United institutes obese flier rules

Published: April 16, 2009 at 8:13 PM

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.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
NHL: Pittsburgh 3, Montreal 1 (2 min)
COL BKB: Vanderbilt 84, Arizona 72 (17 min)
NHL: Washington 2, Buffalo 0 (20 min)
Report: Vaccine eliminates tumors in mice (22 min)
NBA: Charlotte 116, Toronto 81 (27 min)
COL BKB: Connecticut 81, LSU 55 (29 min)
NBA: Indiana 86, Los Angeles Clippers 73 (30 min)
fark
Dundee girlfriend does what any Scotswoman would do in her place
Atheist group asks to put up sign honoring war veterans near Christmas display. Pennsylvania town...
Scientists have now created a baby bottle that heats itself up in 60 seconds. A perfect gift for...
Photoshop this guy in reflective shades
Suing Activision over World of Warcraft? Don't forget to subpoena Depeche Mode and Winona Rider,...
Hannity: This is one of the coldest years on record, so global warming is a hoax. Science: This...