Charging Obese Flyers Double

American Voices ISSUE 38•27 Jul 31, 2002

Southwest Airlines recently announced plans to strictly enforce a policy that asks passengers too large for its seats to purchase an extra fare. What do you think?

  • “Making the obese pay more is fine, but waving them into their seats with fluorescent-orange batons is too much.”

    Chris George –
    Systems Analyst

  • “As a man who once lost 100 pounds, I say to hell with them—it's their fault they're fat. As a man who gained the 100 pounds back, I say have a heart, Southwest Airlines.”

    Robert Russell –
    Cashier

  • “That explains the 'Test Your Ass Dimensions' frame at the check-in counter.”

    Donna Koechner –
    Homemaker

  • “I hope this controversy escalates. I would love to see that picket line.”

    Fred Issel –
    Delivery Driver

  • “Perhaps the overweight passenger could help offset the price of the extra seat by, say, serving as a screen for the in-flight movie.”

    Phil Lyman –
    Stockbroker

  • “Overweight people fully deserve the dignity they have denied themselves for so long.”

    Meredith Poole –
    Massage Therapist

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