United to Charge Double

[Globaliser]

And I do not like the practice of people reclining their seats in coach. The space is small enough. And I do not recline my seat. I really think coach seats should not recline at all.

I have to agree.

But most airlines disagree. They choose to install seats that have a reclining mechanism, even though they're heavier and therefore more expensive to fly around. Therefore, the airlines' official stance is that you can recline your seat - although one must always be sensitive and considerate about it.

Maybe they can come up with some special seats that are 1.5's or something.

Many airlines already do. It's called premium economy. Unfortunately, it's usually only found on longhaul flights, and not (yet) on any US airline.

[Petronillus]

Originally Posted by mama4katie

I am one of those POS so kindly discussed on this thread and many others. I am extremely self conscious about my size and am almost homebound because I can almost hear your thoughts in my head...OMG is she going to sit by me? WHAT A COW!!!! Ashamed and fearful of comments, mistreatment etc, I almost never left home...until my friend talked me into trying cruising and I was hooked!!!

Being overweight is obviously not something I picked for myself. I would never have said, "Hey Lord....can you make my behind the size of a VW??" But I have FINALLY learned to deal with it and with therapy have gotten out of my house and started to explore this beautiful world that the good Lord blessed us with....Losing weight is high up on my list and something I am working on not because of your comments or actions but because I want to live and enjoy life and not watch it pass me by in my dreams....

I finally got up the nerve to fly last year and took an easy flight to Miami and back and then another to Orlando and back....Both flights were good experiences and I was relieved that they proved positive....BUT now that I am booked to fly again to Miami to cruise in June I am ready to freak because of this thread and the annoucement of United Airlines....

I travel with my daughter and friend and we always carefully pick seats together. I sit in the middle of them and we are "CLOSE" but it works...I can put on the seat belt with one extension and I suppose if I had to I could lower the arms but it would not be fun....

As self conscious as I am about my size if I get on that plane and the attendant comes up and says....sorry, you need to buy another seat and the plane is packed with people....don't you think I will be mortified....I already hear in my head....OMG look at that cow....I can not imagine what my thoughts would be....I suppose I would just go back to the car and go home rather than go through the embarrassment of being escorted off the plane in front of all to buy a second seat.....

So at this point....I have booked and paid for a seat with my daughter and friend....we love each other and don't mind the closeness....do I call and offer them more money to avoid the embarrassment??? Do I pray that the airlines don't embarrass me??? Do I take several Xanax and not give a damn about what all those persons NOT of size think??

All I ask is don't make me feel any worse about myself than I already do....I just got out of my house and kind of enjoy this world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, if it bothers you to be near a "POS"...just do like the Carnival Employees and smile at me anyway....I kick myself enough about how I look....NO HELP NEEDED!!!!

She expresses precisely what I meant in my previous post. We all have our demons. In the case of the excessively corpulent their demons are, to their great misfortune, more openly on display than others'.

 

For reasons stated in my previous post, I find the acronym POS disturbing. Could we switch to POES (person of excessive size)?

[EJ'S MOM-MOM]

I can not understand how so many people can be so insensive. Like Petronillus said we all have our own demons just some do not show outwardly...I wonder how many of you take drugs, drink excessively, talk down to people, cheat on your taxes, steal from the cable company, is a pedifile or a corporate thief etc. all of which do not show when you sit next to someone on an airplane. Everyone of us has some skeleton in our closet. The unfortunate thing about obese people is that they can't hide their downfall/demon... All you insenitive people can believe what you want, but over eating is a medical problem whether it be physical or mental just like smoking, drinking & drugs are. It is a habit that most obese people would love to overcome but have great difficulty doing so. I was once told by a doctor that over eating is the hardest habit to break because unlike smoking, drinking or drugs where they tell you to stay away from people & places where those things are available to you, you can not stay away from food because you do need to eat so the problem is right there in front of you daily. So instead of being so insensitive why not try to be a little more understanding. Hopefully none of you ever have to be in a position where you are embarrased in public. And I will pray for all of you tonight that 1 you become more sensitive & 2 you do not have to ever sit next to an obese person on a plane again, especially me....:eek:

