MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums - View Single Post - Overweight passengers having to purchase 2 seats, fair or not fair

Mr 5 0 · 06-20-2002, 03:23 PM

O.K., I was kidding about airlines charging by the pound. I assumed that was apparent but, maybe not. It would be insulting and unacceptable to most folks, guaranteed. That's why I didn't mean for the suggestion to be taken at face value.

The obvious fair solution is to simply charge the obese person for two seats but as I stated in my first post on the subject, that can open the airlines up to the usual discrimination lawsuits, something they can ill afford right now.

What to do?

Realistically, make the seats bigger (as they once were). Barring that sensible approach (which would cut down on the amount of passengers that would fit into the plane) I don't see any other recourse other than to add the extra charge for another seat when an obese person cannot fit into the regular seat.

The whole ADA disability thing is a nightmare. Drug addicts are considered disabled! People who willingly ingest addiction-causing illegal drugs can get SSI, special treatment and even housing paid for by taxes. Outrageous, isn't it?

No one wants to deny help to the truly disabled and I know a few folks who get such help and need it. No problem. I'm glad to see a few of my tax dollars go to those who can't do for themselves because of something they were born with or otherwise had no hand in causing.

It's the people who become obese, drug-addicted or otherwise handicapped by their own actions that get most of us angry at a system that rewards foolish and destructive behavior, like overeating. The airline charging for two seats for the obese simply brings the issue out in the open.

I predict the airlines will win this one because it's not unreasonable and they have had the policy in place for some time but didn't advertise it. Yes, I know some overweight folks will be embarrassed and inconvenienced but as has been mentioned, flying on a commercial airline is not a constitutional right, it's a luxury. You can always drive, take a bus, train or a ship if necessary.

The problem we face today in our society is that no one wants to be held accountable for their actions in life. No matter how stupid or destructive the behavior, the taxpayers (also known as 'The Government') are expected to help pay for it in some form and the rest of us are supposed to excuse it, accomodate it and deal with it and never, never point out that it isn't our problem, they caused it themselves. No, that, you see, would be insensitive and judgemental.

This kind of liberal-directed-and-nutured nonsense is just a small part of the reason I'm a political conservative. I can think and use common sense and I know I'm not alone here by a long shot.

06-20-2002, 03:23 PM	#28
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Phat and fairness O.K., I was kidding about airlines charging by the pound. I assumed that was apparent but, maybe not. It would be insulting and unacceptable to most folks, guaranteed. That's why I didn't mean for the suggestion to be taken at face value. The obvious fair solution is to simply charge the obese person for two seats but as I stated in my first post on the subject, that can open the airlines up to the usual discrimination lawsuits, something they can ill afford right now. What to do? Realistically, make the seats bigger (as they once were). Barring that sensible approach (which would cut down on the amount of passengers that would fit into the plane) I don't see any other recourse other than to add the extra charge for another seat when an obese person cannot fit into the regular seat. The whole ADA disability thing is a nightmare. Drug addicts are considered disabled! People who willingly ingest addiction-causing illegal drugs can get SSI, special treatment and even housing paid for by taxes. Outrageous, isn't it? No one wants to deny help to the truly disabled and I know a few folks who get such help and need it. No problem. I'm glad to see a few of my tax dollars go to those who can't do for themselves because of something they were born with or otherwise had no hand in causing. It's the people who become obese, drug-addicted or otherwise handicapped by their own actions that get most of us angry at a system that rewards foolish and destructive behavior, like overeating. The airline charging for two seats for the obese simply brings the issue out in the open. I predict the airlines will win this one because it's not unreasonable and they have had the policy in place for some time but didn't advertise it. Yes, I know some overweight folks will be embarrassed and inconvenienced but as has been mentioned, flying on a commercial airline is not a constitutional right, it's a luxury. You can always drive, take a bus, train or a ship if necessary. The problem we face today in our society is that no one wants to be held accountable for their actions in life. No matter how stupid or destructive the behavior, the taxpayers (also known as 'The Government') are expected to help pay for it in some form and the rest of us are supposed to excuse it, accomodate it and deal with it and never, never point out that it isn't our problem, they caused it themselves. No, that, you see, would be insensitive and judgemental. This kind of liberal-directed-and-nutured nonsense is just a small part of the reason I'm a political conservative. I can think and use common sense and I know I'm not alone here by a long shot.