Thin flier: Southwest booted me for overweight teen

[DieselDragRacer]

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2010/07/southwest-overweight-passenger/101222/1

 

[scoreboardII]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

 

[Bringupthebird]

Why is the assumption that a person is overweight due entirely to their own lack of willpower and therefore deserving of ridicule? Their weight issue may be just as genetic as someone who is tall or otherwise outside the limits considered "normal", but because there are many who do get fat due to overeating, they are immediately lumped together.

Are people so "hungry" for a safe bigotry that they set their sights on the overweight and expect the world to give them nods of approval?

I think that WN did the right thing in this case, dealing with the UM issue first and 2-seat requirement second.

 

[acpilot]

Why is the assumption that a person is overweight due entirely to their own lack of willpower and therefore deserving of ridicule? Their weight issue may be just as genetic as someone who is tall or otherwise outside the limits considered "normal", but because there are many who do get fat due to overeating, they are immediately lumped together.

To those people:

Put down the soda, stick to 1,500 calories a day, and swim for an hour each day. SWIM, don't float, SWIM. It's easy on joints, particularly for obese people.

It works. They WILL lose weight.

 

[ultrarunner]

Why is the assumption that a person is overweight due entirely to their own lack of willpower....

Take a look at teenage obesity rates in the US and you'll know why! One step closer to my signature.......

 

[Whataburger]

This is Michelle Obama's fault!!

Isn't she in charge of slimming-down our youth?

Silly me, I thought it was the parents' responsibility.

 

[Ty Webb]

Why is the assumption that a person is overweight due entirely to their own lack of willpower and therefore deserving of ridicule? Their weight issue may be just as genetic

Genes only contribute so much. If you take in less calories than you burn, you will lose weight, period, especially if you eat "real" food instead of over-processed crap . . . . and quit drinking a beverages with high-fructose corn syrup!

It's not that complicated, but it takes some self-discipline. If you eat fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meat you may not be thin, but you sure won't be waddling through the concourses, sweaty and out of breath, and spilling over the armrests of your seat.

 

[ImbracableCrunk]

I fly back and forth between Korea and the US. Sitting in the terminals in Korea, you can count 50 people before you see someone overweight (and it's usually a tubby American tourist). In the States, you go 50 people before you see someone isn't waddling.

I'm definitely going with Nurture over Nature on this one. [/END RANT]

 

[Ad Lib]

The word "Bigot" has an interesting origin. Supposedly, when subjugated people refused to kiss the feet of the King, they would refuse to recognize the king, "by God." They were known as the first Bigots.

 

[Kalifornia]

Too many people wanting to live like Kings and Queens consciously or unconsciously. Picture in your mind an image of the "off with your head" King and Queen of ancient Europe; what do you get? An obese individual. There's a reason it's called Burger King and White Castle. The lack of health intelligence or desire to rapidly change eating habits amazes me.

 

[Ad Lib]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Isn't that the truth

A petite woman says Southwest Airlines removed her from a full flight to make room for an overweight teenager, The Sacramento Bee reports.The newspaper says the incident involving the 5-foot-4, 110-pound woman "happened last week on an early-evening Southwest flight from Las Vegas to Sacramento."
The Bee reports that the woman paid to upgrade to Southwest's full fare so that she could fly standby on the flight. The newspaper adds she was given the "last available seat, got on board, stowed her bags and sat down – only to be told she would have to deplane immediately."
That, of course, was so the airline could accommodate the heavy passenger that needed two seats.
Then, the booted woman -- the Bee writes "she has asked to remain anonymous for fear some may regard her as insensitive"

So someone who wished to remain anonymous called a newspaper to report .... but don't quote her, or provide a source.

This would not have passed the sniff test at our College paper, but apparently stories with no attributable source are not a problem for the USA Today.

I say kick them both off, give people in two rows a little extra elbow room.

 

[jonjuan]

I fly back and forth between Korea and the US. Sitting in the terminals in Korea, you can count 50 people before you see someone overweight (and it's usually a tubby pilot). In the States, you go 50 people before you see someone isn't waddling.

[/END RANT]

Lots of pilots with bad genes out there.