[EJ'S MOM-MOM]

I can not understand how so many people can be so insensive. Like Petronillus said we all have our own demons just some do not show outwardly...I wonder how many of you take drugs' date=' drink excessively, talk down to people, cheat on your taxes, steal from the cable company, is a pedifile or a corporate thief etc. all of which do not show when you sit next to someone on an airplane. Everyone of us has some skeleton in our closet. The unfortunate thing about obese people is that they can't hide their downfall/demon... All you insenitive people can believe what you want, but over eating is a medical problem whether it be physical or mental just like smoking, drinking & drugs are. It is a habit that most obese people would love to overcome but have great difficulty doing so. I was once told by a doctor that over eating is the hardest habit to break because unlike smoking, drinking or drugs where they tell you to stay away from people & places where those things are available to you, you can not stay away from food because you do need to eat so the problem is right there in front of you daily. So instead of being so insensitive why not try to be a little more understanding. Hopefully none of you ever have to be in a position where you are embarrased in public. And I will pray for all of you tonight that 1 you become more sensitive & 2 you do not have to ever sit next to an obese person on a plane again, especially me....:eek:[/b']

 

The issue here was if airlines should charge extra to someone who is obese if they need 2 seats & of course I think they should charge everyone for what they use. I did get off track & am sorry but I was so upset with the insensitivity displayed on this thread & did have to state my feelings.

[Toto2Kansas]

Not everyone is insensitive to larger passengers, not sure why this always has to come up when it comes to airline seats as a personal attack. :eek:

 

Whether one is sensitive to the person sitting next to them or not, it boils down to the fact that when you pay for one seat on a plane, you should not be entitled to any portion of the seat of the person sitting next to you. You can either fit in the seat, or you can't. If you can't, then yes, I agree that those needing more space should have to book (and pay for) two seats. You reserved one space on that plane, not 1 1/2 spaces. Seats are sold at one seat for one price, if you need more than one, then you should have to pay for more than one!

 

How the airlines will handle this? I sure hope they come up with a way that is not degrading to any passenger. But when larger passengers book one economy seat, knowing it will be close to impossible for them to fit in that one seat, then they are being insensitive to the person sitting next to them and opening themselves up to the ridicule that seems to happen.

 

It is not the airlines fault if Americans are getting larger by the minute.......they can't enlarge the planes or cut their revenues because of the eating habits or medical problems that cause these passengers to gain this much weight.

 

I have no answer to this problem but I must say I am glad to hear the airlines are trying to come up with one. Flying is tough enough on everyone, anymore. But this sort of problem can really cause unnecessary embarssment to some, while causing rage in others that must endure a flight on only half a seat.

[djmutters]

Thank you Nigel!!! I do try....and have seen some wonderful things so far!

 

I just have to say this for some of the worried writers on here: I have excellent medical and life insurance....I pay my bills, work full time and have full retirement from my first job....I am a widow and have raised a child alone without the help of anyone but my WIDE TAIL....so my size is all on my pocketbook....NO ONE else is having to pick up my tab!! Despite the "costs of obesity" I have been able to afford now 6 cruises in the last year and a half. So don't worry about paying for me!!!

 

I assure you if I could blink an eye and be a size 2.....POOF I'd be strutting my stuff....I am working on losing weight that I gained NOT because I have an illness but because I over eat...AND I am not making an excuse for being fat....

 

Ive not asked anyone for anything on here other than to not judge me or my fat friends so harshly and just be a tad more sensitive to others feelings....believe me....more than likely the fat lady sitting next to others is praying for the trip to be over just as much as you are....she knows youre not happy and she would do anything to "fix it"...........I will always gladly pay extra IF I need to but so far I can still "fit into the regulations" given....not as comfortably but I fit...and I take my own seat mates so you won't be slammed up next to me....my seat mates don't mind touching me....they even hold my hand cause I am petrified about flying....

 

Im a dang good person despite my size and I hate it for anyone if it bothers you I am large....now move over, I have a world to see!!!

 

 

Gods Many Blessing to you all!!

