Kevin Smith vs. Southwest Airlines

[snaproll20]

tks for the good info as usual, CD.
Since many of these people are double the 170 weight, and not being an engineer, I am guessing that obese people would become missiles under rapid decelleration.

I remember Medivac beds had to withstand 9 g. Using that as an example, a 4.5 force would exceed that tolerance. That is assuming that the seat has not been fatigued by continued use by over-weight people. A 340 pounder would exert a force of 1530 pounds on the seat. Perhaps they should be given "Dangerous Goods" status.

It is also interesting that the rule date is 1965. This was long before being obese became an issue. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a huge percentage increase in obeseity since that time. If you are going to eat yourself to death, why would you demand 'special treatment'? You are already overwhelming the health system and costing the rest of us money. The notion expressed in the interview that there should be special seats kept available for fatties is just so incredibly stupid. These days, it is is always somebody else who is responsible, or has to cope with the problems of dealing with people who cannot even care for themselves, or their children.

[Topspin]

tks for the good info as usual, CD.
If you are going to eat yourself to death, why would you demand 'special treatment'? You are already overwhelming the health system and costing the rest of us money. The notion expressed in the interview that there should be special seats kept available for fatties is just so incredibly stupid. These days, it is is always somebody else who is responsible, or has to cope with the problems of dealing with people who cannot even care for themselves, or their children.

Without question, Anti-obesity/McDonalds will become the next major political football after the anti-smoking campaign finally fizzles.

[Randleman]

I woulda kicked him off for wearing that sweater!!

just jokes

[yxl_swa_guy]

These are the facts I know about the situation. Kevin Smith had purchased two tickets on a later flight. He requested to fly stand-by on an earlier flight. A Southwest Customer Service Agent allowed Kevin on the airplane knowing he would not have two seats available. Kevin purchases two seats because he knows he needs them. It is Southwest's policy for a COS, customer of size to purchase two seats for the flight. If the flight is not full the passenger is refunded the second seat.

The rest is twitter fueled hype.

Everyday we see this. Unfortunately there are a lot of skinny people sandwiched between over sized people all the time. In the US even bad press is good press.