We all know planes do not run on
seats. They run on weight. At least, I think so. That is why when an airline say “the plane is
full”, you can always see a few empty seats here and there.
Samoa Air has come with an excellent idea. Charge people by their weight. When you book your ticket online, you should
mention your weight and the weight of your luggage. You will be charged as per the weight you
input. You and your luggage will be
weighed again at the airport.
Since most of the Samoans are obese
people, this is an excellent incentive for their weight loss program. I think all airlines should follow this
pricing policy.
Here is my sort of soliloquy:
If you are so large and take up other
people’s space, you better pay extra for your seat. Free market capitalism. Pay for the poundage.
May be they should charge more if the
plane is bigger. I think it would cost
more to operate a larger plane. Charge
more for a seat in 747 than A-300.
Put all the obese people nearer to the
vending machine. Extra revenue for the
airline.
Don’t put all of them on one side of
the plane or all of them in front or all of them in the back. Gravity issue.
Will they put wider seats for those
obese people paying extra money, a la, premium economy in certain airlines.
Anticipate more law suits.
Great news for midgets and petites.
Discount for malnourished people?
How about charging people on the basis
of their income? Bring a copy of your
last year’s income tax return.
Is obesity considered a disability? In that case, they will demand discounted
rates.
Why not introduce this ticket price based
on passenger’s weight to buses and trains also.
What does ACLU think? For non-American readers, ACLU (American
Civil Liberties Union) is an organization who are supposed to fight for
individual rights and liberties. Many
people think ACLU is a leftist organization known for handling unusual/strange
cases.
Is there a weight rule for those who
fly free, i.e. airline employees on vacation using their travel benefits.
What to do with the obese flight crew (pilots, copilots, flight attendants) who operate the flight.
What do you think?
That's a novel weight loss incentive!! Also it seems like a win-win situation for both the parties-Passengers and the Airlines. Read this that a reduction of 1 kg in the weight of the plane, however, is estimated to save $3,000 in fuel worth annually! Liked your weight management suggestions inside an aircraft! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Shilpa. I am glad you liked this post.
ReplyDeleteI feel it's a good idea - Charging people by their size and weight. But, as you say, they should be given extra space for the higher amount they are paying. There should be flexi-seats. Otherwise, there is not much of a point.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Goes to show what a good writer can do even with an insignificant piece of news :) Loved the ideas. Are the airlines listening?
ReplyDeleteShould the seats be built separately for fat and lean people, both the category will try to be the opposite.So all will become normal.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Rajesh. yes, you pay extra you get wider seat. That is a must.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Zephyr. I don't think any airline will listen. These are just tongue in cheek ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Sarala. I seriouly think this should be implemented in bus. Also, wider seats for obese people.
ReplyDeleteIf obese people don't book for their seat, the petite people can sleep in those seats!
ReplyDeleteGood ideas...Yes, all airlines can make a note of this article!
At least for saving money, people might try to reduce!
SG, someone told me that the low cost American Airlines actually make obese people sit on a chair and if they overflow they have to buy two tickets! And in India Air Asiana actually charges you for your baggage based on its weight. But I am not sure whether we should have it based on income levels.
ReplyDeletewhat an idea !
ReplyDeletein future they may start charging people on the basis of their size/volume they occupy ...lol
wonder how it'll be in india coz we people are masters in bending the rules .. how will we accept this rule of airlines in our country?