robot-heart:

kiamatthews:jeffcagle:

Newsradio 780 has learned that United has instructed its customer service representatives at O’Hare International Airport ticket counters and gates to be extra vigilant beginning Wednesday for passengers they deem to be overweight.  Those unable to comfortably fasten a safety belt with one extension or sit comfortably with armrests down will be denied boarding unless they purchase an extra seat, even if they can be placed elsewhere in the aircraft next to an empty seat.

If no empty seat exists, the passenger will be forced to take a later flight.

This is a great move by United. With last year’s Supreme Court ruling in Canada, this could get interesting, but it’s a great step forward in stigmatizing this health epidemic.

I’ve said for a while that people won’t truly get serious about obesity until it’s incentivized economically. This is a good start.