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Dispute over a new regulation for an American airline. Southwest Airlines offers overweight passengers the opportunity to get a second seat for free if they are too fat. While advocacy groups celebrate the rights of “overweight people,” critics accuse airlines of “rewarding obesity.”
The airline has introduced a ‘Customer of Size’ policy that allows overweight passengers, whose bodies take up more than one seat on the plane, to get ‘the required number of seats’ for free.
Video of Tiktokerin sparks discussion
Customers have the option to pre-book additional seats and receive a refund from Southwest Airlines upon check-in. The airline does not ask customers about weight or body mass index (BMI), which medical guidelines determine whether someone is overweight or obese.
The special arrangement has been in place since September, but is now being discussed on social media thanks to a Tiktoker. Kimmy Garris, who works as a travel influencer under the name Fat Solo Traveler, filmed how she actually got a free ticket from Southwest Airlines for the seat next to her – “even though the flight was fully booked.”
Influencer Jae’lynn Chaney, who describes herself as a 6XL-plus traveler, cheered in the comment: “This should be the industry standard! Traveling by public transport should be pleasant for everyone!”
“You are also rewarding a huge problem in our country.”
But there were also many negative reactions. “I have never been offered an extra seat, even though I am two meters tall. Anyone who needs extra space must pay,” reads a comment on the scheme. In another critical comment, someone pointed out that this privilege does not apply to people in wheelchairs or with other disabilities. Some complained that travelers on busy flights may not be able to fly on an overbooked plane because overweight passengers are guaranteed a second seat.
The new arrangement will certainly cost the airline a lot of money. Up to 40 percent of American adults are considered overweight, according to new statistics from the Centers for Disease Control. That’s what the majority of critics online are also pointing out. “You are also rewarding a huge problem in our country.” A second commenter agreed: “Giving an advantage to overweight people is a damn bad idea.” (ymh)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
