Overweight? Buy an extra seat

[Lauren8211]

Date: 5/1/2009 10:46:49 AM
Author: lucyandroger
Okay, Elle...I apologize for my sarcasm..definitely uncalled for but I really took offense to what I saw as you putting words in my mouth. I definitely think people can make an effort to change and LOTS of people lose weight and get into a healthier lifestyle.

I was just saying that there is more to the issue a lot of times. That''s great that you could do it and I''m sure you''re an inspiration to other people struggling with weight around you. However, everyone is different...obesity is a real problem in America and I think if we''re going to address it we need to do more than say buck up and exercise.

One of my close friends is working to make it so that farmer''s markets will accept food stamps so that poor people have access to fresh fruits and veggies. One of my other friends is working on legislation to help protect physical education in schools that are poorly funded.

Anyway, I don''t think that telling someone who is obese to just exercise and eat less works. You have to treat the root of the problem...therapists can be helpful to some, even if you didn''t need one yourself.

It''s cool. I know it gets heated in here sometimes.

I do agree that there is a lot to the issue, but diet and exercise are the number 1 way to combat obesity. That is a fact.

It is also a fact that there are socio-economic factors at hand here for some people, and making access to healthier foods, just like your close friend is doing, is a HUGE step. I understand that when you''re a single mom with 2 kids working 80 hours a week, the last thing you want to do (or CAN do) is come home and cook a "wholesome" meal. McDonalds is RIGHT there, and cheap and tasty! Its too easy for us to make the wrong choice, especially when outside factors come in to play.

I guess I just like to play up the diet and exercise route, because it truly helps. Thats step 1 for everyone trying to lose weight. Then if you find something is keeping you from it, time to attack emotional issues. WHY am I eating? Am I even hungry? What is food replacing for me? Boredom? Loneliness? That is where it gets tough, and I truly sympathize.

It''s obviously a complex issue, and I never meant to say "Everyone just eat better and exercise" and think I''ve solved the country''s obesity problem. If it came across that way, it wasn''t my intent. I realize its not that easy.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 5/1/2009 7:59:05 AM
Author: Deelight
Strm *mini threadjack* completly unrelated to the topic (which I won''t comment on) I had really bad fluid retention when travelling (especially in my feet) and I found this fantastic tea in Prague called silver monkey paw, I don''t know if you can get it in the US but it was fantastic fixed me right up and got rid of my excess fluid - after weeks of dealing with it . I don''t know if you can drink something like that but I know fluid retention sucks

Thanks I will look into it!!!!

 

[LAJennifer]

Waffle House

 

[partgypsy]

It''s sounds like the kind of person who is grossy obese, not just a "big guy". And for those people yes if you are taking up someone else''s seat then maybe should have to pay more. Some people have to do checked baggage because say they have liquid medications or whatnot that cannot be carried on. They have to pay for checked baggage. Life is not fair.

For one it should be during time of purchase this decision should be made, not on the plane. They should have on the booking sites a line that says if your waist line is this or greater or weight is greater than 300 lbs or seat width is this or greater you may need to purchase an extra ticket, please call airline number at:

What is within their power is to a) try to accomodate the really large passengers by moving people around so there is an empty seat next to them. If that is unavailable b) have a couple seats right after first class that are larger (more expensive than coach but less expensive than first class) that people must buy if they are above their requirements and there are no spare seats available. But to have that all spelled out accordingly.

At the same time it would be nice if accomodations were made for other people as well, such as moms traveling (holding) their baby that should try to seat next to empty seat, and I''m sure there are a whole host of exceptions other people can think of as well.

 

[CNOS128]

I think they could make the seats a little roomier. I don''t know if the seats have gotten smaller, or the rows have gotten closer together (do they renovate the inside of the older planes to put in new seats, ever? I would imagine so...), but I find coach class to be really uncomfortable!! And I''m not little, but I''m not overweight.

