It's the fat debate again
June 23rd 2010 02:49
Category: No Category
It really is a sad story, but nevertheless raises another question to airlines adding surcharges for the more 'wider' public.
Back in 2008 and earlier this year I wrote about the Excuse me sir, shouldn't you be paying for two seats? and C'mon, say it: you want them to pay following Air Fance and KLM's proposal to charge extra if passengers are over certain weight.
Today in the news, a more drastic move made by Air Transat who asked a passenger to pay double or leave is fueling up the debate again on whether over-weight passengers should be made to pay or be refused to fly.
Sandy Russell told he is too fat to fly
While I believe the person concerned should have been told of his weight issue and the possible charges (in his case, a second ticket) before he purchased his flight, there is that 'human-rights' issue airlines need to follow that they are not allowed to ask for the passenger's weight that complicate the situation.
While is it indeed a sensitive question, I believe airlines should be able to enquire passenger's weight before they purchase the tickets just in case they really are, too fat to fly. It's no longer discrimination against over-weight people, it's a safety issue when the handrests cannot be put down, or if this person may possibly be obstructing escape routes in an emergency.
Just like when an elevator beeps when carrying too much weight, and a theme park ride with height and weight restrictions, planes are also subject to such safety technicality rules. The industry really need to start thinking about how to manage this.
Back in 2008 and earlier this year I wrote about the Excuse me sir, shouldn't you be paying for two seats? and C'mon, say it: you want them to pay following Air Fance and KLM's proposal to charge extra if passengers are over certain weight.
Today in the news, a more drastic move made by Air Transat who asked a passenger to pay double or leave is fueling up the debate again on whether over-weight passengers should be made to pay or be refused to fly.
Sandy Russell told he is too fat to fly
While I believe the person concerned should have been told of his weight issue and the possible charges (in his case, a second ticket) before he purchased his flight, there is that 'human-rights' issue airlines need to follow that they are not allowed to ask for the passenger's weight that complicate the situation.
While is it indeed a sensitive question, I believe airlines should be able to enquire passenger's weight before they purchase the tickets just in case they really are, too fat to fly. It's no longer discrimination against over-weight people, it's a safety issue when the handrests cannot be put down, or if this person may possibly be obstructing escape routes in an emergency.
Just like when an elevator beeps when carrying too much weight, and a theme park ride with height and weight restrictions, planes are also subject to such safety technicality rules. The industry really need to start thinking about how to manage this.
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