To fat to fly??

[nutterbutter2010]

I was just reading an article where a 400 pound man was not allowed to fly because they said he had to buy two tickets for himself because of his size, and the flight was booked. He missed his uncles funeral because of it.

Thoughts?

 

[JESW]

It wasn't just that he was too fat - it was because the flight was full and there wasn't enough room for him. He was too large to fit in one seat and he needed to buy another one and there wasn't one available - THAT is why he couldn't fly - not just because of his size. (Lack of another seat)

Jill

 

[JessicaR]

My thoughts are that you know you will not fit in one seat if you weigh 400 lbs, and, should have purchased two. Personal responsibility.

In that exact situation what other outcome could there be? If he didnt fit in his seat he would be taking space in someone elses, that doesnt fly either! No pun intended.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I was just reading an article where a 400 pound man was not allowed to fly because they said he had to buy two tickets for himself because of his size, and the flight was booked. He missed his uncles funeral because of it.

Thoughts?

If you are 400lbs you have to buy 2 seats. He knew that and did not do so.

 

[nutterbutter2010]

It wasn't just that he was too fat - it was because the flight was full and there wasn't enough room for him. He was too large to fit in one seat and he needed to buy another one and there wasn't one available - THAT is why he couldn't fly - not just because of his size. (Lack of another seat)

Jill

Yes, my point (maybe I didn't get it out clearly....) is that they wanted him to buy 2 seats for just himself. Your right, they only 1 seat, and thats why they wouldn't let him fly. However, a normal size person would be allowed to purchase only 1 seat for themselves ofcourse.

 

[nutterbutter2010]

If you are 400lbs you have to buy 2 seats. He knew that and did not do so.

According to the article, he had flown before, and never been asked to buy more than once seat for himself. So no, he may not have known it.

 

[nutterbutter2010]

Okamoni Fa flies a lot, and says that despite weighing 400 pounds he's never had to buy a second seat like some overweight passengers.

Until, that is, he really needed to get somewhere fast.

The San Jose man bought a last-minute ticket from Southwest Airlines to attend his uncle's funeral, but when he arrived at the ticket counter the agent looked at him and told him he needed to buy a second seat. The problem was, the flight was fully booked, and apparently there were no alternative flights. That left Mr. Fa stranded and he missed the funeral.

There's been a lot of debate about the policy of charging overweight passengers for a second seat. Southwest says that if a passenger can't put down the armrests without encroaching on their neighbors' space then they need to buy another seat. If the flight isn't oversold, Southwest says they refund the extra charge.

In this case, Southwest has said they will refund Mr. Fa for the one seat he did buy, but wasn't allowed to use.

That's cold comfort for him. He wasn't able to join his family in their time of mourning and must now be wondering what the ticket agent will say the next time he tries to board a plane.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

According to the article, he had flown before, and never been asked to buy more than once seat for himself. So no, he may not have known it.

Since he is 400lbs he should have asked the airline policy so you don't get into a situation like the one he was in.

 

[mom2travel]

Yes, my point (maybe I didn't get it out clearly....) is that they wanted him to buy 2 seats for just himself. Your right, they only 1 seat, and thats why they wouldn't let him fly. However, a normal size person would be allowed to purchase only 1 seat for themselves ofcourse.

I think your first post was clear.
However, a normal size person would fit in 1 seat, a 400 lb person does not. There must be safety issues in addition to the fact that that large a person would certainly be imposing upon the space of the people seated next to him if he only had a single seat to occupy. I sometimes feel cramped in those airline seats; I can't imagine someone 3 times larger than I am fitting. Anyone who has flown before would know that if you are above a certain size you don't fit in 1 seat.

eta: I was typing (slowly) while some of the posts were added... Interesting that he had never been requested to buy a 2nd before. I agree w/ mickeymedic below - if he had tried and didn't fit, then require the 2 seats; if fits with another person seated next to him then go with it.

 

[mickeymedic]

Did they allow him to try to sit in a seat with both armrests down? If not, they should have. If he didn't fit, then fine - he should have to buy 2 seats. If he did fit, though, then his weight should not matter. Anyone who can fit into 1 seat should only have to buy 1 seat regardless of actual weight. Likewise, if you require more than 1 seat, you should pay for more than 1 seat.

 

[NMAmy]

According to the article, he had flown before, and never been asked to buy more than once seat for himself. So no, he may not have known it.

This has been going on for quite awhile. I find it difficult to believe that he wouldn't know this.

I'm grateful for the policy. Everyone has paid for their seat. If one passenger can't fit comfortably with the armrests down, then they really do need two seats.

 

[dakcp2001]

My heart really goes out to him, he was already upset and this of course had to make him feel even worse. However, that being said, I have to side with the airlines, since it would be unfair if he were to be sat next to me on a full flight. If you are 400 lbs you KNOW you do not fit into one seat, and he has flown befre. It is not fair to impose on the poor person that gets the seat next to you.

I once spent a flight from Mass to Vegas ( a long flight) with the woman next to me sitting on top of me. She was very sweet and I did not want to hurt her feelings, and she apologized profusely but when I got there the arm of the chair was up and she was totally in my seat, I had to squish in there next to her. It was awful. I would complain if asked to do that again, and I am generally not a complainer. I literally was squashed in half a seat.

 

[mickaholic4077]

I am close to the weight of the person in question and I have always been able to put down the arm rest. I of course will never fly Southwest even if by God's grace I someday lose weight.

 

[happygirl]

I personally don't think it's right that double charge him. My hubby is a little bit smaller then he is, I can only image how embrassed this poor man has been by this.

 

[nutterbutter2010]

I'm just happy that when we got on a plane next time (31 days!!!) the two people next to me won't even add up to 100lbs. Of course they are my children and will probably still be in my seat the entire time!!!

 

[happygirl]

I'm just happy that when we got on a plane next time (31 days!!!) the two people next to me won't even add up to 100lbs. Of course they are my children and will probably still be in my seat the entire time!!!

 

[nutterbutter2010]

 

[C.Ann]

I have a dear friend who is close - if not - the same size.. He has been aware of these policies with various airlines since it was plastered all over the news a long, long time ago.. He always purchases 2 seats for reasons: (1) So he won't infringe on the space of the passenger sitting next to him - and (2) So he doesn't encounter this type of problem..

I'm sorry that this man had to miss his uncles funeral, but I don't see how it was the fault of SW.. Were there no other airlines in the airport with available seats?

 

[JessicaR]

If the flight isn't oversold, Southwest says they refund the extra charge.

I think this is very generous of SWA. Why would anyone take exception to SWA having to implement this rule. Do other airlines allow people to pay for one seat and use two?

 

[happygirl]

If the flight isn't oversold, Southwest says they refund the extra charge.

I think this is very generous of SWA. Why would anyone take exception to SWA having to implement this rule. Do other airlines allow people to pay for one seat and use two?

So where does this end, they charge you double at Disney if you can't fit in one seat on a ride?