Overweight Passengers Challenge Airlines

Over-sized passengers who can not fit comfortably in a 17-inch-wide economy-class airplane seat is an increasing phenomenon. Obesity is a common condition, and the airlines also want to pack more and more people in the the cabin.

In the US, more than 30 percent of adults are categorized as obese, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards. Airlines have a variety of policies to deal with “passengers of size”, Triblive.com and The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

No government regulations exist for accommodating overweight air travelers, it is up to the airline, check in agent, gate agent or cabin attendant.

More airlines are enforcing “customer of size” rules, which range from requiring such passengers to purchase additional seats. In some cases passengers are even refused to board the aircraft, change seat or asked to wait for other flights with more space.

Fellow air passengers are sometimes squeezed by over-sized passengers, making the journey less comfortable for them.
Sometimes it is also possible to upgrade to a class with wider seats.

For more information please visit Airfarewatchdog.com.

There are several safety-risks involved in transporting passengers of size.
Difficulty to evacuate the cabin, aircraft weight and balance, and the risk of thrombosis due to immobilization, are factors affecting the safety.

The problem arise if the seat belt extension belt is not long enough to secure the person in the seat, or if the seat is not wide enough to accommodate the person between the armrests.

The best would be if the passenger, regardless of medical condition, discuss the condition with his or her doctor before booking the ticket. In an ideal world, every airline would also have a person that the passenger could talk to in confidence and to get advice about any condition, including weight, that could effect the safety and comfort of the flight. It is always wise to plan the trip as good as you can.

Please also read the conditions that apply to your airline.

If you are still in doubt, contact the airline again before the trip.