Kim

 

Hello Kim,

 

Not sure if you are still reading this thread or not ? but if you fancy a fellow fat UK penpal please feel free to drop me a line at northborough22k@btinternet.com would love to hear from you.

 

Nigel :)

[djmutters]

I can not understand how so many people can be so insensive. Like Petronillus said we all have our own demons just some do not show outwardly...I wonder how many of you take drugs' date=' drink excessively, talk down to people, cheat on your taxes, steal from the cable company, is a pedifile or a corporate thief etc. all of which do not show when you sit next to someone on an airplane. Everyone of us has some skeleton in our closet. The unfortunate thing about obese people is that they can't hide their downfall/demon... All you insenitive people can believe what you want, but over eating is a medical problem whether it be physical or mental just like smoking, drinking & drugs are. It is a habit that most obese people would love to overcome but have great difficulty doing so. I was once told by a doctor that over eating is the hardest habit to break because unlike smoking, drinking or drugs where they tell you to stay away from people & places where those things are available to you, you can not stay away from food because you do need to eat so the problem is right there in front of you daily. So instead of being so insensitive why not try to be a little more understanding. Hopefully none of you ever have to be in a position where you are embarrased in public. And I will pray for all of you tonight that 1 you become more sensitive & 2 you do not have to ever sit next to an obese person on a plane again, especially me....:eek:[/b']

 

What a great post, you go girlfriend :)

[boone2]

on a sort of similar theme, what do you do when a person near you absolutely stinks of body odour. I had to travel back from Barbados once next to a man who made me feel nauseous all the way home. On a BA flight from LHR a young gentleman got on the plane and immediately the whole cabin was filled with his acrid odour, no exaggeration! I overheard the flight attendant talking to the supervisor and saying he had to be removed as it was intolerable, and he was, I know you can't charge extra for odours so what would you do?

[wrp96]

on a sort of similar theme, what do you do when a person near you absolutely stinks of body odour. I had to travel back from Barbados once next to a man who made me feel nauseous all the way home. On a BA flight from LHR a young gentleman got on the plane and immediately the whole cabin was filled with his acrid odour, no exaggeration! I overheard the flight attendant talking to the supervisor and saying he had to be removed as it was intolerable, and he was, I know you can't charge extra for odours so what would you do?

 

 

If you notice it upon boarding, I would try to discuss it unobtrusively with the flight attendants if they don't notice it themselves. If they can't or won't do anything, I keep a small bottle of scented lotion in my carryon (I don't use scented lotion any other time), and I would dab a bit under your nose to disguise the scent.

[Catnip]

Not everyone is insensitive to larger passengers, not sure why this always has to come up when it comes to airline seats as a personal attack. :eek:

 

Whether one is sensitive to the person sitting next to them or not, it boils down to the fact that when you pay for one seat on a plane, you should not be entitled to any portion of the seat of the person sitting next to you. You can either fit in the seat, or you can't. If you can't, then yes, I agree that those needing more space should have to book (and pay for) two seats. You reserved one space on that plane, not 1 1/2 spaces. Seats are sold at one seat for one price, if you need more than one, then you should have to pay for more than one!

 

How the airlines will handle this? I sure hope they come up with a way that is not degrading to any passenger. But when larger passengers book one economy seat, knowing it will be close to impossible for them to fit in that one seat, then they are being insensitive to the person sitting next to them and opening themselves up to the ridicule that seems to happen.

 

It is not the airlines fault if Americans are getting larger by the minute.......they can't enlarge the planes or cut their revenues because of the eating habits or medical problems that cause these passengers to gain this much weight.

 

I have no answer to this problem but I must say I am glad to hear the airlines are trying to come up with one. Flying is tough enough on everyone, anymore. But this sort of problem can really cause unnecessary embarssment to some, while causing rage in others that must endure a flight on only half a seat.

 

Great post......totally agree. :)

[UpstateCruizer]

Which brings us to another debate: Should lapkids be illegal? I think YES!

 

I think anyone bringing a child should pay for a seat and have them strapped in a baby/child seat. It's safer that way for both their kids as well as other passengers. That lapbaby could easily become a projectile if the plane hits some really rough weather. They have to be strapped in in a car....they should have to on a plane, too. jmho.

