Airlines told to accommodate obese, disabled
Jan 14, 2008, 12:06 pm
#31
Join Date: Jul 1999
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Jan 19, 2008, 5:26 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2002
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Jan 19, 2008, 5:45 am
#34
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,062
That's a great idea. Every row that shows up as red on SeatGuru turns into the fat row. Seriously, it wouldn't be that hard for them to designate a certain number of seats available for "disabled passengers". For everyone's benefit my guess is these would be at the front of coach to reduce boarding times. There would be a cutoff for a guarantee to get those seats. They could basically sell 1 1/2 seats in this section on planes with 3 rows. The airlines are going to realize that as the population gets fatter, they will be better off having a formal way to deal with it rather than have it disrupt things when it happens.
As for people getting a note from a doctor to say their disabled. Please don't. Then I'll have to deal with more people asking. I have people ask for a handicap sticker because they're "legally blind", yet their glasses correct them to 20/20. They will still find someone to fill it out for them.
Jan 19, 2008, 5:51 am
#35
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: BKK
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Encroachment
If a hefty or big boned person, that should be purchasing 2 seats or sit in the fat lane, spills over halfway into my seat do I get a fair reduction? I am only able to use 1/2 of what i paid for, so my fare should be commensurate with what i have used. If fatties get 2 for the price of 1, I should get 1 for half price if I have love handles and general girth sloughing over the armrest.
sound fair?
sound fair?
Jan 22, 2008, 3:14 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: YPE
Posts: 421
Interestingly, the Canadian Transportation Agency dismissed a claim by the same person in 2002. Wonder what changed their mind this time? And what is this vague "genetic condition" her lawyer mentions?
"In terms of activity limitations, Ms. McKay-Panos contends that the activity at issue is the requirement to be seated as a passenger in a seat. She refers to her experience detailed above, particularly to the difficulty she experienced in forcing herself into the passenger seat, the pain she suffered, the difficulty she experienced to access the chair table and the fact that she was bumped into by flight attendants as evidence that she has limitations in performing the activity. As for participation restrictions, Ms. McKay-Panos explains that she suffered a limitation in accessing public transportation in Canada. This limitation is found in the difficulties she experienced when making her travel arrangements."
"The Agency found that Ms. McKay-Panos had not identified activity limitations relating to accessing the transportation system, since she can physically access airports, check her luggage, present herself to security points in airports and reach the boarding gate, like the majority of Canadians."
Excerpted from this site.
I think the airlines should politely decline her offer to help them establish guidelines for deciding who gets an extra seat, etc.
"In terms of activity limitations, Ms. McKay-Panos contends that the activity at issue is the requirement to be seated as a passenger in a seat. She refers to her experience detailed above, particularly to the difficulty she experienced in forcing herself into the passenger seat, the pain she suffered, the difficulty she experienced to access the chair table and the fact that she was bumped into by flight attendants as evidence that she has limitations in performing the activity. As for participation restrictions, Ms. McKay-Panos explains that she suffered a limitation in accessing public transportation in Canada. This limitation is found in the difficulties she experienced when making her travel arrangements."
"The Agency found that Ms. McKay-Panos had not identified activity limitations relating to accessing the transportation system, since she can physically access airports, check her luggage, present herself to security points in airports and reach the boarding gate, like the majority of Canadians."
Excerpted from this site.
I think the airlines should politely decline her offer to help them establish guidelines for deciding who gets an extra seat, etc.
Jan 23, 2008, 3:12 am
#38
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,017
That's the military of today, too. I was never a regular smoker, but I'd buy a carton of smokes before heading out to the field. If you keep one in your mouth during the summer in Florida, the gnats stay away. 
Anyway, obesity tends to lead to other disabilities. A lot of very obese folks are wheelchair bound, have bad ankles/knees, have diabetes, etc.
I still don't think that every must be accommodated, regardless of condition.
Anyway, obesity tends to lead to other disabilities. A lot of very obese folks are wheelchair bound, have bad ankles/knees, have diabetes, etc.
I still don't think that every must be accommodated, regardless of condition.
Jan 23, 2008, 3:51 am
#39
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 994
As a compulsive eater myself (but manage to control it - 6ft and 180lbs) I have some sympathy for people who basically have what I'd consider a "mental disability" and through depression or even genetics just can't stop stuffing themselves with food. In this case, maybe PROOF is the only practical way, and seat space should be given accordingly. It's not like you can visually see this disability, like when someone has a leg missing.
However, things like "tall" people demanding the good seats... I'm on the fence on that one. I find most economy seats too small even for tiny me (but I've got claustrophobia built-in for good measure), so I fly less often, and pay for premium seats. I was flying bulkhead the other day on a flight packed with US military just out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and this HUGE (tall and broad) fella was moved to the empty seat next to me, and was so overwhelmingly grateful.
So perhaps the argument is more to do with gratitude vs. demand? Had there been an expectation to get a seat through some no-fault physical attribute... I sort of think that's bordering on unfair.
Jan 23, 2008, 5:47 am
#40
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Leeds UK
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If a person cant fit in the seat in coach they have no right buying that ticket, let them buy a ticket that fits their ... (they would not buy a pair of 32" waist pants if they are a 48" waist).
I had the misfortune of sitting next to a BIGUN on a transat in coach and the armrest had to be upright to accommodate her, she took nearly half my seat
MOTTO if you cant buy you dont fly
I had the misfortune of sitting next to a BIGUN on a transat in coach and the armrest had to be upright to accommodate her, she took nearly half my seat
MOTTO if you cant buy you dont fly
Nov 20, 2008, 9:48 am
#43
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Obese in Canada have the right to two seats
For the price of one!
The high court declined to hear an appeal by Canadian airlines of a decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency that people who are "functionally disabled by obesity" deserve to have two seats for one fare.
http://www.reuters.com/article/marke...0081120?rpc=44
look out US. It's coming!
The high court declined to hear an appeal by Canadian airlines of a decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency that people who are "functionally disabled by obesity" deserve to have two seats for one fare.
http://www.reuters.com/article/marke...0081120?rpc=44
look out US. It's coming!
Nov 20, 2008, 11:32 am
#45
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YEG
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Posts: 248
Thats so stupid. They should have to pay for 2, and pay for the extra weight. There is no way my 160 lb body and my 55 lb bag should incur an aditional charge when there is someone 350 beside me.