View Full Version : Remember all that wailing about obese fliers potentially being asked to pay more?
Loco Vette
11-23-2011, 5:26pm
So how do their proponents justify this sort of situation?
Obese passenger forces neighbor on US Airways flight to stand for 7 hours | Gadling.com (http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/23/obese-passenger-forces-neighbor-on-us-air-flight-to-stand-for-7/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%7C115228)
Obese passenger forces neighbor on US Airways flight to stand for 7 hours
by Chris Owen (RSS feed) on Nov 23rd 2011 at 4:00PM
Arthur Berkowitz, a passenger on US Airways Flight 901 from Anchorage to Philadelphia, had no other choice but to stand up during his seven hour flight. It seems the next seat over was occupied by a passenger so overweight that it was impossible for Berkowitz to stay in his seat. Now, Berkowitz is speaking out about the ordeal.
"I didn't fly from Alaska to Philadelphia on Flight 901," Berkowitz told consumer advocate Chris Elliott, "I stood."
The neighboring 400-pound man's body spilled over into Berkowitz's personal space so much that he was forced to stand for most of the 7 hour flight, and he couldn't use his seat belt during takeoff and landing.
"His size required both armrests to be raised up and allowed for his body to cover half of my seat." said Berkowitz.
US Airways apologized for the incident and said in a statement "Our intention is to offer the best travel experience possible. The details you have provided indicate that we have failed to meet our intentions." US Air offered Berkowitz a $200 voucher in compensation.
In a poll on Elliott's consumer watchdog site, 96% (over 17,000 votes) thought that US Airways did not offer Berkowitz enough compensation. We agree.
Chris Fowler
11-23-2011, 5:27pm
One of us wouldn't have been on that flight...
he couldn't use his seat belt during takeoff and landing.
That is an FAA violation. More will come of this.
IMHO, the plane should have never left the ground unless all passengers were secured in their seat
ft laud mike
11-23-2011, 6:54pm
That is an FAA violation. More will come of this.
IMHO, the plane should have never left the ground unless all passengers were secured in their seat
:cert:
That is an FAA violation. More will come of this.
IMHO, the plane should have never left the ground unless all passengers were secured in their seat
True that. Can't ask the obese guy to get off the plane, he'd sue citing discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I guess it's better to jeopardize the safety of another man than it is to risk hurting fatty's feelings :slap:
boracayjohnny
11-23-2011, 7:03pm
That is an FAA violation. More will come of this.
IMHO, the plane should have never left the ground unless all passengers were secured in their seat
I hope you're right. Now, where's all the PC police raising hell about the fella that had to stand? I've not heard a peep out of none of those douchebags on this incident.
I hope you're right.
Oh, I am.
----------------------
Sec. 91.107 — Use of safety belts, shoulder harnesses, and child restraint systems.
(1) No pilot may take off a U.S.-registered civil aircraft (except a free balloon that incorporates a basket or gondola, or an airship type certificated before November 2, 1987) unless the pilot in command of that aircraft ensures that each person on board is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten that person's safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness.
(2) No pilot may cause to be moved on the surface, take off, or land a U.S.-registered civil aircraft (except a free balloon that incorporates a basket or gondola, or an airship type certificated before November 2, 1987) unless the pilot in command of that aircraft ensures that each person on board has been notified to fasten his or her safety belt and, if installed, his or her shoulder harness.
(3) Except as provided in this paragraph, each person on board a U.S.-registered civil aircraft (except a free balloon that incorporates a basket or gondola or an airship type certificated before November 2, 1987) must occupy an approved seat or berth with a safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness, properly secured about him or her during movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing. For seaplane and float equipped rotorcraft operations during movement on the surface, the person pushing off the seaplane or rotorcraft from the dock and the person mooring the seaplane or rotorcraft at the dock are excepted from the preceding seating and safety belt requirements. Notwithstanding the preceding requirements of this paragraph, a person may:
(i) Be held by an adult who is occupying an approved seat or berth, provided that the person being held has not reached his or her second birthday and does not occupy or use any restraining device;
(ii) Use the floor of the aircraft as a seat, provided that the person is on board for the purpose of engaging in sport parachuting; or
(iii) Notwithstanding any other requirement of this chapter, occupy an approved child restraint system furnished by the operator or one of the persons described in paragraph (a)(3)(iii)(A) of this section provided that:
(A) The child is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or attendant designated by the child's parent or guardian to attend to the safety of the child during the flight;
(B) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3)(iii)(B)( 4 ) of this action, the approved child restraint system bears one or more labels as follows:
( 1 ) Seats manufactured to U.S. standards between January 1, 1981, and February 25, 1985, must bear the label: “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards”;
( 2 ) Seats manufactured to U.S. standards on or after February 26, 1985, must bear two labels:
( i ) “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards”; and
( ii ) “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT” in red lettering;
( 3 ) Seats that do not qualify under paragraphs (a)(3)(iii)(B)( 1 ) and (a)(3)(iii)(B)( 2 ) of this section must bear a label or markings showing:
( i ) That the seat was approved by a foreign government;
( ii ) That the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations; or
( iii ) That the seat or child restraint device furnished by the operator was approved by the FAA through Type Certificate or Supplemental Type Certificate.
