Older South Africans want Airfares based on Weight

• Study by South Africa Travel Online reveals attitude towards basing airfares on passenger weight.

• According to the survey a majority of South Africans aged over 60 think it's acceptable to base airfares on passenger weight, but most South Africans younger than 60 think it's unacceptable.

17 July 2013, Cape Town -- GoAir in India was recently in the news for saying that they're only hiring thin, female flight attendants, in a bid to save money on fuel (they didn't mention whether they'd only hire thin female pilots too!). This follows on from last year when Samoa Air became the first airline in the world to charge airfares according to weight (about R10/kilogram).

The most surprising discovery was the difference of opinion between those over and those under 60 years old. While 53% of South Africans older than 60 believe it's perfectly acceptable to weigh-in like a boxer before a flight and be charged accordingly, 64% of younger folk say it's unacceptable. So, who is right - the youngsters or the retirees?

On an overall basis, 61% of the 2334 South Africans who participated are against having airfares based on weight. Most of those against a weigh-in reasoned that it would be discriminatory, against the Constitution, that some people have medical conditions whereby they cannot control their weight, and that it would be just plain embarassing. "No way should overweight people be charged extra for their tickets. This is immoral." was a typical response.

The SouthAfrica.TO survey demonstrates that here is a substantial minority (39%) who are for airfares based on passenger weight, with reasons varying from it making economic sense (since fuel costs depend on weight) to it encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles (there were even a few who were concerned that heavy people would interfere with the aircraft's avionics!). Certainly there's enough of a minority to make up a market for any airline gutsy enough to implement airfares based on weight. But judging by some of the feedback received, the airline would need to brace itself for a spate of criticism & court action. As Gerry mentioned "Any airline trying to enforce such a rule, is in for some serious trouble and will most certainly be facing a lot of grumpy overweights in court."

There was a lot of feeback from participants who felt that airlines need to do something about passengers who "peel over" into the seat next to them, particularly on the long-haul flights: "Is it fair for an 'average' person to be sandwiched in on overseas flights, due to the person next to you over-filling their seat? Harsh but a reality." said Maria.

Many surveyed felt that there should be a weigh-in which included luggage and the passenger: "I have always maintained that luggage and the person should stand on the scale at check in. Why should a person weighing say 60kg not be allowed more luggage than that of one weighing 130kg" said a participant.

A large portion of those who thought it acceptable to base airfares on weight felt there should be a threshold below which passengers wouldn't be penalised, with 90kg being a popular level mentioned (Ed: Uh oh, I'm in trouble...4kg over the minimum!).

SouthAfrica.TO suggest that the older folk who are keen on airfares based on weight are likely to find allies amongst the very young. Most participants focussed on the plight of heavier people, however the major beneficiaries of a weigh-in would be children (who didn't participate in our survey). Currently children have to pay the same as adults, meaning that children are effectively cross-subsidising adults. If airlines charged airfares based on their true cost (i.e. determined by weight), it would be cheaper for families with small children to fly.

South Africa Travel Online analysts pointed out that life Assurers have no qualms about discriminating between people - females are charged more to purchase annuities because they are expected to live longer, and if you've got a pre-existing medical issue that's your tough luck, you're going to pay more for your life assurance. Should we apply different moral standards to the airline industry?

About South Africa Travel Online

South Africa Travel Online is the largest South African owned travel agency which focusses on bringing the best travel deals to South Africans - both on international flights & domestic low cost airfares. South Africa Travel Online's mission is to bring to customers the cheapest flight specials, cruises and car rentals. In addition customers can earn flight discount vouchers, cruise vouchers & general travel vouchers by submitting reviews of their travel experiences.

