Should plus-size individuals be entitled to free extra seats on airplanes? This question has sparked a heated debate, as there is currently no federal rule in place guaranteeing passengers who don’t fit in a standard seat another seat free of charge. While Canada’s policies offer free seats to plus-size passengers and have done so since 2008, the lack of consistency in the United States has prompted influential figures in the plus-size community to advocate for standardized regulations.
With seat sizes shrinking and people growing in size, it’s essential to examine the current policies of different airlines and explore the potential pros and cons of standardization.
The current seating landscape
Currently, the policy regarding plus-size passengers and extra seats varies significantly among airlines in the United States. Among the major carriers, Southwest and Alaska Airlines stand out as the two plus-size-friendly options.
These airlines do not require passengers to book an additional seat, and in some cases, passengers can even request a refund if they choose to reserve an extra seat. On the other hand, American, Delta, United, Spirit, JetBlue, and Frontier Airlines strictly enforce the requirement of an extra seat for individuals who do not fit within the dimensions of a standard seat.
Airplane seating has a shrinking problem
One of the primary reasons why the issue of free extra seats for plus-size passengers demands attention is the undeniable fact that airplane seats have been shrinking over time. While some reports claim seat width hasn’t changed, despite thousands of customer complaints to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), leg space has shrunk, leaving less room for passengers.
This decrease in seat size exacerbates the discomfort and potential health risks that larger individuals face during flights. With the rising obesity rates in the United States and the increasing average size of passengers, there is mounting pressure to consider more inclusive policies prioritizing all travelers’ well-being and comfort.
However, whether this practice goes against competitive market practices remains relevant. As private companies, Airlines are losing out on potential profits if they give out free seating to plus-size passengers. While having a policy catering to plus-size passengers is a fair, competitive tactic, forcing all airlines to partake in such policies limits competition.
The unspoken, underlying issue here is that competition among airlines is already minimized by de-facto monopolies staged around certain areas. Depending on where you fly out of in the United States, a single airline usually controls most of the air traffic. That is a huge issue in itself, as it mitigates actual market competition, favoring larger airlines whose fleets can populate the US’s largest airports.
Plus-size influencers are getting involved
Several influential individuals within the plus-size community have taken it upon themselves to push for changes in government regulations to ensure free extra seats for those who need them.
Through their online platforms and social media presence, these plus-size influencers are actively arguing for awareness about the challenges faced by individuals who do not fit within the standard seat dimensions. By highlighting the discrepancies across airline policies, they aim to foster a sense of urgency among the public and lawmakers to address this issue promptly.
The case for standardization
While some may argue that leaving the decision of extra seats to individual airlines provides flexibility, it also perpetuates inconsistency and potential discrimination against plus-size passengers.
The complaints over seating space have drawn the attention of Congress, which is instructing the FAA to look further into the matter. Implementing standardized rules regarding free extra seats would create a fair and inclusive environment for all travelers. Such regulations would not only alleviate the financial burden on plus-size passengers but also ensure that airlines prioritize passenger comfort and safety.
