It is often the elephant in the room that no one talks about. Someone is spilling over into the adjacent seat, both parties are uncomfortable, but no one says anything. United Airlines new policy is their solution to over 700 customer complaints they have received regarding overweight passengers. With an approximate average of 80 million passengers that fly with United annually, 700 complaints hardly seems to represent the majority. If you happen to be one of the 23 percent of the United States overweight population, prepare to pay twice the price. United Airlines solution for passengers that require extra space is to implement a mandatory purchase of two seats or the purchase of a business class ticket. Although many feel it is a problem, is this the appropriate solution?
This new policy will be aggressively enforced by ticket agents and flight attendants who deem a person unable to fit in their seat without infringing on the next passenger's seat. If the flight is sold-out and there are no conjoining seats available, the overweight passenger will be bumped to a later flight where seats are available. If the flight attendant can not seat the passenger next to an empty seat, the passenger will need to either purchase another ticket, upgrade to another cabin or book a later flight. Since there is no exact weight or dimensions set in writing, there are three factors they look at to determine the enforcement of the policy. If the passenger is unable to put the seat's armrest down, unable to fit into one seat and/or can not buckle their seat belt properly even with a seat belt extender, the passenger is subject to the policy.
The United States has a reputation for going big, whether it be the size of the meal or the car, America is known for its excess. Not surprisingly, the United States also tips the world's scale with the highest population in the world of excessively overweight people. Coach is one thing that America does not do over sized. Most airlines based out of the United States provide little room in their coach cabin. Even if you are considered normal weight, the seats are often cramped. United has stated that they have implemented the policy for the comfort of all passengers. With airlines charging extra for luggage, food and weight, many wonder what is next? Will declining sales eventually lead to tickets based on a per pound basis for the passenger and their luggage? Many may feel the friendly skies are getting less friendly and more profit based.
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