United institutes obese flier rules

CHICAGO, April 16 (UPI) -- United Airlines has instituted a policy that could bump obese passengers from sold-out flights if they require more than one seat, officials said.

A company spokeswoman said the policy is not aimed at forcing larger passengers to buy two tickets, but as a measure to help ensure comfort for all of its passengers, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Thursday.

The guidelines define an overweight passenger as anyone who can't fit in a single seat or who can't properly buckle the seat belt or anyone who can't put the armrest fully down when seated.

United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said the airline's first course of action would be to find a pair of adjoining empty seats in the same cabin, where the passenger could sit free of additional charges.

However, if none were available, the passenger would have to purchase a second seat at the price of the original seat or pay the cost of upgrading. If a second seat or upgrading isn't possible, the passenger would be required to rebook on the next available flight where United guidelines could be met.

The Chicago Tribune reported that as the ranks of America's obese have risen, airplane cabins have become more cramped.

"It wouldn't even be an issue if aircraft weren't as full as they are," aviation consultant Robert Mann told the newspaper of the need to reseat larger passengers.