The story was poorly reported by New Zealand media.

Short story is that a travel agent sold a ticket to 3 females AKL-BKK-AKL, economy outbound and business return. The women went to Thailand for weight loss surgery (gastric band?) and were large framed. No significant weight change after their procedure.

No issues outbound in economy, as seatbelt extensions (if needed) are available. However for the return, the women all exceeded the 56” limit to sit in the business class seat. Their Travel Agent should have alerted them to this limitation prior to travel.

It is reported that the TG staff didn’t handle the situation as well as could be done, with some public ‘size shaming’ at checkin reported.

read it here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/a...ectid=12303332