Overweight Passengers – Air France-KLM Cracks Down

Have you measured your derriere lately?  The way things are going, it may become necessary before booking a flight! 

The news is full of the latest skinny on charging extra for overweight passengers. It is obviously a very delicate and sensitive matter for all concerned, including the airline, flight attendants, and airline personnel – as well as oversize passengers. 

Airlines have seatbelt extenders available, but some airlines now require large passengers to purchase an additional seat.

From February 1, 2010 Air France-KLM will implement a new policy for passengers with ‘a high body mass’ (as it is described on their website). 

Air France-KLM passengers will, if needed, be required to reserve and pay for an additional adjoining seat – or risk being denied boarding if the flight is full.  (Second seats will be offered at a discount).  However, if the flight is not full the airline has promised to reimburse the cost of the second seat.  The airline cites safety concerns where passengers do not comfortably fit into a single seat and the backrest cannot be moved up and down easily. 

According to the Air-France-KLM website, the aisle width on Air France-KLM planes is 43 cm (17 inches).  Seat widths on their planes range from:

• 40-45 cm (16-17”) ‘Voyageur’ and ‘Alizé’ cabins, waist up to 135 cm (53”)
• 47 cm (18.5”) ‘Affaires’ med-haul cabins, waist up to 149 cm (59”)
• 47 cm (19”) ‘Premium Voyageur’ long-haul cabins, waist up to 149 cm (59”)
• 50-53 cm (20-21”) ‘La Première 1st class’ & ‘Affaires LH Business Class’, waist 200 cm (79”)

Once an airline makes a move like this, the chances are it won’t be long before others follow suit.  Some airlines have already adopted policies regarding ‘customers of size’. In the U.S. United Airline requires passengers who do not fit safely into a single seat to purchase an additional seat (if the flight attendants can arrange it) or pay for an upgrade to business class. The U.S. budget airline, Southwest requires that passengers must be able to lower both armrests, or buy a second seat.  Jet Blue and American Airlines have similar policies. 

The new policy may also be due to the growing number of complaints from passengers who have suffered uncomfortable flights because of an overweight seat companion.  It also makes the airlines vulnerable to lawsuits.  A woman who claimed her overweight seat companion crushed her on a flight successfully sued Virgin Atlantic several years ago.  Even more important, perhaps, is the fear that an overweight person would hamper evacuation in an emergency. 

Travellers of size may soon be advised to get the measuring tape out, do a height and weight check, and plan their flights and travels accordingly.  It would be preferable to do this at  home at the booking stage rather than risk an embarrassing episode at the airport or on the plane.  What is your opinion?  Please feel free to comment.

Obtain a quote for your travel insurance here - our prices are still streamlined!

 Flickr Image (cc) Credit:  Kyle May