Already a member?
Sign in
Welcome! Wikis are websites that everyone can build together. It's easy!
Location: Alerts for 6/09/08
Discussion: Should passenger weight affect fares?
Watch
 jimglab |
Should passenger weight affect fares?
Jun 6 2008, 1:16 PM EDT As airlines look for ways to cope with skyrocketing fuel bills, some bloggers and letter-writers are suggesting a radical idea: airline passengers should pay the pound, with weight-based fares or surcharges (see this week’s story). Our question this week: Should passengers be charged for air travel based on their weight, like cargo is? Would that be logical? Would it be fair? Post your comments here. 0 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
Anonymous |
RE: Should passenger weight affect fares?
Jun 9 2008, 11:05 AM EDT There should be a weight maximum, say 200 lbs, over which there would be a charge but under which there should be no charge 0 out of 6 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
Anonymous |
RE: Should passenger weight affect fares?
Jun 9 2008, 11:12 AM EDT I like the idea of a maximum weight, with a charge for those over the weight limit. However, an unintended consequence of any type of weight policy would be that people who are paying more for that seat will want a seat they can fit into. What does the airline do then? Should they give them the adjoining seat so the "overweight" person has that extra room? Right now they have to purchase two seats. Sounds like a losing proposition to me. 3 out of 4 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
Anonymous |
RE: Should passenger weight affect fares?
Jun 9 2008, 11:17 AM EDT Let the rabid ACLU attorneys attack...….. 0 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
Anonymous |
RE: Should passenger weight affect fares?
Jun 9 2008, 12:27 PM EDT There needs to be some consideration for a maximum weight limit and accommodations made when exceeding that limit. e.g. If a passenger requires a seat belt extender, then maybe that passenger also requires a second seat and the accompanying charge. Try sitting on a regional jet next to a person who extends 6 inches over into your seat. 2 out of 4 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
DLFILLERS DLFILLERS |
RE: Should passenger weight affect fares?
Jun 12 2008, 2:56 PM EDT ABSOLUTELY NOT!! This is discrimination at it's best. I'm a bit overweight but can fit comfortably in one seat with no belt extender. If they are gonna charge me more, i want first class for that extra charge!!! don't cram me in a small seat. Furthermore, this just further shows how greedy the airlines are. Southwest (for example), still has low fares and no extra fees, and they still make money while the others are constantly wanting to charge anybody they can more money for every little thing. If they start charging by weight, i'm sure those airlines that choose to do so will lose alot of business!!!!! 2 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
Anonymous |
RE: Should passenger weight affect fares?
Jun 16 2008, 2:30 PM EDT YES! we already have to pay extra for baggage due to soaring fuel costs. We should be allowed a max travel weight (posted when flight is ticketed) for both personal weight and baggage to make it fair. If you exceed that ,then you pay per pound. The fuel per pound can be calculated. Why should one person pay for another's excess weight? Most airlines already have a policy that if you cannot fit in your seat, you need to buy an extra seat - measured by the armrest being able to go down, or simply by the person next to you not having your thighs or belly extending over/under the armrest and squishing them! (Even Southwest has the policy posted - check the fine print!) Right now it's often measured by the afflicted passenger having to complain, which often doesn't happen. Passengers usually just grin-and-bear the discomfort, just like they do when a stinky/sweaty/gaseous/loud person sits next to you. However if there is offensive behavior for foul odors, the flight attendants take charge of those circumstances. Any doctors office posts the Guidelines for proper height/weight. Keep in mind this rule: Your special requirements shouldn't infringe on the greater good of the majority. We all pay for our special requirements in life - one way or another. (How about my 6'9" boyfriend who cannot fit in the tiny bathroom on some airplanes? he has to take multiple short flights, hold it, or only fly on certain airlines! And you can't adjust your height like you can your weight! So he pays extra for travel or drives!~) 0 out of 4 found this valuable. Do you? |