate getting stuck by someone who takes over my seat(skinny, fat, or average) because I paid good money fgor my seat and I want the whole 15 inches of space they think I fit in

Nope.

Yes, if you can't fit in 1 seat you need to pay for the 2nd seat. And on many flights, first class is MORE than double a coach seat. not if you pay full fare, but you really only need to pay full fare coach for a last minute seat. yes, it seems unfair but, come on, it's not picking on the people who can't fit in the seat, it's just a realistic part of their own situation.

Haha ok let's all point out how mean and offensive I am. :bringit :grin:

There's a huge difference between being fat and being obese. I consider myself fat but I am far from the point of spilling over an airline seat. Again, it all comes down to so many people being flat out lazy and not caring for their health or body.

Not really, if you use the BMI chart, which is a joke in itself. People aren't all cut from the same cookie cutter.

Am I that predictable or am I morbidly obese?

This topic has been hashed out a million times, and every single time it has devolved into a name-calling match. People who are morbidly obese (or are close with those that are) are touchy about the topic because their entire life has been a battle with self image. People who aren't morbidly obese tend to believe what the media says because they don't know any better. When you combine people who have low self image with people who have been convinced that obesity is choice, the ONLY end result is negative. This entire debate will end, at best, lose-lose.

Very well said (all hail the master debater). :hail


I'm overweight and have struggled with an eating disorder for 6 years now. I struggle with my body image every second of my life. I look at being overweight as something that is digusting, because it's what I see in myself.

From a psychological standpoint, this explains your apparent intense hatred for obese people. I can only assume it's hatred, judging by the inconsiderate and careless, not to mention tactless things you've had to say. Girl you are not just an image in the mirror. You're a person with feelings and emotions and valuable thoughts with the potential to be productive. SERIOUSLY, go talk to someone. You're perspective is so skewed that you don't see a person, you see an image. I struggle with the same thing - identifying myself based on what I see in the mirror - it is HARD, day in and day out. But it's a mental thing and it can be overcome. You owe yourself that if nothing else.

I didn't say I didn't like skinny people. I was referring to the skinny people that blatently (sp) make the remarks about heavy people. Maybe I should have clarified more.

Like that lady in the Dr. Phil house!! :banghead I think it's just ignorance.



I had so much to comment on (love that multiquote feature) that I've sort of lost track of all I had to say. But in a nutshell - Hatetank, when you get out of the navy I think you should seriously consider running for congress. I'm serious. You have excellent ideas and a very...oh what's the word...one hell of a thought process. I don't know how you come up with it all, but somehow you're always right - or at least your ideas seem to always be good ones. Ok maybe not always - that's a limiting word - but I can't remember the last one that wasn't :lol I loved your idea for the fairness aspect (if you take up half a seat you have to share :giggle)

Personally...I hate this subject. As someone who at one point weighed over 300 pounds, I thank God that I didn't have to shell out an extra $850 when I took an emergency flight from Charleston to Oregon when my grandmother passed. It would have added insult to injury. (I didn't wind up sitting next to anyone, but that wasn't the point). On the other hand, Rod's idea of an extra row or two of "oversized" seats in coach, available at a smaller additional fee than purchasing a first class seat, would have really been a lifesaver for me, traveling with a two month old. It would also be a great option for pregnant women traveling, or people like Brandi and Jason, traveling with kids. I just think the idea is a great one, benefitting more than just those people that are larger than a typical seat.

I think larger people should have to either buy two seats or a first class eat to avoid inconvienincing other flyers. :)

I honestly don't take that as a valid argument. If that were so, then there would be a checklist before getting on the plane because an airline flight, by it's nature is inconveniencing.

- Everyone would have to shower before getting on the plane to get rid of offensive odors, perfumes, etc (perfumes cause allergic reactions and migraines in some which are far more dangerous than infringing in someone's space).

- I'm sitting here listening to the clicking of my keyboard as I type. Would this bother someone? Maybe they shouldn't allow computers on planes.

There are an unlimited number of things that inconvenience people on planes, should they all be banned or made to pay extra for?

:panic :sheep :sorrysign

LOL Does it make you feel better my first reaction was "HE?"

:lol

I'm just teasing ya! But yep, He. He's my hubster :D

Wow I cant believe that someone would write something like that, then go back and take it off as if its to make people feel better. Hey im overweight due to a hormone problem, not because we spend two pay checks on food...

I think that anyone who is in fringing on someone space on a plane should have an extra seat. I flew from Pittsburgh to SD no stop with a lady who couldnt control her child...he kept hitting me, trying to sit between us and when i went to go the bathroom and came back he was in my seat. Also you have the business people who have spread out everything they own to read it all...

I like the rows of seats with extra space idea.

I honestly don't take that as a valid argument. If that were so, then there would be a checklist before getting on the plane because an airline flight, by it's nature is inconveniencing.

- Everyone would have to shower before getting on the plane to get rid of offensive odors, perfumes, etc (perfumes cause allergic reactions and migraines in some which are far more dangerous than infringing in someone's space).

- I'm sitting here listening to the clicking of my keyboard as I type. Would this bother someone? Maybe they shouldn't allow computers on planes.

There are an unlimited number of things that inconvenience people on planes, should they all be banned or made to pay extra for?

I do see it as a valid argument. People can deal with unpleasant smell, people can deal with annoying noises. It is unfair, and a huge inconvenience for you to have to share your seat with someone.

My mother, on a flight from Delaware to Texas, had to sit on TOP of her co-worker, because the man sitting next to her spilled so much over in her seat, and was so rude about it (Not saying this is the case in all situation, because I'm sure it's far from it) that she couldn't even sit in her seat, and the flight attendant told her "I'm sorry ma'am, there's nothing we can do." I think that's a little bit more of an inconvenience than having to deal with an unpleasant odor.

I think they should make the seats on the planes a little bigger cuz on average, americans are bigger than most other countries. I think after they make the seats bigger and people still do not fit in them, the only other alternative would be to purchase two seats. But the seats def. need to be built bigger though .. Carmen