obxgirl, the very young, very old and mentally challenged are not flying alone so would be far less of a risk than an obese person who cannot fit through an exit door or help others to manage that feat.

Orcas, the fact that someone is "really warm, bright and productive people" (though obese) does not in any way alleviate the misery of the person they are sitting beside/halfway on top of. One fact has nothing to do with the other.

This subject clearly is an inflammatory one, but it merits rational discussion.
I interpret the posts addressing the safety issue to mean that an obese person not only endangers him or herself in an evacuation, but also endangers everyone else who would be stuck on the plane because of that overweight person not being able to move. That is not the case with the physically or mentally disabled, or the youngest and oldest passengers. They endanger only themselves.
And I think most of us agree that obese people can also be kind people, and the obese condition may not be their fault. And the solution to contribute miles so that family member can sit in first class is an excellent one. In cases where that doesn't happen, the point is that an obese person sitting in a coach seat will infringe on seatmates' purchased space, as well as their safety. The airlines need to address this. It really shouldn't be up to all of us to deal with it as best we can when we find ourselves in this uncomfortable situation. I doubt if the FAs appreciate being left to deal with it onboard either.

Orcas, obxgirl,

Before you make this even more personal, understand that I know that it is a heartless, tyranic, self-centered, stupid, flawed idea. I know how it sounds and how it comes across (hence the first line in my previous post). I know and love wonderful people who would be affected by this kind of policy. I just believe that looking at the extreme of an argument helps in framing debates.

Orcas, I regret that you jump to conclusions about people so easily, even if you do 'feel sorry' for me.

obxgirl, I was very specific in what I wrote. What you are saying is a slippery slope.

On a recent flight on Jet Blue:

We arrived at our seats and ther was an obese woman in the ailse seat already there. She was tremendous...so tremendous in fact her boosoms and stomach were almost touching the seat in front of her. She could not move and we literally had to climb over this woman to get to our middle and window seat. She needed 2 extensions. This woman was a human wall. Her husband was on the ailse seat next to her and all he did was get her one snack after another. She ate the plane out of biscotti. I have to say it really disgusted us. We could not even get out to go to the bathroom. We again had to climb over her mountainous body to get off the plane... How is this fair and how is this safe? My husband and I shared 1 seat, but paid for 2. Now we buy 3 seats on Jetblue at all times because the people that should don't. This is not the first time this has happened to us on Jetblue but it was the worst. This is one of the reasons why we fly first...but JB does not have first. Also JB does not offer wider seats, only seats with more leg room from rows 13 back 11 and 12 are exit row.

I don't think the airlines should have wider seats for larger people...that would open up a whole can of worms. Who would qualify for those seats? What's the price for those seats? If they are double wide then they should b double price. If obese people don't buy 2 seats now why would they purchase a double wide seat at a higher price?
I think the answer should be if you need an extension you need 2 seats and it should be inforced. I really think it's unfair and after the last flight with the "wall of human" next to us...I mean c'omon...how can someone be so selfish and insensitve? If her and her husband bought 3 seats they could have sat in the same row.
We are going to Fla in December and I bought 3 seats...not because we need them but the people that should don't.

What if that fat chic farted and you could not vacate your seat? should the FAA pass regulations about that? What if she got stuck in the door of the lav? Talk about embarassment.

All sarcasm aside, the only thing to do is chrge for 2 seats. They can measure the arse before boarding the plane and the option is to buy a first class seat or 2 coach. Otherwise, loose weight.

MaureenB, you said:

"And I think most of us agree that obese people can also be kind people, and the obese condition may not be their fault"

I do not agree with the second part of that statement. Only a fraction of a percent of obese people have any medical reason for being that way! When you worry about the embarrassment of the obese person related to an airline seat, remember that they choose the road they walk when they eat uncontrollably. That is their right but they must accept the consequences. I do not think that makes those of us who want the seat we pay for cold or callous.

Why is no one blaming the airlines?

Flying is such a pain in the ass any more that the last thing passengers need to be doing is policing each other.

Fat Police! Fat Police!!

Good grief! What's with all this PC obsequiesness over the grossly obese? Are there a lot of really fat Fodoroites you all are hoping not to offend, because I thought the next line I was going to read was "one of my best friends is obese." (former best friends were black and gay, I'm sure.) And the land of free people post--this isn't about fair solutions, it's business for pete's sake, and unless changing obese-people policy results in increased shareholder value, don't expect a change anytime soon. People: stop hand-wringing and start thinking, particularly about ecomomics--and what it means that these increasingly obese people are a by-product, literally, of an American culture that does nothing but consume.

I'm with Gotravel. The airlines keep jamming seats closer and closer together and making them smaller and smaller. Plus they reduce the amount of Oxygen in the cabins to feed the jet engines. It's disgusting.

I don't have a problem with them charging higher fares for people who are double-sized. Heck. They could just charge by weight to begin with. Those of us who are smaller consume less of that already depleted air and require less fuel.

Yes, I think that is the answer. The airlines should develop a fare schedule based on weight. My poor tall husband would have to pay more but what the heck, it would be a fairer fare, more reflecting the true cost of flying.

I like that idea, Orcas, but can you imagine the weigh-ins and over-charges on the return trips from Italy and France?

I don't agree with those who say obese people are not dangerous to others.

If I don't exersize during a flight I'll get off the plane with ankles (and sometimes knees) swallen. My doctor said that exersize (and loose clothing) is the only thing to help me. Now imagine me squeezed next to an obese person. Yes, my life IS in danger.

And don't tell me to take a walk to the lavatory - most of the pilots keep the seatbelt light on all the time!

Maryling, they will owe you after the weigh-in

Agreed, it's all the airlines' fault. But like too many rats in a confined space, we turn on each other!

Jean_V, I made no personal comments directed at you. I responded to the content of your post which I took at face value, not as an extreme arguement "helping" to frame a debate.

Note to self. Do not post on train wrecks. Do not post on train wrecks.

My point is that yes, it is up to the airlines to police this.

Deep Vein Thrombosis anyone?

It is definitely a problem that the airlines need to figure out. I have a small frame and I feel squished in the seats. I do not understand how larger people can handle it. Maybe they should have rows on the plane specifically for the larger people that are a little more expensive but not the cost of two seats and are required if you weigh more than 200?????

jgreat, your theory is flawed.

Someone that is 5'0" and weighs 200 pounds is probably considered obese.

Someone 6'1" and weighs 200 pounds probably just got out of the hospital.

You are correct. I would think that others might be interested in purchasing the seats as well. My husband probably would 6', 180lbs. He always feels squished.

FainaAgain,
Think of the lawsuit your heirs could have against the fat person who was sitting in the next seat when you had that blood clot that lead to your untimely end. They'd be rich!!! And think of the criminal trial. Would the charge be second degree murder or manslaughter? I don't think we could go with first degree murder or the electric chair, though I think some of the posters here would be for that.

jgreat, my husband is 6'5" and weighs 250 and coach is a nightmare for him as well.

Fortunately if we aren't flying FC the airlines usually take pity on him and put him in Emergency Row.

Orcas, and here I am depressed not being able to leave an inheritance! Thank you, dear, what an inheritance (and memories!!) that would be!