Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DeLaRed]

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01532/passenger_1532425c.jpg

The picture, posted on an aviation blog, was reportedly taken by a flight attendant to illustrate to airline managers the difficulty of dealing with passengers who cannot fit into seats.

It is unclear if the man was aware his picture was being taken or whether the flight, on US carrier American Airlines, took off with the passenger spilling out of his seat.

Airlines already offer extended seatbelts to larger passengers to comply with safety rules but a number of carriers now insist obese customers buy an extra seat.

US domestic no-frills airline Southwest has a �customer of size� policy that insists passengers who cannot lower both armrests buy a second ticket which is reimbursed if the flight is not full.

American Airlines does not have such a requirement but urges passengers to �recognize ahead of time that they may need to purchase two seats�.

The image, apparently taken on a Boeing 757, was sent to writer Kieran Daly and posted on his blog at aviation news website, Flightglobal.

It is not clear if the image has been altered but Mr Daly wrote: �This is sent to me with the absolute assurance that it's a genuine picture taken by a flight attendant at American Airlines. The F/A took it to show her manager what was happening on the aircraft (757???) and why she was unhappy about it. Seems the guy paid for only one seat and the gate staff let him board.�

Comments below the blog entry illustrate the debate over how to deal sensitively with obese passengers while ensuring others have enough room.

In a statement, American Airlines said: "At this time American Airlines is unable to confirm whether or not the image referred to was taken by a member of flight crew but will investigate the situation internally to determine if any of the airline's strict policies were not correctly applied.

"American Airlines� primary concern is for the safety and comfort of its passengers and crews and consequently passengers are advised to book two seats if they are concerned that they will require them. If a flight i's not full, however, passengers' needs would be accommodated without charge wherever possible."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6671018/Obese-air-passenger-in-economy-seat-has-picture-taken.html

[yeti08]

The thread "What don't you like about America" this is it.......where else is this a major problem?

[kabrams]

[exercise_in_futility]

[Crockpot2001]

"American Airlines� primary concern is for the safety and comfort of its passengers and crews and consequently passengers are advised to book two seats if they are concerned that they will require them. If a flight i's not full, however, passengers' needs would be accommodated without charge wherever possible."


Good. Gimme my mutha funking full size seat the next time my very thin, 6'5'' (195 cm) gets rolled up into one of your American Airlines seats or any other airline for that matter.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Loose object-strap it down in the rear galley so people can get their beer and viddles.

[catman]

What happens if he had to use the toilet?

[Sergio Stefanuto]

He's on his way to Korea to teach for EPIK....

[Missihippi]

My mom has a friend that is probably this size, if not bigger, and she always books two economy seats in order to fit. People that are morbidly obese should probably walk wherever they are going, but if you have to fly.. be considerate and purchase enough seats to fit your rear end.

[kg2095]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

[hapigokelli]

Sometimes they will stick a box in the seat if the person can't fit in between the armrests. The person sits on top of the box so that they are sitting at armrest level. I wonder if that is what is happening here...

[hellofaniceguy]

Gesh�that�s a sad picture. I can only imagine how miserable he must feel going through life. Difficult to buy clothes, chairs, beds, difficult driving, difficult having sex, etc�Once you get to that point in your life where you are that big, it�s my understanding that it is very, very difficult to lose weight. Even a first class seat would be uncomfortable for him. Can you just imagine the tormenting he would be getting if he was teaching in korea!

[highdials5]

[proustme]

I would think DNA plays a role in how easy or difficult it might be to lose weight.