Can airlines charge fat people more?
At the risk of making an astonishingly bad pun, aviation has a weighty issue on its hands. Samoa Air, the lilliputian airline that services the small Pacific island nation and some near neighbours has lately become the world's first carrier to charge passengers based on their weight.
The announcement closely followed the publication of an influential paper by Norwegian economist Bharat P Bhatta. That paper, which recommended models by which airlines could charge fares based on weight, coupled with Samoa Air's subsequent pricing manoeuvre, has made seismic waves. Some might say disproportionately seismic waves.
Few of the outraged commentators or general travelling public, for instance, will be affected in the short term by the new weight-based fares. Samoa Air operates three propellor driven aircraft in remote locations – two nine passenger Britten Norman Islanders and one three passenger Cessna 172 – hardly an airborne armada. But the question has now been raised: Is this merely a quirky publicity stunt or a sign of things to come?
Certainly Dr Bhatta thinks it should be the latter. Arguing the not illogical line that the more a passenger and their luggage weighs, the more aviation fuel an aircraft burns, he posits that weight-based fares should be introduced by airlines. Taking into account that rising aviation fuel costs are a crucial factor in airline operations, he also adds, with corporate hat firmly on, "that unless subsidized, an airline cannot operate if it cannot cover its costs". Chris Langton, Samoa Air's CEO has taken a similar line. "What makes airplanes work is weight. We are not selling seats, we are selling weight," he said in a CNN interview earlier this month.
One imagines that from a purely economical standpoint, airline management around the globe would be rushing to implement such a financially rational solution. But herein lies the issue for any airline which might attempt such a controversial approach; weight is a hazardous emotional battleground, a minefield that if wrongly traversed could prove fatal.
It's precisely why legions of columnists around the world, who wouldn't normally gives a tinker's cuss over an aviation story, have seized on this one and why countless more anonymous pundits have chimed in to have their say on chat forums. Weight – and particularly overweight people – excites the passions of the average person like few contemporary issues do. And it seems the two default standpoints regarding overweight people are either disgust and condemnation or sympathy. The kinder words are usually extended to those who suffer from a disability or a medical condition that makes losing weight a challenge or impossible.
One such sympathiser is Anne Bain, manager of AccessAbility Travel, an agency specialising in travel for people with a disability. "For people with a disability, this [fare structure] is just another barrier to their ability to travel," she said. "On Australian domestic carriers there are only two wheelchair users allowed on each flight. To then have to be weighed when checking in and to pay more for each kilo just adds insult to injury. Will wheelchairs, plaster casts, crutches or medical supplies be taxed as well? Where will it end?"
But it's the disgusted and condemning who are currently making the most noise. A recent Sydney Morning Herald article focusing on the issue claimed that 85% of respondents to a poll agreed that overweight people should pay more for their airfares. A similar Travel Weekly online editorial that criticised the fare structure also attracted a spate of comments lambasting the overweight. The internet is awash with outraged expositions from people who once had an obese neighbour as a seatmate on a long haul flight.
The prejudices of the masses aside, there are reasons beyond PR why weight-based fares may run into hot water – chiefly issues of legality. And Australians could soon be on the front line of the battleground given Langton told CNN that there are plans to expand the Samoa Air fleet with an Airbus A320-200 that could service Fiji, New Zealand and our own shores.
Should a passenger with a medically related weight problem find themselves paying an exorbitant fare compared to a passenger of standard weight, then legal recourse on the grounds of discrimination might be sought. Former president of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, Stephen Keim SC, is of the opinion that such a scenario could be legally tested.
"The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights… provides that the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. The social grouping of 'or other status' has allowed human rights law to evolve as different types of injustice are identified. It is certainly capable of application for people who are the subject of discrimination because of obesity," he said.