Anyhow, according to Southwest Airlines'' policy for "Customers of Size," it seems the customer is chard a child''s price for the extra seat, and if the flight isn''t full the customer can get a refund on that seat. I just can''t imagine how mortifying it would be to be in that situation.

 

[partgypsy]

I don''t know what they mean by a "child''s seat." When I traveled with an infant I carried her and wasn''t charged for an extra seat (you do have to notify the airlines of the baby in advance).
If the child is 2 years or older, you have to buy another seat. It is a full-priced seat (no discount for being a child).

 

[CNOS128]

Date: 5/1/2009 1:58:09 PM
Author: part gypsy
I don''t know what they mean by a ''child''s seat.'' When I traveled with an infant I carried her and wasn''t charged for an extra seat (you do have to notify the airlines of the baby in advance).

If the child is 2 years or older, you have to buy another seat. It is a full-priced seat (no discount for being a child).

I don''t know, either! They seem to think they have something called a Child''s Fare. Policies The Q&A linked to from that page is kind of entertaining.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Date: 5/1/2009 2:15:23 PM
Author: TheBigT

Date: 5/1/2009 1:58:09 PM

Author: part gypsy

I don''t know what they mean by a ''child''s seat.'' When I traveled with an infant I carried her and wasn''t charged for an extra seat (you do have to notify the airlines of the baby in advance).


If the child is 2 years or older, you have to buy another seat. It is a full-priced seat (no discount for being a child).

I don''t know, either! They seem to think they have something called a Child''s Fare. Policies The Q&A linked to from that page is kind of entertaining.

I know international flights charge 10% of the adult fare, even if you have a lap child. Not sure about domestic flights though...

 

[Shoopy]

I haven''t read any of the new posts because I can''t even imagine what direction this thread has taken

Just wanted to check in and say the flight went well. I laughed at myself when I sat and realized I may have exaggerated just a little. I did, however, sit next to someone with broad shoulders and so my back hurts from sitting sideways. Otherwise, no extra fare for me

 

[Deelight]

Date: 5/1/2009 11:09:26 AM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 5/1/2009 7:59:05 AM

Author: Deelight

Strm *mini threadjack* completly unrelated to the topic (which I won''t comment on) I had really bad fluid retention when travelling (especially in my feet) and I found this fantastic tea in Prague called silver monkey paw, I don''t know if you can get it in the US but it was fantastic fixed me right up and got rid of my excess fluid - after weeks of dealing with it . I don''t know if you can drink something like that but I know fluid retention sucks

Thanks I will look into it!!!!

Your welcome good luck I hope you can find it - the tea actually tastes really good too

 

[swimmer]

Isn''t this simply a safety issue? If a person can''t fasten their seatbelt with two extenders then they shouldn''t be able to fly. In case of turbulence no one wants an unrestrained thin or obese person being hurtled around the inside of the thin metal tubes we fly in.

And on the farcical list of things to charge for, under farting please add vomiting, smelly feet, too much AXE or perfume, and headphones that project sound to those around the listener. Vomiting is a smaller fee because it is involuntary (hopefully) but still nastay and occasionally causes others to do the same.

 

[vespergirl]

I used to purchase a "child''s fare" seat for my son before he turned two. Even though you are allowed to bring an infant on the plane to sit in your lap, it''s not recommended by the American Association of Pediatricians. It is much safer to buy your infact their own seat, and secure their carseat into that seat, and have your child travel like that. I would have never travelled with my son in my lap - not only is it unsafe for the baby, but I can see it also being a total nuisance to the person sitting next to me. You know that a baby will kick & stretch, and I would never be rude enough to make the person next to me have to suffer through that on their flight. The child''s fare seat was usually 75% of the cost of an adult seat.

