flight attendant takes picture of obese man in economy class

[Amby 490]

The picture, posted on an aviation blog, was reportedly taken by a flight attendant to illustrate to airline managers the difficulty of dealing with passengers who cannot fit into seats.

It is unclear if the man was aware his picture was being taken or whether the flight, on US carrier American Airlines, took off with the passenger spilling out of his seat.

Airlines already offer extended seatbelts to larger passengers to comply with safety rules but a number of carriers now insist obese customers buy an extra seat.

US domestic no-frills airline Southwest has a “customer of size” policy that insists passengers who cannot lower both armrests buy a second ticket which is reimbursed if the flight is not full.

American Airlines does not have such a requirement but urges passengers to “recognize ahead of time that they may need to purchase two seats”.

The image, apparently taken on a Boeing 757, was sent to writer Kieran Daly and posted on his blog at aviation news website, Flightglobal.

It is not clear if the image has been altered but Mr Daly wrote: “This is sent to me with the absolute assurance that it's a genuine picture taken by a flight attendant at American Airlines. The F/A took it to show her manager what was happening on the aircraft (757???) and why she was unhappy about it. Seems the guy paid for only one seat and the gate staff let him board.”

Comments below the blog entry illustrate the debate over how to deal sensitively with obese passengers while ensuring others have enough room.

In a statement, American Airlines said: "At this time American Airlines is unable to confirm whether or not the image referred to was taken by a member of flight crew but will investigate the situation internally to determine if any of the airline's strict policies were not correctly applied.

"American Airlines’ primary concern is for the safety and comfort of its passengers and crews and consequently passengers are advised to book two seats if they are concerned that they will require them. If a flight is not full, however, passengers' needs would be accommodated without charge wherever possible."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics...ture-taken.html

how can that even be considered safe???

[Peikko 1,575]

It if is a real picture then no, it can't be safe for either the overweight passenger, or those around him. The AISLE is BLOCKED. I don't think it can be real though, how would they get the cart with all those delicious drinks and meals to all the passengers?

[Laveau 67]

That's not right. Someone that big really should have to pay for two seats because he NEEDS two seats. But as the article mentioned, what about in the case that the plane has to evacuate? His size does make him a safety hazard. And how the heck can the attendants pass a drink cart down that aisle? He's blocking it.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

And even without extender, the cattle-class seatbelt can easily hold a 30-stone person.

[Peikko 1,575]

I have never understood the seat belts on planes. Lap belts are really not much use for anything.

[Brit Abroad 166]

Two unoccupied seats in the row immediately behind him .... I call fake.

[nowhereman 1]

If I were on a flight full of Miss America contestants and two fat dudes with my luck I'd be between the two fatties

[*julez* 124]

There are people standing up further in the aisle. Looks like they were still boarding. Plus, if those that were sitting behind him arrived after him, they'd be hard pressed to get past him.

[NickD 203]

Our 110 # daughter had to pay an extra baggage fee because her luggage was five pounds over.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

If I were on a flight full of Miss America contestants and two fat dudes with my luck I'd be between the two fatties

I concur -- buy 2 seats in advance. For your safety/comfort and that of others. Few things as uncomfortable as being squeezed by an overweight woman (in my personal case) on a non-stop from Mexico City to Vancouver.

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

It if is a real picture then no, it can't be safe for either the overweight passenger, or those around him. The AISLE is BLOCKED. I don't think it can be real though, how would they get the cart with all those delicious drinks and meals to all the passengers?

obviously it stops at him, what a deal!

[alienlovechild 75]

Two unoccupied seats in the row immediately behind him .... I call fake.

Also note the seat isn't reclined at all even though there's not much space between rows.

The tall must also be a giant as he is by far the tallest guy within the passenger compartment using the seats as a point of reference.

[GabiandVi 34]

It must be a fake. The guy is a giant in comparison to the fellow passengers, and not just in girth, so where is the end of his leg? It looks like it must be in the baggage hold. And what is he sitting on? The arm rests on aisle seats usually don't fold up, so his must be either penetrating his hip, or up his a**. I don't see how this is a real photo. If it was, while the guy is huge and should be given two seats, the small size of the seats is criminal to begin with. This is just further evidence of that.

Looking at the photo again, I'm struck with how no one is gawking at this guy. They are all looking straight forward except the guy next to him, who isn't looking at him, but off beyond him. I've seen big people on flights. Everyone gawks, and the people next to them lean away and make faces. They look at the seat as if to see how the big person is going to fit in it.

I'm convinced this is a hoax.

Edited December 1, 2009 by GabiandVi

[Nagishkaw 510]

being squeezed by an overweight woman (in my personal case) on a non-stop from Mexico City to Vancouver.

Try it going from Detroit to Paris.

[Amby 490]

to me it looks like he is sitting on the armrests instead of in the seat