Comment: Fat tax: A big mistake

Comment: Fat tax: A big mistake
By admin


A fat tax? Seriously, what is Samoa Air thinking?

How much lower can the airline stoop in its aim to generate additional revenue?

The introduction of its fat tax, as it inevitably became known, is discrimination, pure and simple. They are charging more for heavier passengers, punishing them for their weight would be a more accurate way of looking at it. So in what way is that not discrimination?

People have excess weight for a number of reasons, health being one of them. And Samoa Air is apparently quite content to slap on an additional charge for people with potential health issues. Nice.

But regardless of the reasons, what sort of business is happy to humiliate its customers in this way?

Why don't we just sit larger people in a caged off area on the aircraft and be done with it? Maybe the airline can charge the skinny folk to throw cream buns at them? What a fabulous way to generate ancillary revenue.

The carrier can dress it up any way it likes – it said it would benefit families – but this policy has the end result of generating additional revenue from vulnerable people.

According to a Travelzoo policy, more than a few people back such a policy. Almost four out of 10 agreed with charging more for larger travellers. What a sad statistic.

Some of these people will have body odour, bad breath, a gambling habit, a drink and drug problem. Can we assume Samoa Air will start punishing these travellers for their inability to be perfect?

As for the argument that heavy people affect the carrying capacity of the aircraft. That may be true, to a point, but let's not kid ourselves this is a big problem for carriers. And it still doesn't excuse such discriminatory practice.

Latest News

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]