Several US and European airline companies have gone on board what is labeled the “fat discrimination” bandwagon, with United Airlines being the latest to adopt the so-called
fat tax, which has overweight and obese passengers pay for two tickets instead of just one. According to several
reports, the tax is to be applied as soon as possible, aiming at reaching a payment system that will be based entirely upon the flier’s weight.
The “tax” implies that company personnel urge fliers to buy two tickets if they deem they’re too fat to sit comfortably in just one seat. This, United Airlines says, became a necessary measure once more than 700 costumers filed official complaints with the company, saying they had the worst flight of their life as they were forced to sit on just half a seat (at best) because an overweight person was seated next to them. This does not stop many from crying discrimination, though.
While most frequent fliers are happy with the new “tax,” saying that this works great for both parties because it allows both the overweight passenger and the person next to them to sit comfortably, many are extremely outraged. The idea to have a payment system based entirely on weight is nothing short of ridiculous, critics say, and will encourage the already standing discrimination against the fat, which has become the only socially accepted form of discrimination.
Granted, the measure will guarantee that all passengers on a flight are comfortable, with no violation of personal space whatsoever, but it will also bluntly tell some people that they’re simply too fat to be considered as just one person, critics say. Instead of adjusting their services to the needs of the customers, companies are rushing to label passengers on such a trite basis as weight and, ultimately, physical appearance.
“It’s an undisputed fact that America has an obesity problem. Approximately 34 percent of Americans are obese, which equates to a little over one-third of the entire United States population, according to the Weight Control Information Network. […] Given this information, why is it that airlines have failed to tailor their service to the trends? Under United Airlines’ new policy, obese passengers would be subjected to humiliation, prejudice and additional judgment. The policy requires flight attendants to confront obese passengers on the aircraft – after that person has checked in their luggage, gone through customs and security, and found their seat on the plane – and give them the ultimatum of purchasing another ticket at the same price of the one they already have, or alternatively, having to leave the aircraft.” Alisa Driscoll of New University says.
What Driscoll says is echoed by many others, and they’re not necessarily obese or overweight. Until now, the company has refused to respond in any way to the wave of criticism coming from the very customers it is trying to care for.
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