Weighty Issues
Samoan Airlines is going to be charging customers airfare based on weight. I have seen figures from 78% to 93% as the rate of obesity in Samoa and from 70% to 80% in the United States. Suffice it to say that obesity is a problem in the world. The idea that we may be charged for our obesity when we fly is a sobering situation.
I have spent most of my adulthood being and/or fighting obesity so I know that it’s a touchy subject. I am still fighting the battle as we speak. I can just picture getting to the airport in time to get on the scale before boarding my flight. What?
On the other hand I can see the dilemma that the airlines face and every pound matters. Particularly for airlines that fly small planes. I have been told that some airlines ask people their weight and speculate that the passengers probably lie. Scary when too much weight may affect the flight.
Do you think this is fair? I’m not sure how I feel.
Posted on April 3, 2013, in Thoughts and tagged flight, obesity, Samoa, weight. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
First Steps the Hardest 
Wow. I have to say, I am pretty shocked.Part of the problem is that weight is not always something that people can control, so there’s no way for them to do this without offending people or discriminating. I wonder how they handle people buying tickets in advance..? What if you lose or gain weight before your trip.
BTW, you are going to ROCK at your triathlon!! Keep sending the updates!
From what I read you will tell them in advance and then there will be a scale at the airport. Not sure but I think everyone will be weighed.
Thanks for the Tri support!
I am obese and posted about this as well. The way I look at it if they treat everyone the same, meaning every passenger has to be weighed in private, then I’m fine with it. It is when they start singling out people who “look fat” and just making them hop on the scale that I have a problem. Treat everyone the same and it isn’t discrimination. Amy
I agree. This may open some ugly doors for sure.