United Airlines Weighs In on 'Seat Infringement'

The carrier joins others in requiring passengers who don't fit in one seat to buy another, while Ryanair floats a 'fat tax' proposal

By Justin Bachman

The cattle-car quality of air travel is getting even less comfortable for some plus-size passengers. United Airlines (UAUA) on Apr. 15 announced it will require passengers who do not fit within one seat to buy another when no alternative can be arranged. And Euro-discounter Ryanair (RYAAY) is advancing the idea of a fat tax, which suggests to many observers the company may price its tickets based on body mass.

It's not the first time airlines have looked for ways to account for the fact that more fliers don't fit in one seat. At least a half dozen other U.S. airlines have policies about seat spillage. In 2002, Southwest (LUV) began making large passengers buy two seats when there were no open seats on a flight. Later that year the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance made the Dallas-based carrier's policy the central topic of discussion at its national conference in Atlanta.

Space Invader

United says it changed its policy after receiving nearly 700 complaints last year about "seat infringement." If there are no extra seats available on an overweight traveler's scheduled flight, United will rebook the passenger on a later one, charging the same fare for a second seat.

"Should the flight be full, which is rare in today's economy, and United is unable to re-accommodate the guest who is infringing on someone else's seat, we will offer the second seat on another flight at the same fare that was originally paid…even when a second seat is purchased on the day of departure, which is when fares are often much higher," United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski wrote in an e-mail. On its site, the airline says "we care a great deal about all of our customers' well-being, and we have implemented this policy to help ensure that everyone's travel experiences with United are comfortable and pleasant."

The fact that the U.S. has become a nation of rotundity has done little to soften the stigma around heavyweight fliers. Writing under a pseudonym on The Atlantic's Web site, a Washington reporter who had gastric bypass surgery describes various indignities the obese may encounter on a plane. Airlines offer seatbelt extenders for those who need them, but the request and occasional search for one can be uncomfortable. Regional jets often must be weight-balanced by asking passengers to shift to different seats, which can be embarrassing for heavy people.

Business Exchange

Track and share business topics across the Web.