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<li>
<p>Study by <a href="http://www.southafrica.to">South Africa Travel Online</a> reveals attitude towards basing airfares on passenger weight.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>According to the survey a majority of South Africans aged over 60 think it's acceptable to base airfares on passenger weight, but most South Africans younger than 60 think it's unacceptable. </p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>17 July 2013, Cape Town</strong> -- GoAir in India was recently in the news for saying that they're only hiring thin, female flight attendants, in a bid to save money on fuel (they didn't mention whether they'd only hire thin female pilots too!). This follows on from last year when Samoa Air became the first airline in the world to charge airfares according to weight (about R10/kilogram). </p>
<p>The most surprising discovery was the difference of opinion between those over and those under 60 years old. While 53% of South Africans older than 60 believe it's perfectly acceptable to weigh-in like a boxer before a flight and be charged accordingly, 64% of younger folk say it's unacceptable. So, who is right - the youngsters or the retirees? </p>
<p>On an overall basis, 61% of the 2334 South Africans who participated are against having airfares based on weight. Most of those against a weigh-in reasoned that it would be discriminatory, against the Constitution, that some people have medical conditions whereby they cannot control their weight, and that it would be just plain embarassing. &quot;No way should overweight people be charged extra for their tickets. This is immoral.&quot; was a typical response. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.southafrica.to">SouthAfrica.TO</a> survey demonstrates that here is a substantial minority (39%) who are for airfares based on passenger weight, with reasons varying from it making economic sense (since fuel costs depend on weight) to it encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles (there were even a few who were concerned that heavy people would interfere with the aircraft's avionics!). Certainly there's enough of a minority to make up a market for any airline gutsy enough to implement airfares based on weight. But judging by some of the feedback received, the airline would need to brace itself for a spate of criticism &amp; court action. As Gerry mentioned &quot;Any airline trying to enforce such a rule, is in for some serious trouble and will most certainly be facing a lot of grumpy overweights in court.&quot;</p>
<p>There was a lot of feeback from participants who felt that airlines need to do something about passengers who &quot;peel over&quot; into the seat next to them, particularly on the long-haul flights: &quot;Is it fair for an 'average' person to be sandwiched in on overseas flights, due to the person next to you over-filling their seat? Harsh but a reality.&quot; said Maria. </p>
<p>Many surveyed felt that there should be a weigh-in which included luggage and the passenger: &quot;I have always maintained that luggage and the person should stand on the scale at check in. Why should a person weighing say 60kg not be allowed more luggage than that of one weighing 130kg&quot; said a participant.</p>
<p>A large portion of those who thought it acceptable to base airfares on weight felt there should be a threshold below which passengers wouldn't be penalised, with 90kg being a popular level mentioned (Ed: Uh oh, I'm in trouble...4kg over the minimum!).</p>
<p>SouthAfrica.TO suggest that the older folk who are keen on airfares based on weight are likely to find allies amongst the very young. Most participants focussed on the plight of heavier people, however the major beneficiaries of a weigh-in would be children (who didn't participate in our survey). Currently children have to pay the same as adults, meaning that children are effectively cross-subsidising adults. If airlines charged airfares based on their true cost (i.e. determined by weight), it would be cheaper for families with small children to fly. </p>
<p><img src="http://www.southafrica.to/transport/Airlines/weight/images/child-adult-flight.jpg" alt="child paying an adult for a flight" width="660" height="514" border="0"></p>
<p>South Africa Travel Online analysts pointed out that life Assurers have no qualms about discriminating between people - females are charged more to purchase annuities because they are expected to live longer, and if you've got a pre-existing medical issue that's your tough luck, you're going to pay more for your life assurance. Should we apply different moral standards to the airline industry?</p>

 

Detailed information from study

Results by Age Group

Age Group	Percentage South African participants who believe it's acceptable to base airfares on passenger weight
20 to 30	37%
31 to 40	32%
41 to 50	33%
51 to 60	43%
61 to 70	52%
Over 70	58%

Selection of Comments received

BMI

"I believe that people over a stipulated BMI should have to pay extra." Jo

Children

"My answer would be yes?  Especially if the children then who weigh much less pay less, it will be more affordable for families". Rene

Two seats/ business class seat/ special seats

• "I think that a row of seats especially for fat people should be implemented and that they should pay extra for these seats.  I had to travel from London to Durban with someone hanging over into my space - he even asked to eat the food on my tray that I had not touched!" Christine

• "I feel some of them like a Zimbawean lady who shared my seat all the way back from Australia to Joburg, should definitely have paid for another seat. It was the most awful flight I have had and since made me scared of flying because I am claustrophobic and she has made it a million times worse. So YES there def should be something. Your survey asks if your SA and I replied no, and then it went off, but I have lived her as a resident for 24 yrs! Think that counts."