 

[Bringupthebird]

There are plenty of obese vegetarians. If there is any credence to the theory of evolution, then it must also be ackowledged that changes in diet over generations could lead to permanent genetic changes as well.

We, as a society, demand that those obese individuals perform above and beyond what so-called "normal" people do, just to conform to that same subjective "normal" body shape. One person can only avoid ridicule and discrimination so long as they spend 2 hours daily at the gym, while someone else without the genetic predisposition to obesity can sit in front of a computer and make fat jokes for 12 hours a day without gaining an ounce.

The real shock is not that there are a growing number of obese, but that we give tacit approval to bashing them without consequence as a way of openly venting a prejudice against folks without being called racist. Those who can't get away with using the "N-word" in civil society anymore can turn their venom toward the fat girl and everybody gets a laugh.

 

[The Drizzle]

Settle down, fatty.

 

[weasel_lips]

There are plenty of obese vegetarians. If there is any credence to the theory of evolution, then it must also be ackowledged that changes in diet over generations could lead to permanent genetic changes as well.

We, as a society, demand that those obese individuals perform above and beyond what so-called "normal" people do, just to conform to that same subjective "normal" body shape. One person can only avoid ridicule and discrimination so long as they spend 2 hours daily at the gym, while someone else without the genetic predisposition to obesity can sit in front of a computer and make fat jokes for 12 hours a day without gaining an ounce.

The real shock is not that there are a growing number of obese, but that we give tacit approval to bashing them without consequence as a way of openly venting a prejudice against folks without being called racist. Those who can't get away with using the "N-word" in civil society anymore can turn their venom toward the fat girl and everybody gets a laugh.

Maybe you should switch to light beer?

 

[Bigoober]

No kidding. If this was something that had been developing over a few generations, I might just be inclined to listen. Since this problem has just picked up over the last "generation", I have to bias my attitude off of the lack of control over eating a proper diet.

I guess it is my turn after being "ridiculed" as a kid for being skinny. Every dog has its day.

 

[FlyingPieceOfSt]

Genes only contribute so much. If you take in less calories than you burn, you will lose weight, period, especially if you eat "real" food instead of over-processed crap . . . . and quit drinking a beverages with high-fructose corn syrup!

It's not that complicated, but it takes some self-discipline. If you eat fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meat you may not be thin, but you sure won't be waddling through the concourses, sweaty and out of breath, and spilling over the armrests of your seat.

Also avoid diet drinks with Aspartame! You could actually stir up new ailments trying to stay/get lean.

 

[Ty Webb]

Also avoid diet drinks with Aspartame! You could actually stir up new ailments trying to stay/get lean.

Yep. I read somewhere that aspartame makes laboratory mice listen to disco music. :laugh:

 

[Ad Lib]

There are plenty of obese vegetarians. If there is any credence to the theory of evolution, then it must also be ackowledged that changes in diet over generations could lead to permanent genetic changes as well.

We, as a society, demand that those obese individuals perform above and beyond what so-called "normal" people do, just to conform to that same subjective "normal" body shape. One person can only avoid ridicule and discrimination so long as they spend 2 hours daily at the gym, while someone else without the genetic predisposition to obesity can sit in front of a computer and make fat jokes for 12 hours a day without gaining an ounce.

The real shock is not that there are a growing number of obese, but that we give tacit approval to bashing them without consequence as a way of openly venting a prejudice against folks without being called racist. Those who can't get away with using the "N-word" in civil society anymore can turn their venom toward the fat girl and everybody gets a laugh.

Bet she has more Chins than China Town.

 

[Kalifornia]

There are plenty of obese vegetarians. If there is any credence to the theory of evolution, then it must also be ackowledged that changes in diet over generations could lead to permanent genetic changes as well.

We, as a society, demand that those obese individuals perform above and beyond what so-called "normal" people do, just to conform to that same subjective "normal" body shape. One person can only avoid ridicule and discrimination so long as they spend 2 hours daily at the gym, while someone else without the genetic predisposition to obesity can sit in front of a computer and make fat jokes for 12 hours a day without gaining an ounce.

