Travel News - Legal ruling could see introduction of airline 'fat tax'

Judges decided that key elements of Britain’s disability and discrimination laws do not apply once passengers have boarded an aircraft. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9066658/Legal-ruling-could-see-introduction-of-airline-fat-tax.html)

They made the judgement after considering two cases involving wheelchair users who sued their airlines after they were unable to sit next to their carers on board a flight. Both subsequently suffered “embarrassing” incidents.
But both cases were dismissed after the court ruled that the Montreal Convention, a framework of international rules and regulations on air travel, should take precedence over British law.

Odd that a decision that means disabled people can be treated like dirt is headlined as "fat tax fears".

Wonder if some lawyer wants some publicity

I feel angered that airlines could now treat disabled passengers like dirt.

Odd that a decision that means disabled people can be treated like dirt is headlined as "fat tax fears".

Wonder if some lawyer wants some publicity

I guess treating people with disabilities like dirt doesn't bother people enough, so they had to find a way to get more attention on the article.

That is so ridiculous. What person wouldn't switch seats to allow a disabled person to sit with their caregiver! Disgusting...

Disgusting? Depends on the situation, really. This is likely a bulkhead seat, right? Mother and small child? Anyone paying extra for extra leg space? Do not be so quick to judge.

British law is like the Canadian Law (as Canada originated under British rule).. so decisions take in account precedence of cases which have occured in the past.

The judge is obliged to rule based on past case law that pertains to the case s/he is hearing.