• "I sat next to an overweight man one day. He insisted to sit at the window so I gave up my seat for him. Well if I knew he would want to go to the toilet every 15 minutes I wouldnt have done that. Battle to stand up because I sleep on the flights, he landed on my lap twice in a two hour flight. He took up both the seats next to me. What if we were suppose to be 3 and the flight was full? Well that was a very scary situation and the last time I went on flight anywhere. "

• "I do think that people who are obese and take up part of the unfortunate passenger, who is sitting next to them, should be charged. Maybe the airlines should install extra large seats on every plane so that these people will understand why they are being charged extra. I've had the personal experience quite a number of times of the most uncomfortable flight because the passenger next to me was obese and way too large for one ordinary seat and would then "spill over" onto me. Other than that I do not believe passengers should be charged extra for weight. The charge could be determined according to a specified weight chart, with a minimum/maximum laid down." Ann

• "I think though that airlines should cater for obese/ fat / over-weighed people with possibly bigger seats." Mohammed

• "No, I don't think it is fair to charge people for flights based on what they weigh, however I must mention though that, the last time I travelled on a flight from JHB to CPT, I had to sit next to a fairly big woman and she did occupy a bit of my sit as well… so this does get you thinking…"

• "I think to a certain point yes because it's the same when taking public transport if you're overweight and you take up 2 three seats you have to pay for the space so it comes down to the same thing." Resha

• "It depend on how extreme the weight is, if in such a way that they would need two seats then yes." Sharon

• "No, but they should be given special or separate seats to avoid the next person being uncomfortable, especially on a long journey. Fat people generally feel restricted when it comes to clothes, sports, looks ect. Shouldn’t their flights help make them feel accepted & treat them just like any other person. Their flights should also be as memorable as ours (normal sized people)." Merle

• "I think people should pay according to there weight. they will obviously need bigger seats (maybe 2 seats) as they do make it uncomfortable for the person sitting next to them... a specific area should be allocated to them in the plane to avoid congestion when you trying to move around. Not sure if you should charge per kg the person weighs or have a flat rate on a sliding scale." Gay

• "It will only be acceptable if people are obese enough to take up two seats or if a person is a flight risk to others because of their weight.  People should be screened on arrival at an airport." Reni

• "I have sat next to people who should be using 1 and 1/2 seats." Madge

• "Some people are really “large” and take up 2 seats! So yeah! Have an average base line weight and charge after that! Hopefully it will slim some people down." Carol

• "They shouldn't charge people according to their weight! Only if they are so large that their body hangs over the two chairs next to them, they should then pay for the two seats next to them, so somone else doesn't have to sit with a fatty hanging on them."

• "I think that is not fair to charge a person for being overweight or what they weigh. If, however they are going to take up two seats, they should not fly." Francois

• "It seems a little harsh, but someone who is so overweight that he or she "spills over" into the space that I have paid for doesn't seem fair either." Auds

• "Some very tall, well built people weigh a lot, but are not overweight!  The airline allows an average weight per passenger so it will all balance out at the end of the day! If a passenger is excessively large ie thay will not fit on an economy class seat, it could be  the travel agent/ airline responsibility to suggest that the passenger either purchase two seats for comfort/safety or purchase a business/first class seat that is more spacious. ON THE OTHER HAND ...The airlines could introduce a frame that one has to pass through (like the frame when checking if you hand luggage suitcase fits the dimensions). Cango caves has a frame for those wishing to go up the 'chimney' and the smaller areas. If you don't fit, you can't go!" Melanie

• "For comfort the overweight person should pay for 2 seats. Why inconvenience other passengers?" Shirley

• "I am not sure about weight...but I think its only fair if a person is going to occupy one and half seats they should have to pay for two seats rather than another person being squashed"

• "Yes, some travellers need bigger seats and some airlines seats are so small not even an average person fits in. They can allocate some seats to bigger travelers and also charge for these seats." Helena

Bringing Luggage into the Argument

• "Yes, about time. I have always maintained that luggage and the person should stand on the scale at check in. Why should a person weighing say 60kg not be allowed more luggage than that of one weighing 130kg!! But price according to weight works just as well."

• "Rather allow small people to carry luggage more than 20kg without extra charge!! :-)" Michelle

• "Yes,we should charge people with excess weight, as I have to pay for luggage over 20 kilogram." Leona

• "Passengers should not be charge for their body weight, but for over-sized hand luggage which then gets put in the overhead locker where someone else is sitting causing that person to sit out the flight with their hand luggage on the floor between their feet. I just pull out the luggage in my space above my seat and place it in the aisle, then see the looks the owner gives me."