( iv ) That the seat or child restraint device furnished by the operator, or one of the persons described in paragraph (a) (3) (iii) (A) of this section, was approved by the FAA in accordance with §21.305(d) or Technical Standard Order C–100b, or a later version.
( 4 ) Except as provided in §91.107(a)(3)(iii)(B)( 3 )( iii ) and §91.107(a)(3)(iii)(B)( 3 )( iv ), booster-type child restraint systems (as defined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213 (49 CFR 571.213)), vest- and harness-type child restraint systems, and lap held child restraints are not approved for use in aircraft; and
(C) The operator complies with the following requirements:
( 1 ) The restraint system must be properly secured to an approved forward-facing seat or berth;
( 2 ) The child must be properly secured in the restraint system and must not exceed the specified weight limit for the restraint system; and
( 3 ) The restraint system must bear the appropriate label(s).
(b) Unless otherwise stated, this section does not apply to operations conducted under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter. Paragraph (a)(3) of this section does not apply to persons subject to §91.105.
Whad'ya wanna bet the guy somehow managed to get his seat belt fastened for takeoff and landing, but stood around the rest of the time because he couldn't actually sit next to fattie AND breathe at the same time?
Whad'ya wanna bet the guy somehow managed to get his seat belt fastened for takeoff and landing, but stood around the rest of the time because he couldn't actually sit next to fattie AND breathe at the same time?
:iagree:
themonk
11-23-2011, 7:33pm
I would sue the fattie just for the f'k of it.
Datawiz
11-23-2011, 7:39pm
Has happened to me before. When my shirt becomes soaking wet from some fat ****'s blubber hanging over the armrests, he's too fat to fly. I'm a HUGE individual, but I fit in my seat. My shoulders kind of stick out, but not my belly.
99 pewtercoupe
11-23-2011, 7:43pm
Flying U S Air was his first mistake. When I lived back east I had to fly them all the time. Even reached their top tier FF status.
They could be the poster child for what is wrong with the airline industry
I have been in a similar situation, but maybe not as egregious as 400#. My solution was to ensure that the armrest was down and stayed down. It actually must have been very uncomfortable for the woman, but she spilled over the top of the armrest enough that I did not feel very compassionate. I would have stood on that armrest if it was necessary.
Since the passenger didn't take care of it in real time, I'm guessing they are weak and avoid confrontation. Bringing this crap up after the fact is weak.
SteelCityBlue
11-23-2011, 9:41pm
every yime I fly I hope I don't get stuck next to some pig
JRD77VET
11-23-2011, 9:41pm
One of us wouldn't have been on that flight...
I don't "smooze" very well. OK, I can be painfully blunt. There would have been a discussion before that plane took off about the fat dude taking the space I paid for.
I'm sick and tired of the fatties thinking they deserve special treatment because they can't push the plate away at the dinner table. :beat:
:seasix:
Loco Vette
11-24-2011, 12:55am
Has happened to me before. When my shirt becomes soaking wet from some fat ****'s blubber hanging over the armrests, he's too fat to fly. I'm a HUGE individual, but I fit in my seat. My shoulders kind of stick out, but not my belly.
Exactly. I have big shoulders, and two of my size people in adjacent coach seats requires some accomodations. But the armrest is the dividing line - If it doesn't come down, there's gonna be a rumble!
oyealiz
11-24-2011, 1:20am
Whad'ya wanna bet the guy somehow managed to get his seat belt fastened for takeoff and landing, but stood around the rest of the time because he couldn't actually sit next to fattie AND breathe at the same time?
My daddy was telling me about this tonight. I told him no way did they let the guy stand up for takeoff. I'm guessing you're right about what happened.
I don't "smooze" very well. OK, I can be painfully blunt. There would have been a discussion before that plane took off about the fat dude taking the space I paid for.
And that's the other thing I told Daddy! For darn sure, I'd have had a discussion with the airline folks before we ever left the ground. Geeeez!!! :willy:
Millenium Vette
11-24-2011, 1:27am
Exactly. I have big shoulders, and two of my size people in adjacent coach seats requires some accomodations. But the armrest is the dividing line - If it doesn't come down, there's gonna be a rumble!
It might not be comfortable, but at least it would be a Kodak moment...
:D
Loco Vette
11-24-2011, 8:05am
It might not be comfortable, but at least it would be a Kodak moment...
:D
Stay tuned!
Millenium Vette
11-24-2011, 10:26am
Stay tuned!
This gonna be good!
