This article and one I will add later really hits on some important issues for the travel industry. I'm sure there will be lively discussion so have at it!
I am in no way a frequent flier, but in the amount of flights that I have had over my lifetime I have noticed this issue being of some concern. I have watched as larger men and women try to cram themselves into the seat and try even harder to fasten their safety belt. Meanwhile, the passengers next to this person are leaning against their other arm rest because part of their seat is now in use by someone other than themselves. Today, most airlines require larger passengers to buy more than one seat to give themselves ample room. However, obese rights advocates have argued that this is not a reasonable solution and rather it is just a scheme for the airline industry to make more money.
In defense of the airline industry charging for two seats, I can understand the business issue the airlines are facing. If the airlines do not enforce the purchasing of an additional seat, it puts other passengers in an uncomfortable position; some would argue that other than other passengers in the row, the larger passenger themselves may also be uncomfortable or embarrassed. Uncomfortable feelings do not bode well for the future of the airline or the promised return of their customer. So, the airline could be losing potential loyal and future passengers due to one uncomfortable experience. I do not know for certain if this potential lost of customers would be equal, greater than or less than the amount that could be earned charging larger passengers an additional seat, but one must argue that it is a valid concern to mention to the obese rights advocates.
Personally, my latest flight from Las Vegas, I had a similar situation. A larger gentleman was seated next to me in the aisle seat, sandwiching my friend and I between the window and himself. The arm rests were making him uncomfortable so he raised them both thus taking up a good portion of my seat. Not wanting to be rude, I simply raised the arm rest between my friend and I and we nestled up against the window. Overall, this experience was not uncomfortable enough for me to not fly with this airline, however it was not a comfortable experience. Personally, I do think that not having accommodations for this market is a safety hazard. After noticing how long it took the passenger to get up once the plane had landed, I am certain that in the event of an emergency, my friend and I would have been in the same position; nestled against the window and the passenger.
This is definitely a common and uncomfortable problem within the industry and it is difficult to solve without displeasing one side or the other. My only solution, although it would be expensive, would be for planes to consider a reconstruction of some seats. Perhaps several aisles of larger seats would provide an acceptable solution. Although larger seats would take up more room and allow for less people on the plane, the airlines could charge extra for these seats. This idea may not be viable, but as was identified within the article "I don't know what the solution is, but it is a real problem."
With 66% of America being either overweight or obese this issue is becoming the norm. Being a health and fitness professional I have no sympathy for the overweight. I have seen to many people change their lives and lose weight to believe that being overweight isn't a choice. Being overweight is a personal choice not much different than smoking. Individuals make the decision to lead an unhealthy lifestyle and must suffer the consequences. Smoking is not allowed on airlines due to the comfort and safety of other passengers. Why is being overweight any different. For advocates to say this creates embarrassment is grasping at straws. The majority of this population feel some type of embarrassment everyday they are in the public. Whether its because they are winded climbing stairs, can't fit in a restaurant booth, cant bend over to tie their shoes or any number of issues being overweight affects their daily lives. I believe individuals who are not overweight should not judge but rather encourage. This however does not mean we should rearrange our lifestyle to accommodate their poor personal choices. All overweight individuals have an enabler in their lives. Someone who says its ok to be overweight and helps them stay in this condition. Society does not need to be an additional enabler. For example we already handout handicapped tags to the obese allowing them to park closer, compounding the problem. Overweight individuals who do not want to pay for the extra seat could kill 3 birds with one stone by cutting down the food bill. 1. Afford the extra seat til they lose weight 2. save enough money to afford a gym membership. 3. Eat less and healthier. I have been told twice I would may never walk again. it is up to us to accept what life hands us or take control and change it. My facility is currently running a "weight loss challenge". Through 3 weeks 48 members have lost a combined 146.3 pounds. It is possible. Instead of complaining about injustice the obese and overweight should take control of their lives and be healthy, seating problem solved. In the words of the great Maya Angelou - You want me to do something... tell me I can't do it.
