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I think ADA will be all over this one with the airlines. Obesity is concidered a disability, and they will demand that airlines incorporate accessible seating.
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Hmmm, This could become a whole different thread...
Before I start this, let me assure all of you that I'm not some heartless, ultra right wing crazy who worships the smell of money over the misfortunes of others, but in general I believe many Americans tend to mix up "rights" with "wants". I hear every day on the news that people should have the "right" to this and "right" to that when some of this stuff is just as moronic as a 16 year old telling his parents that he has a "right" to have a car and cell phone. (I've actually heard that before...)
There is a BIG difference between stanggirl's son who has a true disability (something not of his own making and cannot be corrected), and true, overt obesity. While there is truth in hereditary heavyness, the worst cases are almost ALWAYS self made. In these cases, the issue was self-made and CAN be corrected. These cases should not be considered a disability. What's the difference between me paying for someone's larger "phat" seat and paying for the extra food they need to satisfy their increased appetite? While this is a bit of a stretch, the principle is the same....
While I do feel sorry for many of these folks, paying for them in respects of tax-paid reserve parking spots, motor scooters, counseling, health bills, and what some might want... higher plane fares to accomodate the excessively obese is just plain wrong. As I said before, there is a difference between a true disability and something that can be corrected (or at least reduced) with some effort.
As far as the "rights" issues I stated above, last time I checked, there was no "right" to a comfortable airline seat, or even the "right" to fly at all.... There is no "right" to own or ride in a privately owned vehicle (whether owned by a person or company). Public transportation, since it is government funded and essentially "owned" by all Americans is an exception and should have provisions for most (if not all) citizens.
We do not live in a true free market economy. Although it is close, a true free market economy would not be forced to provide handicapped parking spaces, wheelchair ramps, speed bumps... etc... etc. (Please realize that I'm not advocating this...)
The businesses would live and die by their clientel.... You can bet some businesses would build wheelchair access without being made to do it to get the business of the handicapped.
You can also go the other extreme of funding EVERYTHING for EVERYONE..... ask the Canadians how much they love their taxes and health care system.
A middle ground is what is called for, and I think we've done quite well...
Let me remind all of you that there used to be a "option" to deny service.... businesses can still exercise that option, but you can bet your butt they'll get slapped with a lawsuit if a bum walks into a restaurant with no shoes, no shirt, torn, rancid pants and gets thrown out, they'll be accused of "discrimination" against the "economically challenged".
My point is simply this:
If you're overtly obese and you want a bigger door on your house you pay for it...
You want a bigger car so can comfortably drive?
You pay for it...
You have a larger appetite?
You pay for it...
You need a bigger seat on an airplane?
YOU PAY FOR IT