:D :lol:
6spdC6
11-24-2011, 10:33am
I’m a big boy 5.11’’ 250#s and have extremely wide shoulders. I’m also now a bit on the fluffy build, but I have no problem fitting an airline seat with bar down and attaching a seatbelt. When my wife and I fly together we always raise the bar but that is our choice.
No way in hell will I allow the bar to be raised if another passenger demands it. As another poster said one of us would not be making that flight if they tried to put a person that big in a seat next to me. I’m far from shy and laid back and would be voicing my feelings about a situation like that!
Truck Guy
11-24-2011, 10:53am
I'm a HUGE individual, but I fit in my seat. My shoulders kind of stick out, but not my belly.Ditto here. I just lean into the aisle to be nice to my seat mates :D
If I was the pilot on that flight I would have had the guy and the fatty get up, put the guy who was standing in the window seat, shoehorn the fattty back in, throw a few free drinks at the guy and problem solved!
On second thought, may have to put some webbing across the seats at the aisle to keep fatty from spilling out but it should all work.
JRD77VET
11-24-2011, 11:24am
If I was the pilot on that flight I would have had the guy and the fatty get up, put the guy who was standing in the window seat, shoehorn the fattty back in, throw a few free drinks at the guy and problem solved!
NO, if you are that farking big, you should purchase TWO seats.
Is this thread one where we opine about our height and broad shoulders???
if so....
y'all enjoy the chest pounding...
I'm out :lol:
JRD77VET
11-24-2011, 11:29am
Is this thread one where we opine about our height and broad shoulders???
if so....
y'all enjoy the chest pounding...
I'm out :lol:
You'd be right back in if you had to sit next to the 400 lb tub of lard that oozed over into half of your seat ( even though you paid for an entire seat )
OddBall
11-24-2011, 11:57am
Charge by the pound, incremented by seat capacity.
When poundage exceeds seat capacity, start charging a "big fat" premium.
Premium will cover the price of the seat that will be left empty next to them.
Problem solved.
You'd be right back in if you had to sit next to the 400 lb tub of lard that oozed over into half of your seat ( even though you paid for an entire seat )
:iagree: w/ your point :yesnod:
my post was self humor :rofl:
Charge by the pound, incremented by seat capacity.
When poundage exceeds seat capacity, start charging a "big fat" premium.
Premium will cover the price of the seat that will be left empty next to them.
Problem solved.
:iagree:
along with many/most problems...political correctness hinders the simple solutions.
Loco Vette
11-24-2011, 12:58pm
Is this thread one where we opine about our height and broad shoulders???
if so....
y'all enjoy the chest pounding...
I'm out :lol:
No, that's in the thread about unit size and supermodel GF's. :D
Kerrmudgeon
11-24-2011, 1:17pm
They should just charge everybody by the pound, problem solved. In reality anything that flies in the air has a weight limit stipulated by the manufacturer, so that's the most important factor for flight. Easy fix....
"Please step on the scale with your luggage Ma'am":rofl:
GRN ENVY
11-24-2011, 1:20pm
I don't understand everyone's problem, you guys don't fly in a suitcase in the overhead compartment?
Loco Vette
11-24-2011, 5:58pm
I don't understand everyone's problem, you guys don't fly in a suitcase in the overhead compartment?
Figured you for a cat carrier in the luggage compartment.
GRN ENVY
11-24-2011, 6:24pm
Figured you for a cat carrier in the luggage compartment.
I didn't think of that, that's actually a better option. More ventilation :rofl::rofl:
Madmikeee
11-27-2011, 10:26am
One of us wouldn't have been on that flight...
:iagree:
Not to mention the fact that the flight crew allowing that guy to stand the entire flight is in some deeeeep shit. That violates a number of FAA safety regs.
Mike Mercury
11-27-2011, 10:54am
all this talk about regulations... it all gets thrown to the side when fattie, muhammad, and the other protected species "wants their rights".
The best thing any of us can do is to be
vocal about it.
And that includes calling/writing any news outlet that gives sympathy where it clearly isn't earned.
all this talk about regulations... it all gets thrown to the side when fattie, muhammad, and the other protected species "wants their rights".
The best thing any of us can do is to be
vocal about it.
And that includes calling/writing any news outlet that gives sympathy where it clearly isn't earned.
yes
but many members here discount the reality of "protected classes" of peoples in America.
political correctness WILL be the downfall of the once great republic.
Airlines hate their customers.
They sell every seat; you think they really care if fatty or skinny buy a ticket the next time?
Next!
kingpin
11-27-2011, 11:09am
I'm not fat just big boned.
My chair broke because of a defect.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k507/mike4452/6aff65d4.jpg
JRD77VET
11-27-2011, 11:14am
I'm not fat just big boned.
My chair broke because of a defect.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k507/mike4452/6aff65d4.jpg
Boat Blooper - YouTube
:D
kingpin
11-27-2011, 11:25am
Boat Blooper - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTKej6MFrbE&feature=feedlik)
:D
:slap:
:rofl:
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.