United tells people they're too fat to fly

While I don't disagree with this idea, it doesn't surprise me that United is the first airline to try this.

I have never dealt with an airline workforce that was as hostile towards its customers as United is. I think they make everyone they hire take a semester of Asshole 101 before they're allowed to work.

 

Actually, I think Southwest tried it first.
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/major/119-fat-flyers-southwest-pay-up.html

 

At least that's what my wife always says ... hay yo!

 

I can understand why they'd do this, but the seats do seam a bit small to me. I'm a 10 and I find them uncomfortable. If they were the size of bus seats it would be better. I guess I'm just spoiled by the size of car seats. It's a good thing I don't fly that often.

 

For my $400, I get maybe 18 inches of seat space.
What entitles somebody else to a third of that space? How can that be reasonable?

 

The number of flights I've taken is in the triple digits. I have yet to see a person on a plane who takes up a third or half of the next person's seat. Seems like it's a big problem for others, though.

 

I have seen people who would need two seats at my local poker room. This thread made me wonder what must happen when they try to go on vacation..

 

Outing alert! KG is:

 

I understand the ruling. As a bigger guy (who still manages to fit in just his seat), I can see how this would be a problem.

That being said, can I ask the flight attendant to charge the asshole that sits next to me and pokes his elbows and knees into my space (when he isn't big enough to need to do so)? People impede on space on airplanes all the time, so where do we draw the line? And yes, I know, I can say "Hey douche, don't take up so much space," but that doesn't mean they will.

 

I think the customer complaints (700 complaints is enough for an airline to enact a controversial policy?)
I think its an issue with weight and fuel costs

A planeload of fatties costs a hell of a lot more to fly than a plane of average folk

They guage their fuel loads based on average passenger weights. The typical IHOP feeder throws it out of whack.

Same reason why there are stricter limits on luggage weights.

 

So, based on that, airlines should price their tickets by the pound.