I am in no way a frequent flier, but in the amount of flights that I have had over my lifetime I have noticed this issue being of some concern. I have watched as larger men and women try to cram themselves into the seat and try even harder to fasten their safety belt. Meanwhile, the passengers next to this person are leaning against their other arm rest because part of their seat is now in use by someone other than themselves. Today, most airlines require larger passengers to buy more than one seat to give themselves ample room. However, obese rights advocates have argued that this is not a reasonable solution and rather it is just a scheme for the airline industry to make more money.
ReplyDeleteIn defense of the airline industry charging for two seats, I can understand the business issue the airlines are facing. If the airlines do not enforce the purchasing of an additional seat, it puts other passengers in an uncomfortable position; some would argue that other than other passengers in the row, the larger passenger themselves may also be uncomfortable or embarrassed. Uncomfortable feelings do not bode well for the future of the airline or the promised return of their customer. So, the airline could be losing potential loyal and future passengers due to one uncomfortable experience. I do not know for certain if this potential lost of customers would be equal, greater than or less than the amount that could be earned charging larger passengers an additional seat, but one must argue that it is a valid concern to mention to the obese rights advocates.
Personally, my latest flight from Las Vegas, I had a similar situation. A larger gentleman was seated next to me in the aisle seat, sandwiching my friend and I between the window and himself. The arm rests were making him uncomfortable so he raised them both thus taking up a good portion of my seat. Not wanting to be rude, I simply raised the arm rest between my friend and I and we nestled up against the window. Overall, this experience was not uncomfortable enough for me to not fly with this airline, however it was not a comfortable experience. Personally, I do think that not having accommodations for this market is a safety hazard. After noticing how long it took the passenger to get up once the plane had landed, I am certain that in the event of an emergency, my friend and I would have been in the same position; nestled against the window and the passenger.
This is definitely a common and uncomfortable problem within the industry and it is difficult to solve without displeasing one side or the other. My only solution, although it would be expensive, would be for planes to consider a reconstruction of some seats. Perhaps several aisles of larger seats would provide an acceptable solution. Although larger seats would take up more room and allow for less people on the plane, the airlines could charge extra for these seats. This idea may not be viable, but as was identified within the article "I don't know what the solution is, but it is a real problem."
With 66% of America being either overweight or obese this issue is becoming the norm. Being a health and fitness professional I have no sympathy for the overweight. I have seen to many people change their lives and lose weight to believe that being overweight isn't a choice. Being overweight is a personal choice not much different than smoking. Individuals make the decision to lead an unhealthy lifestyle and must suffer the consequences. Smoking is not allowed on airlines due to the comfort and safety of other passengers. Why is being overweight any different. For advocates to say this creates embarrassment is grasping at straws. The majority of this population feel some type of embarrassment everyday they are in the public. Whether its because they are winded climbing stairs, can't fit in a restaurant booth, cant bend over to tie their shoes or any number of issues being overweight affects their daily lives. I believe individuals who are not overweight should not judge but rather encourage. This however does not mean we should rearrange our lifestyle to accommodate their poor personal choices. All overweight individuals have an enabler in their lives. Someone who says its ok to be overweight and helps them stay in this condition. Society does not need to be an additional enabler. For example we already handout handicapped tags to the obese allowing them to park closer, compounding the problem. Overweight individuals who do not want to pay for the extra seat could kill 3 birds with one stone by cutting down the food bill. 1. Afford the extra seat til they lose weight 2. save enough money to afford a gym membership. 3. Eat less and healthier. I have been told twice I would may never walk again. it is up to us to accept what life hands us or take control and change it. My facility is currently running a "weight loss challenge". Through 3 weeks 48 members have lost a combined 146.3 pounds. It is possible. Instead of complaining about injustice the obese and overweight should take control of their lives and be healthy, seating problem solved. In the words of the great Maya Angelou - You want me to do something... tell me I can't do it.
ReplyDeleteHere's a follow up article on this topic that should please Andrew.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.popeater.com/2011/02/08/kevin-smith-weight-loss/