"Customers Like This Should Buy Two Seats"... Photo Sparks Debate Over Airplane Ticket Costs

"Pay for Two Seats" vs. "Clear Discrimination"
Debate Over Airline Fees for Obese Passengers

A photo showing an obese passenger struggling to sit in an airplane seat has recently resurfaced, reigniting the debate over seat costs for overweight passengers.

Pretty Ricky, an American hip-hop artist with 6.3 million followers, recently posted the photo on Facebook, pointing out that "airlines need to establish systems for larger passengers."

A photo of an obese passenger trying to sit in a seat has spread online, sparking a debate over airplane prices. Facebook 'elliottdotorg'

The photo was taken in September 2023 by American journalist Christopher Elliott on a flight from Helsinki, Finland to Copenhagen, Denmark. The image shows a man sitting with his body extending into the neighboring seat's armrest. When it was first released, it sparked controversy over airline seat pricing policies. Pretty Ricky commented alongside the photo that "not only larger passengers but also those seated next to them experience discomfort," emphasizing the need for airlines to revise their standards.

The post has once again triggered debate among online users. The majority expressed the view that "if a person cannot fit into a single seat, it is only fair to pay for two seats." They argued, "People with long legs or tall stature also pay extra for more legroom. Larger passengers should likewise pay an additional fee," "Because of obese passengers, those in the adjacent seat only get half a seat," "Encroaching on the airplane aisle is also an issue," and "Passengers' weight should be measured before boarding." These were among the common reactions.

On the other hand, there were also many objections arguing that "charging extra solely based on body size is discrimination." Jae'lynn Chaney, a well-known American influencer famous for her 6XL size, claimed, "This issue arises because seats are not originally designed to accommodate diverse body types," and added, "Telling people to just lose weight is not a simple solution. The causes of obesity are complex, and for low-income individuals, a healthy diet can be a luxury." She responded to a comment suggesting, "If it's uncomfortable, use another mode of transportation instead of flying," by stating, "For many people, flying is a necessity and part of daily life. Telling people to give up travel because of their body type is discrimination." She further asserted, "While airplane seats are a problem, the bigger issue is society's perception of obesity."