Ultimately, I think a baby''s safety is more important than saving a few bucks on a baby''s ticket. I have been on flights with such severe turbulence that even with a seatbelt on, I was jolted out of my seat and my head hit the baggage hold above me. I can''t imagine that someone would be able to safely hold a baby in that type of situation. That''s the same reason that children need to sit in carseats in cars, and I think that planes should have the same safety requirements.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I didn''t read the whole thread but wanted to throw in my two cents. I don''t know what a tactful way of charging more is .. but I think it is only fair.

I travel multiple times on a weekly basis .. there are many times where half my seat was taken up. The passanger beside me were not able to put down the arm rest and I was too nice to say anything. So I smush myself to the side. I am pretty tiny but it''s still not fair that I can''t get my space. I find it pretty envasive when their bodies are touching mine because of their size!

 

[galeteia]

I expect to pay for my seat, and I expect not to have to pay for the space required by someone else. The armrest and 2 extenders test seems fair. If you can fit in the constraints of the space, all is well.

It is horrible that people struggling with their weight should have to deal with the embarrassment of needing another seat, but it is not fair to impose upon the people sitting nearby, who paid for their seat and it is now being overrun by someone else.

 

[swingirl]

I know it''ll never happen but the airlines need to reconsider the size of the seats they are using these days. These seats were probably comfortable 30-40 years ago. But people have gotten heavier and taller. My son is 6''2" and he can''t sit with his legs in front of him. My daughter is 5''9" and finds the shape of the back all wrong for a tall person. Some ethnicities have fuller upper torsos and broad shoulders even on average-weight bodies. Only the smallest folks are fitting comfortably in airline seats. I am curious to know what size person they made the seats for. It seems if you are over 5''6" and 120 lbs you are pushing the limit.

I wish the airlines would give all of us a little more space.

 

[partgypsy]

Vesper, you must have pretty agreeable babies. Due to the unfamiliar surroundings and change in air pressure most infant/children are uncomfortable during the flight. My daughter turned 2 a month before we had to fly so she had to sit in her own seat. I had to physically restrain her during take off and landings because she did not want to be in the seat (though strangely she is ok with car seats). During the rest of the flight I held her so she wouldn''t be screaming her head off. Many mothers with infants nurse them during the flight to sooth them and reduce ear pressure differences.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Date: 5/1/2009 12:12:07 AM
Author: Linda W

Date: 4/30/2009 12:05:30 PM

Author: steph72276

Date: 4/30/2009 11:34:19 AM


Author: Tacori E-ring


LtlFirecracker, that is pretty judgmental! I gained an insane amount of weight and I did not use pregnancy as an excuse to pig out 24/7. SOME women just gain a lot. I know there are many of us. We went on to have healthy children. Even still I could still fit in a seat. Obviously the majority of the extra weight was out not width.

AMEM, sister! I gained 55 pounds during pregnancy....my doctor said at least 15 pounds of it was because I was soooo very swollen (and also had very little movement due to being on bedrest for 3 ENTIRE MONTHS). Not all people that gain lots of weight during pregnancy do so because they go out on a pigfest, thank you!

I agree with both of you. My daughter gained 65 pounds with my first grandson. She was also on bed rest and was so swollen, she could hardly walk. The second one, she gained a lot of weight and could also hardly walk.

I am sorry if that came across as rude. Some women do get medical complications that cause them to gain a lot of weight in fluid, but some women (not all) do gain a lot of weight because they over eat, and I have seen them counseled and shrug their shoulders at their doctors like it is no big deal. And there are medical complications for both mother and baby that can potentially happen. What I was trying to say is that gaining a lot of weight in pregnancy is not something that is considered "normal" in the medical community, and should not be considered "normal" in the general population as well. A women who has a medical complication like excess fluid from pre-eclampsia, is not experiencing a normal pregnancy, but a complicated one, and is probably not a women who should be traveling. In fact, I think women are advised not to travel during their third trimester.

To be fair, I have also seen thin women who exercise like they did in pre-pregnancy and not gain enough weight, that can cause just as many problems.

Sorry if I offended people.