Chicagoist: Things that Make Us Grumble

DaviCon1

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:50:41 -0600

Not a ridiculous idea. A base price per seat plus a surcharge for every 10 pounds over 150, maybe? For ticket purchases, customers could self-report, then pay the difference onsite (like having to pay the over-50-pound luggage fee onsite), plus a penalty if the variance is significant. Yes, I think it sucks, but the weight adds up to greater fuel needs and costs. The classic business model is clearly not working to keep the airline industry afloat, so to speak, so it's time to start thinking about new ideas. And for people to take some responsibility for those factors they can control. Ship more, pay more, whether luggage or body mass. And, whether going to the weight model or not, you're darn right you ought to pay for two seats if you take up two seats. What could possibly be unfair about that?

YoknapatawphaTourismBoard

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:51:12 -0600

Oh, as I read the article I see what I posted above was the completely rumored, entirely unsourced, foggy notion.

matty

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:39:45 -0600

What if they did a BMI measurement instead?

Slaphappy

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:28:36 -0600

We get it, Matty, you hate fat people.

mich

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:27:34 -0600

Really?! Really.

YoknapatawphaTourismBoard

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:22:59 -0600

What would make a wee bit more sense, if I may use the word in this ridiculous context, would be to have the traveler stand with all his/her luggage on a scale and charge for an excess above whatever mean weight they assume for fuel calculations. I may be lean, but I bring a lot of books when I travel.

matty

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:13:57 -0600

I think that is a great story. Fat people would have to pay more, which is only fair, because they are adding extra weight to the aircraft.