• "I think it is fair. You get charged more if your baggage weighs more, why not if you weigh more? Same as if you take up two seats." Jasmine

• "Yes I think it is acceptable to charge people more who are over an average weight (rather like "excess baggage")" Holly

• "I think flight prices should be based on the person's weight combined with their baggage weight." Bernadette

• "If you are going to charge people according to their weight, it should be by how much they are OVERweight.
  I have 2 daughters, one is 1.6m tall, the other is 1.9 m talls. Neither is overweight according to her height (BMI's between 18 and 25), but obviously the taller of the 2 weighs a lot more than her sister. Also, if you are going to do that, you should be fair and allow the suitcase to weigh more than 20kg for taller people. My nephew takes a size 13 shoe, his sister a size 4. By the time he has put 3 pairs of shoes in his suitcase half the weight it gone." Inga

• "If one is carrying luggage that is above the prescribed weight limits, one is penalised by paying extra for their luggage. And aslo considering how sensitive the aircraft is to the weight it carries when it comes to take off speeds and runway length, maybe it would be acceptable to charge people based on what they weigh." Thoko

• "I feel that many people are not able to help their weight (although many are of course) and it must be embarrassing for them to have to be charged more than other people.  By the same token, then a very light person would want to travel very cheaply in comparison to others.  If a person is too big to fit in one seat, then I would understand the need to charge them for two seats (and give them two seats) so that they could travel comfortably to their destination.  Maybe there could be a combined "body and luggage" weight scale that people should try and fit into, in other words, if they weigh more, then they should try and limit their luggage to a lighter weight.  It is not an easy question to answer and show caring for everyone in the world who travels!" Barbara

• "I think it would be against human rights to stop overweight people from travelling but a compromise could be to made by allowing them no hold luggage or a lesser allocation to compensate for their contribution to the overall weight of the plane. If grossly overweight, then force them to buy a double seat. There could be a few on each flight.  After all, you can only bungee jump up to a certain weight! So what chance do you have when the plane falls out of the sky? I am overweight but not enough to spill over onto my next door neighbour which has happened to me before." Sheila

Size vs Weight

• I think it is acceptable to charge people for flights based on what they weigh – when they are obviously overweight, not when they are big & muscular.

• "No. I think it is unfair to charge according to weight when ultimately you pay for the seat you occupy same as a thin person." Cheryl

• "No, as long as they can fit into the standard seat. If flights are cheaper based on weight, then yes I’m ok with that." Brad

• "I think people should be charged on the space they take, not on their weight." Nicola

Cabin Crew

"No its not acceptable. Some of the hostesses on those flights should be charged though."

Discriminatory to charge heavier people more

• "It's not acceptable. That would be a violation of human rights and discrimination to heavy weight people." Tendai

• "Discrimination is not acceptable. Discrimination (including rude humour) against fat people is just about the last form of discrimination that remains socially acceptable. You wouldn't charge more money to a disabled person even though his wheelchair or crutches take up more space, you don't feed fat people more on a flight than you feed skinny people, you don't hold up a colour chart and decide that lighter people pay less than darker ones. There is no acceptable basis for charging more money to one person than to another UNLESS the person being charged more gets more for the money...like first class seating.  If the issue is the size of airline seats, that problem is not solved by charging a heavier person more money than a lighter person--that doesn't make the seats any larger. 61% of the population of  South Africa is overweight (http://www.vitalchats.co.za/obesity-statistics/ ) so airline seating issues are caused by the airline industry catering for a minority of the population rather than a clear majority. Why should a majority of the population be financially penalized for the airlines unilateral choice to put too-small seats for them in their planes? Imagine a menu that lays out prices for a meal according to size: you get the same portions, regardless of size, but the bigger you are, the more you pay for it: would people find this acceptable? Of course not! We tend to think of people over a certain weight as being fat (and often they are), but some people are just big...tall, big boned, thickly muscled...and they weigh more than people of average size. I was married to a man who was just under two meters tall and he weighed 135 kg--and he was not fat, he was just really, really big. Why should a person like this be discriminated against when flying? It's not his fault he's bigger than the average person any more than it is my maid's fault she is black and I am not. Would the airline charge more based on colour or gender or sexual orientation? Then why should it be OK to charge more on the basis of size? If you and your wife were traveling via air and her ticket cost more than yours because she was a woman, would that be ok? If you both were charged more than a black couple because you are white, would that be ok? If she was charged more because she was pregnant, would that be ok? Then why...since I would get no additional service or benefit (including a larger seat) from paying more...should I pay more than you do? If the issue is fuel costs for the airlines (it costs more to fly heavier. loads), then the airlines need to simply raise ticket prices across the board to accommodate increased fuel costs, possibly limit luggage weights, and perhaps increase the tariff for cargo, but not create a new apartheid of skinny v fat. We all get the exact same service, shouldn't we all pay the exact same price? "