If interpreted to the furthest degree, this could spell trouble for any airline that proceeded with a weight-based fare structure. As for Samoa Air, Keim said "[The airline's] new policy flies in the face of this obligation to prohibit discrimination. Despite the attempt to disguise the policy as one that treats all people equally by charging them per kilo, the policy essentially and effectively discriminates against large people. In many cases, this will involve people whose large size amounts to a disability and causes the person disadvantage in many aspects of their lives."
But applying international laws against discrimination within individual countries is by no means an easy feat, Keim acknowledges. A legal remedy depends on the extent to which Samoa has written international human rights obligations into domestic law. Australia has also shown a reluctance to convert its equivalent obligations into law, except on a very restricted, line by line basis," he said. All of which means that while a legal challenge exists as a possibility, airlines can potentially take advantage of a loophole between international and domestic law to implement weight-based fare structures.
Other problems with weight-based fares are likely to arise, however. For instance, if these fares were implemented across major carriers, it is likely that there would be a resultant lobby for a wider range of seats within aircraft.
Currently everyone pays the same fare and consequently are given the same sized seat. But a passenger weighing 130kg and paying double that of a 65kg individual might reasonably ask for a seat with the width to accommodate them.
In this Samoa Air are in agreement. "It works both ways. People who pay more deserve more. They've paid their fare and we try to give them what they should have, which is a comfortable seat. We try to make sure they have space around them and that taller people have got more leg room," Langton told CNN.
This might be achievable in a smaller aircraft, where the front seat is more commodious than those at the back, but it's fairly unlikely that larger airlines will be willing to retrofit their cabins with seats of all sizes – an undoubtedly costly enterprise.
Bain suggests that airlines should take a leaf out of US carrier Southwest Airlines' book. According to the airline's charter, customers of size are accommodated with a complimentary second seat if it is deemed that one seat simply isn't enough. But whether other airlines will be so accommodating remains to be seen.
Clearly Samoa Air's renegade take on airfares has ruffled feathers in the aviation industry and beyond. But with the ice now broken and influential proponents such as Dr Bhatta putting economically rational arguments into the public sphere, weight-based fares are likely to remain the elephant in the room for some time yet.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
ATIA applauds government’s fast-track passport announcement
Excellent news if you've ever experienced the sheer horror of realising you don't have a functioning passport.
DayAway names Aussie partners for luxury community based membership
Tired of dining with the riff raff? Get yourself a DayAway membership and slip into a life of luxury.
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Be prepared - this article has more silver than your local jewellers!
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
With images like these - you're bound to regret being asleep during Australia's version of the northern lights.
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
We aren't endorsing ditching your work to look at flights to Ho Chi Minh but we're also not not endorsing it.
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
Spare a moment to think about the cleaner who had to pick up all the confetti after this one kicked off.
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
We've done the monotonous trawl through budget reports so you don't have to. You can thank us later!
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless its announced at a big conference, then it'll probably be reported.
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, administrators look to maximise chance of survival
VietJet's making big plays in Australia but is drawing the line at buying a defunct airline.
Top four airports return to profit after post-Covid period comes to an end
If you feel like we just haven't spent enough of our lives talking about Covid, then boy is this the article for you!
COMO launches new family-sized farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany
COMO Hotels and Resorts has launched its new farmhouse apartments in the heart of Tuscany, just in time for Australians to escape our wet winter. And it’s also an ideal time for Aussies of Italian ancestry to explore their home country as 2024 has been declared the year of Roots and Heritage Tourism by the […]
Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
All things sounding positive for Townsville, apart from the fact its football team is playing like 10 year olds.
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...
Ponant’s $2500 flight credit reward for polar expeditions booked by ANZ travellers
Tap into your inner explorer an save a couple of $K on flights? The trade-off will be frozen fingers.
Portugal, Spain or Morocco? Here’s how to spend a European summer in 2024
Hit a festival in Spain, enjoy a Portuguese tart or take in the raw beauty of North Africa. This feature has it all!
Vietjet’s summer lucky draw event, plus business flights slashed in half
It's not even winter yet and Vietjet's already talking about summer. We certainly aren't judging them!
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!