Comments on: “Obese have right to 2 airline seats –Canada court”

By: Dave Lincoln

Dave Lincoln — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:22:48 +0000

Of course, Chris, that goes without saying, but I guess I’ve got to say it. The flight attendants don’t want passengers to be uncomfortable. They would try to put the “big guy” next to either an empty seat or a kid. The bad situation occurs with a full flight.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:01:04 +0000

I hate to say that I agree with this ruling half-way. If a flight is not 100% booked, I do not think an obese person should have to pay extra simply because they require two seats. But if the plane is 100% booked, they should have to pay for the extra seat, because at that point they are cutting into the bottom line of the airline. Airlines should attempt to accomadiate the obese passengar if possible, but not be able to just charge them extra for an extra seat if it’s not being used.

By: Frank Sandman

Frank Sandman — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:45:43 +0000

I totally support the idea of providing two seats for fat people who need more than one. It is a matter of human right. However, Airlines are not to be
published by a law that encourages self-inflicted physical impairment caused by overeating. Those fat people applying for additional free seat should be subject to an interview and rightful justification.

By: jeff nolan

jeff nolan — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:36:49 +0000

but what I really want to know is whether they are entitled to extra snacks on board as well? How about a full can of soda instead of just a cup (mostly ice btw)? In all seriousness, I think most people support the theory of public accommodation but when it crosses the line to become absurd what happens is all sympathy and accommodation evaporates.

By: Todd Rogers

Todd Rogers — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:21:12 +0000

Of course, the airlines, (like the USP, FedEx, etc…) could charge passengers according to their weight. To be sure, the heavier the gross weight of the aircraft, the more fuel it needs to move from A to B. Thus, they incur higher costs. Let the “heavies” have three seats if they need them. Premium rates apply, of course. I’m also a proponent of heavies getting special handicapped parking spaces at the furthest possible point from their destination.

By: Richard Nieporent

Richard Nieporent — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:01:08 +0000

This decision makes me fear that in the not too distant future we will be living in the world of “Harrison Bergeron”.

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:15:19 +0000

Under the court’s theory, car makers are in for a big surprise, assuming car makers exist in the future, of course.

An obese person is offset from the steering wheel of a standard auto. That means that they are unable to use the controls in an optimally safe manner. Driving with only your left hand on the steering wheel, for instance, does not comply with the 10/2 hand positioning taught in safety classes. Clearly, auto designers need to make the front seat for one person only, situated in the middle of the driver’s compartment. Surely a court will look favorably on my argument.

I won’t even get into the issue of the unfairness of compact and sub-compact cars and the way they disadvantage the large, compelling them to spend extra money on large vehicles The unfairness should be obvious.

By: Dave Lincoln

Dave Lincoln — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:42:26 +0000

The whole world except for China. You’re still allowed common sense over there.

(the sad part is, I’m not joking.)

By: David Schwartz

David Schwartz — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:09:36 +0000

How is it discrimination if a business charges based on their actual cost to provide a service? And how is it not discrimination if you are entitled to two seats for the price of one if you are obese and not if you are thin? Has the world gone completely bonkers or is it just Canada?

By: John Rohan

John Rohan — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:14:39 +0000

Even if you are not obese, what’s to stop a thin person from putting loads of padding under their clothes and claiming they need an extra seat?

This ruling absurd in the extreme, because it requires airline clerks to act like medical professionals and determine who is really obese and who isn’t. Otherwise, they will have to just give out two seats to everyone, regardless. Then what happens when a really, really obese person requires three seats?