• "I do not think it's acceptable to charge people based on their weight. That's discriminatory. I think flights should accommodate for people of size however maybe with a section with bigger sized seats (or give them an option to upgrade to business class for a fare). Be accommodating, not discriminatory." Ali

Embarassment

• "It is unfair to charge people according to their weight, not everyone weighs the same, but I think it is embarrassing for those who weighs a bit more. The weight balances out in any case. I do not even weigh myself and now you will have to do it in public!" Mickie

• "Yes it is acceptable to charge people for flights based on what they weigh, but a certain criteria should be applied, such as: i) 0 – 10 kg: Rxx ii) 10 – 20 kg: Rxx iii) 20 – 30 kg: Rxx and so on………This will be less embarrassing for overweight people." GT

• "I don't think its fair to weigh a person and then say how much they must pay for a flight. I feel I'm over weight and it would be embarrassing for me to have to stand on a scale in front of people. There are some cases where over weight people might need two seats so they should pay for two seats." Liza

Medical issues

• "No, it’s not right as some people have a medical condition. They are already ashamed of their condition and to still be discriminated on for their weight, is unconstitutional." Adrian

• "Some people I even know is overweight due to an illness and not choice, so it is not their fault." Suzie

• "Don't think it is... Some people have actual medical conditions that leads to them being a bit more "weighted" than what they should be. But think some sort of regulation on total weight carried onboard should be considered." Mel

• "Yes, it is acceptable to charge people for flights based on what they weigh provided that: (1.) The ceiling weight is fair and only apply to really obese persons; and (2.) Overweight people are allowed to fly if able to produce written medical reasons from a physician." Fred

• "No it is not acceptable to charge people for flights based on what they weigh. It is offensive. Some people have medical problems that lead to them being heavier or lighter. It can in turn cause a really fat/skinny person to fall into a depression." Tina

Constitution disallows it

• "Only if one is a fat old sugar daddy who is going to corner his pretty young thing in some secluded spot on the plane. His weight might cause the plane to rock and that could mean some trouble. Seriously, weight is as much a genetic thing as it is about how much we eat. To charge a person more for being genetically bulky, is not only unfair -- it would be a contravention of human rights and therefore also be unconstitutional in South Africa, at least. Any airline trying to enforce such a rule, is in for some serious trouble and will most certainly be facing a lot of grumpy overweights in court." Gerry

• "It is discrimination so it is against our constitutional right (not to be discriminated)." Xolane

Avionics

• "I don't think it's nice to charge people according to their weight, but if it affects the flight then it's probably acceptable.... if for security purposes." Veronica

• "I feel that it is most definately acceptable to charge people for their flights based on their weight. This alleviates the excess luggage charge if every KG, be it body or luggage weight is charged for. Makes flights safer and more economical as you would be able to have the exact weight onboard and be able to do better flight planning."

• "I think its acceptable because you can't have to much overweight people in a flight, it might just interfere with the flying of aircraft." Rebecca

Only in excess of a threshold

• "I believe that it is acceptable to charge based on weight within boundaries…not pound for pound, but ranges:  0-50 pounds = $, 51-75 pounds = $, etc." Robin

• "No, I don’t think it’s acceptable to charge people for flights based on what they weigh unless they weigh over 100kg (women) and 120kg (men)." Steph

• "No, it is not Is it acceptable to charge people for flights based on what they weigh.  Unless they are abnormally large." Jennifer

• "No should not charge according to the weight of the person but perhaps have a fixed weight of say 80kgs and the person pays excess for being over the 80kg limit." Michelle

• "Yes very big fat people should pay more for flights because they take up leg room & elbow space on flights! 
  If they sit next to you & you need to get past them to go to the toilet, (for whatever reason you need to go) it takes forever to get past them! They battle getting out of the chairs." Brian