 

 

I firmly believe people should pay for what they use/require but I pray what you are suggesting never happens. If it does I pray I'm never on a flight with one of those kids strapped in. Most kids get antsy being strapped into a car seat even for short rides. Imagine a 4 hour flight with a toddler screaming to get out of his/her car seat?? It might be a good revenue maker if the airlines sold the ear plugs that would be necessary for such flights.

 

While reading through these posts one thing stuck out and now I'm curious. I saw that a couple people commented about the reclining of the seats and it being a nuisance. I have always reclined my seat and often sleep through most of the flight. Those in front of me recline theirs as well. This is the first I've heard that it causes issues for others. What does my reclined seat do to affect your travel? The airlines I've flown seem to recline a very small amount so I'm curious to see how this is an issue. :confused:

[Lookingforfacts]

I know this is not an appropriate example, however, if you go to a steak restaurant and it takes two steaks for you to get your fill, you must PAY for two steaks.

 

 

This is a cruise air board. Cruise ships are known for buffets, that are sometimes open 24/7. Cruise restaurants will frequently permit customers to order multiple entrees. Cruise customers can even eat more then one meal; a room service breakfast followed by breakfast in the main dining room ending with the breakfast buffet.

 

I firmly believe people should pay for what they use/require but I pray what you are suggesting never happens. If it does I pray I'm never on a flight with one of those kids strapped in. Most kids get antsy being strapped into a car seat even for short rides. Imagine a 4 hour flight with a toddler screaming to get out of his/her car seat?? It might be a good revenue maker if the airlines sold the ear plugs that would be necessary for such flights.

 

While reading through these posts one thing stuck out and now I'm curious. I saw that a couple people commented about the reclining of the seats and it being a nuisance. I have always reclined my seat and often sleep through most of the flight. Those in front of me recline theirs as well. This is the first I've heard that it causes issues for others. What does my reclined seat do to affect your travel? The airlines I've flown seem to recline a very small amount so I'm curious to see how this is an issue. :confused:

 

Every been stuck in a seat that doesn't recline? Last row of a section and the row before the emergency exit seats typically don't recline. Some airlines need to do a better job restricting the recline so those passengers aren't "assaulted" when the passenger in the seat in front reclines. Sometimes the recline restrict isn't set correctly and there can be issue even if the seat behind you can recline.

[H2Otstr]

What does my reclined seat do to affect your travel? The airlines I've flown seem to recline a very small amount so I'm curious to see how this is an issue. :confused:

 

Last year on a return trip from Portugal the man in front of me put his seat back at it was just inches from my face. I couldn't move. I had to waken him to ask him to put his seat up so I could eat my meal and get out of my seat to use the facilities. He thought it was hilarious that he was IN MY FACE. I felt trapped. :(

[pms4104]

Which brings us to another debate: Should lapkids be illegal? I think YES!

 

I think anyone bringing a child should pay for a seat and have them strapped in a baby/child seat. It's safer that way for both their kids as well as other passengers. That lapbaby could easily become a projectile if the plane hits some really rough weather. They have to be strapped in in a car....they should have to on a plane, too. jmho.

Agree ... had ongoing e-chats with the senior flight attendant from the UA flight that cartwheeled down the runway in Sioux City some years ago. A lapper became a flying projectile in that incident and died of massive head trauma. So, in her retirement, she spends her time and energy lobbying gov't agencies to mandate a seat for everyone ... for the safety of everyone onboard the plane. So far, no success but she hasn't given up!

[Globaliser]

Last year on a return trip from Portugal the man in front of me put his seat back at it was just inches from my face. I couldn't move. I had to waken him to ask him to put his seat up so I could eat my meal and get out of my seat to use the facilities.

Mind you, you paid for only inches of space to begin with. That's the downside of flying in economy.

 

Many airlines' cabin crew will happily ask the person in front to put their seat up to allow you to eat. But in the downtime between meals, the seats are intended to be reclined for sleeping. That's why they recline.

