Effective today, United Airlines implemented a PR nightmare/new policy requiring that people too chunky to fit in one seat must purchase the one next to them.  According to the Chicago Tribune’s article, United will ask the passenger to ‘pay for the extra seat or stay behind.’

As someone who this will probably never impact, I can see the obvious benefit for passengers that are not obese.  There are few things worse than being trapped next to someone invading your space on an airplane, or really any other method of transportation.  Obviously, airplanes are the worst.  In those little rows it’s nearly impossible not to feel claustrophobic.  When you have someone whose body is pouring into your seat it makes the trip even more painful.

On the other hand, this policy sucks.  It seems like United Airlines could come up with  options other than forcing someone to pay for 2 seats.  That’s fricking expensive. How are these people supposed to fly when they’re spending so much on food?  I mean, I agree that for the most part people are fat because of the choices they make.  Thyroid issues aside (not sure I’m sold on this one either), what is a person supposed to do…lose 100 pounds before flying?  Can I get a discount on my seat because I’m skinny and a fat person could spill over a little in the seat next to me? This seems like a terrible idea by United that’s going to lose them money and I, personally, am looking forward to the inevitable lawsuit.

~Love Handles