16 April,2009 08:08 AM IST | | Agencies
United Airlines will require obese passengers bumped from full flights to purchase two seats on a subsequent flight. "Last year we had 700 complaints from passengers who had to share their seats," she said.
Under the new policy, obese passengers defined as unable to lower the arm rest and buckle a seat belt with one extension belt will still be reaccommodated, at no extra charge, to two empty seats if there is space available. If, however, the airplane is full, they will be bumped from the flight and may have to purchase a second ticket, at the same price as the original fare.
The change brings the airline in line with eight other American domestic airlines including Continental, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest, United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said on yesterday.