So, in her retirement, she spends her time and energy lobbying gov't agencies to mandate a seat for everyone ... for the safety of everyone onboard the plane. So far, no success but she hasn't given up!

FWIW, the rationale for not mandating this is that more people (including children) would die if such a rule were put in place than at present.

 

So it's not exactly an open-and-shut argument.

[pms4104]

delete

[pms4104]

.FWIW, the rationale for not mandating this is that more people (including children) would die if such a rule were put in place than at present.

 

So it's not exactly an open-and-shut argument.

I know the rationale ... I just don't buy it as valid. Just my perspective.

[Lookingforfacts]

the rationale for not mandating this is that more people (including children) would die if such a rule were put in place than at present.

 

So it's not exactly an open-and-shut argument.

 

Specifically the argument is more people would die if paying for an infant seat would motivate famlies to drive to their vacation destination. Doesn't make sense to me. Under that philosophy airline safety regulations should be relaxed until the per mile death rate from airline travel equals the death rate for auto travel. The other rationale is airlines are afraid of being pressured into providing complimentary seats for infants.

 

The recline issue comes up if the passenger behind the reclinee is unable to recline his seat.

[Catnip]

FWIW, the rationale for not mandating this is that more people (including children) would die if such a rule were put in place than at present.

 

I don't understand. More people would die from what?

[Catnip]

I firmly believe people should pay for what they use/require but I pray what you are suggesting never happens. If it does I pray I'm never on a flight with one of those kids strapped in. Most kids get antsy being strapped into a car seat even for short rides. Imagine a 4 hour flight with a toddler screaming to get out of his/her car seat??

 

I never thought about the screaming aspect. You are probably right.

BUT, from the safety aspect, the baby/toddler (& nearby passengers as well) would be safer if children had to be restrained in car seats. It's just safer for everyone, period.

If they ever make it a requirement, I'll make sure my iPod has some loud songs in it!!!!!!! :D :D

[Catnip]

While reading through these posts one thing stuck out and now I'm curious. I saw that a couple people commented about the reclining of the seats and it being a nuisance. I have always reclined my seat and often sleep through most of the flight. Those in front of me recline theirs as well. This is the first I've heard that it causes issues for others. What does my reclined seat do to affect your travel? The airlines I've flown seem to recline a very small amount so I'm curious to see how this is an issue. :confused:

 

Flying in coach, the seats are SO close together that if someone reclines their seat, it "invades" my space. Sometimes, I don't recline my seat (when I'm reading or eating) and a reclined seat in front of me is literally inches from my face! :eek:

There is no way I could get in my carry-on, which is under the seat in front of me. It's very hard to get in/out of my seat when having to go to the bathroom.

It's OK in 1st class, since there is more room between the seat rows. But in coach, they shouldn't recline more than 2 inches, or so.

[paul929207]

I don't understand. More people would die from what?

Apparently they are comparing death rates from air crashes to deathe rates from auto crashes. Not sure what that has to do with United charging extra for overweight people.

[AirGorilla]

Yes I am a big guy and I do agree with your point 100% that if I was taking the space of the second seat then this would be unfair on the person/s sitting next to me however I would argue that these airlines should take into account there are large people in the world and maybe think about custormers comfort rather then how many small seats can we squeeze into a plane to make more money.

 

Some airlines DO think about customers' comfort. That's why they have BUSINESS CLASS and FIRST CLASS seats. They are WIDER. Those who cannot fit into coach class seats have the opportunity to purchase seats in the "front cabin." Or, they can buy two in the "rear cabin."

 

Live is full of choices -- some are good ones.

 

AG

[klfrodo]

Some airlines DO think about customers' comfort. That's why they have BUSINESS CLASS and FIRST CLASS seats. They are WIDER. Those who cannot fit into coach class seats have the opportunity to purchase seats in the "front cabin." Or, they can buy two in the "rear cabin."

 

Live is full of choices -- some are good ones.

 

AG

 

I'm with you,,,, up front ;)

[AirGorilla]

I'm with you,,,, up front ;)

 

Pass the Jack!! Make it a double!!

 

AG