United to Charge Large Fliers Double

United Airlines has decided to charge overweight passengers for two seats under certain conditions. The additonal fare would be required if the customers “are unable to fit into a single seat in the ticketed cabin; are unable to properly buckle the seatbelt using a single seatbelt extender; and/or are unable to put the seat’s armrests down when seated.” United isn’t the first airline to introduce this policy as Southwest Airlines, Alaska Air Group, and Continental have similar policies. Several of the airlines, including United, are willing to forgo the charge if there are empty seats on the flight.
United Airlines © Steven Damron

Airlines have been on the defensive recently including RyanAir who is thinking about charging for toilet use and Spirit Airlines which was in a battle with their employees over a new apron policy. With consumer frustrations with airline policies, United is likely to take a few hits for their new guidelines. In their defense, United claims that this will policy will “help ensure that everyone’s travel experiences [is] comfortable and pleasant.”

Is United justified in charging certain passengers double the fare based on their size?

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Spirit Airlines Faces Employee Revolt

Spirit Airlines hits the headlines with another controversy. Their employees are urging the discount airline to discontinue a new policy that requires fight attendants to wear aprons with beer logos. A spokeswomen for the Association of Flight Attendants called the aprons “demeaning.” Read more on Yahoo! News.
Spirit Air Apron Controversy © Anne Norman

This isn’t the first problem Spirit has faced. They were also criticised for using sexually-explicit advertising in connection with their MILF: Many Islands, Low Fares (below) marketing campaign. This refers to an explicit term that was popularized by the film American Pie. Spirit executives deny the connection. The racy advertisements were mentioned along with the aprons as a pattern of behavior from the company. Read more on ABC News.
Spirit Air MILF Advertisement © Tifotter

Spirit Airlines continues to walk a thin line. Their earlier advertising campaign was successful in that it brought the company into the spotlight without consequences. The latest gimmick, however, has the potential to lead to press attention that may hurt the airline. With words like “demeaning” being flung, it may be a campaign that they regret.

Has Spirit Airlines crossed the line?

Read more about issues with Spirit Airlines or Delta’s decision to charge overweight passengers double the fare.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.