• "It is not acceptable to charge people according to weight,  but yes,  people who are really huge and well above  the average weight and girth, should pay a surcharge. Ideally, if a person weighs more than “20kg above average weight” then they must pay the surcharge, or not be allowed on the flight." Sarah

• "I feel it is unfair to only have 85kg on board (including my luggage and weight) while others are allowed more than that, based on their weight. I recommend a fixed weigh in amount of 90kg per passenger for woman and 100kg for men, that includes the weight of the person and the luggage. The more you weigh the less luggage you are allowed or you pay extra for those additional kg’s. It might just encourage people to lose weight and live a more healthy lifestyle." Adelle

• "Yes, but I think they should make a bench mark at say, 90 kgs, once you exceed that you pay extra per 5kg tier". Rebecca

The economic argument

• "I think it is a great idea. After all, it costs the airline more to transport a heavy person than a lighter one and this should be reflected in the ticket prices – perhaps on a sliding scale (forgive the pun)! If it is acceptable to charge more on life insurance to smokers I don’t see why obese people should not have to pay a higher premium on various issues. Perhaps the tickets should be priced for heavy people and the lighter you are the better rebate you would get. Very motivating for the dieters." Tim

• "Yes……I think people should be charged for their weight as the energy taken to move the weight is proportional to the weight". Doug

• "Yes I think its acceptable.  Similarly, I think peoples weight should count more in everything eg. People should be charged for garments depending on how much material was used to make it, as it obviously takes more material to make a size 40 garment than a size 28." Nel

• "Yes because it takes more energy to transport you." Az

No precedent

"No coz I haven't seen any airlines doing that so far and hopefully not anytime soon." Mo

Not a common problem

"Have been on lots of flights and seen like 4 people who were really big. If everybody was overweight I can understand that but no I don't think so." Catherine

As long as there are no delays

"As an overweight passenger I would not object to being charged extra as long as it did not involve more waiting at the departure airport. Its bad enough already, checking in 2hrs before, for an international flight. Can you imagine the delay if there was a query about somebody's weight. I travel to South Africa every year, I have friends who live in Noordhoek so I land somewhere in SA, hire a car and spend two or three weeks travelling to the Cape. Last year it was Durban, this year it was Joberg. Thanks to your alternative route from Joberg to the Cape it was a great trip, although if I'm honest when I got to Graaff  Reinet I was suffering from withdrawal symptoms for the coast and diverted to Knysna and then along the coast to the Cape. Anyway thanks for all the info, its been a great help over the last few years." Nigel

Becoming healthier

"Definitely ~ no offence to the larger people BUT then it might help those "overweighters" change their lifestyles from coach potatoes to walkers :-)  Then we all score and our nation will become far more healthier!   Just a thought." Jeanine

Seat overweight people together

• "Yes, I think it is perfectly acceptable to charge people for flights based on what they weigh, but in addition they should seat all the chubbies together, and see how they enjoy sitting next to each other.   Needless to say I have sat between two chubbies, fortunately just from Lanseria to Cape Town - only 2 hours of complete discomfort -  and once you are seated, you are stuck - no chance of getting an armrest on either side, and don't even think of getting up to go to the loo!"  Meg

Morals

• "I would find it acceptable to be fined for my weight if I was overweight and travelled on an airplane.  My weight adds to the overall weight - therefore if I was overweight I would expect to either be fined per kg. over the accepted weight, or I would find it acceptable to be denied luggage weight. There has to be some type of fine imposed for people who over - indulge in food. It is not morally acceptable to be so grossly overweight. Because of the blatant disregard of what is socially acceptable, people have been allowed to overeat, be slothful and greedy and get away with it. Medical aids are making a fortune from their lifestyle choices.  It they are fined when they fly, then maybe they will get the message that their lifestyle is not okay." Natalie

• "No way should overweight people be charged extra for their tickets. This is immoral.  I am not obese but do have a few extra pounds to lose and find some of the seating very uncomfortable. I pity the poor unfortunate people who are larger than average. Perhaps the airlines could allocate a few larger seats for them. Leg room is another issue for the taller travellers. We can't all afford to travel business or first class to get the space we need."

International flights - not fair to be sandwiched in

"No its not acceptable. But saying that, is it fair for an 'average' person to be sandwiched in on overseas flights? Due to the person next to you over-filling their seat? Harsh but a reality." Maria

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