According to CNN.com United Airlines has recently formalized a policy which calls for larger passengers to purchase two seats for themselves when flying. As outlined in the article, obesity rates have continued to climb with one third of all American’s now categorized as obese. However, the size of airplane seats has failed to increase accordingly, with the average seat size remaining at approximately 17-18 inches. 

A 2004 study into the effects of obesity on the airline industry, suggested that an increase in the average weight of Americans by approximately 10 pounds during the 1990s, cost airlines an extra $275 million dollars in fuel during 2000. Furthermore, United Airlines received 700 complaints during 2008 from passengers who were ‘upset because a larger passenger encroached on his or her seat’.

However, is forcing larger passengers to pay for an additional seat discrimination? Peggy Howell from the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance suggested in the article that rather than asking passengers to pay for the extra seat, airlines should make bigger seats. With one third of Americans now obese, should the airlines adapt to the changing needs of the population and provide larger seats? Or should the responsibility remain with the individual to purchase another seat if need be?