The real shock is not that there are a growing number of obese, but that we give tacit approval to bashing them without consequence as a way of openly venting a prejudice against folks without being called racist. Those who can't get away with using the "N-word" in civil society anymore can turn their venom toward the fat girl and everybody gets a laugh.

You gotta be kidding me?! Though I agree going venomous is not a quality trait, acceptance of this condition is not the way to go either. It's impossible not to personally know multiple people with such condition and upon observing family, friends, and acquaintances who are overweight/obese and even my self for once being 15 pounds overweight, I can say that it comes down to inactivity/lack of health of health knowledge/laziness/addiction/lack of willpower or lack of caring.

As someone else mentioned, Diet Coke is not a solution.

 

[shootr]

I am normally a tolerant, forgiving, and equal opportunity kind of a guy. With that said, it ain't your genes, Fatty. Put down the burger and soda.

 

[bigtexpilot]

I think the thin one was a non-rev.

 

[b82rez]

I think the thin one was a non-rev.

Do you think that because you didn't read the article?

 

[Whataburger]

Ever since that 80 yr old lady burned her cooch at Micky D's, this country has gone to hell in a hand basket!!

 

[Bad-Andy]

So let me get this straight... The fat guy bought two seats (in advance), to ensure he was in compliance with Southwest's "size" policy. The skinny bi-atch walked up at the last minute and paid extra to stand-by for an earlier flight. The flight went full (every seat paid for) and she's upset that she didn't get on. Would she have been calling the media to whine if the "spare" seat had been a young couple with a baby in a car seat (that they paid for)?

I say way to go Southwest!!! (no sarcasm intended...). You guys that are slamming SW crack me up. The guy knew he was "oversized" and did the right thing -- bought 2 seats. I can see being upset had she been bumped because he spilled into a second seat without paying for it. But, he paid for the second seat. Plain and simple. It was his. Period.

As for the weight loss thing, it is all, 100%, absolutely, totally lifestyle. Period. The genetics argument is crap. It is a cop-out. My parents are heavy. I was heavy (388 to be exact). Now, I ain't heavy (172-175 to be exact, and kept it off for the last 2 years). I eat healthy and get my lazy rear end to the gym for a 3-4 mile run 3 days a week. As someone said, it is simple -- more calories in than out, you gain weight. More calories out than in, you lose weight. It can be done. It just takes work, discipline, and a good support network (and no fast-food or soda -- diet or regular, as those are the death of American society).

 

[Bad-Andy]

Ever since that 80 yr old lady burned her cooch at Micky D's, this country has gone to hell in a hand basket!!

Whataburger,

That statement could be revised to say that ever since Micky D's opened, this country has gone to hell in a hand basket!!

Everyone knows that there is only one "good" burger joint -- In 'n Out

 

[P38JLightning]

This thread is worthless without pics.

 

[Ty Webb]

My parents are heavy. I was heavy (388 to be exact). Now, I ain't heavy (172-175 to be exact, and kept it off for the last 2 years). I eat healthy and get my lazy rear end to the gym for a 3-4 mile run 3 days a week.

Wow! That is awesome, absolutely awesome! Congrats to you, and I mean that sincerely.

 

[Erlanger]

This problem is only going to get worst as Americans get fatter and fatter. I even wonder how some of our fellow fat-ass pilots pass their medicals.

 

[Indy refugee]

So let me get this straight... The fat guy bought two seats (in advance), to ensure he was in compliance with Southwest's "size" policy. The skinny bi-atch walked up at the last minute and paid extra to stand-by for an earlier flight. The flight went full (every seat paid for) and she's upset that she didn't get on. Would she have been calling the media to whine if the "spare" seat had been a young couple with a baby in a car seat (that they paid for)?

I say way to go Southwest!!! (no sarcasm intended...). You guys that are slamming SW crack me up. The guy knew he was "oversized" and did the right thing -- bought 2 seats. I can see being upset had she been bumped because he spilled into a second seat without paying for it. But, he paid for the second seat. Plain and simple. It was his. Period.

As for the weight loss thing, it is all, 100%, absolutely, totally lifestyle. Period. The genetics argument is crap. It is a cop-out. My parents are heavy. I was heavy (388 to be exact). Now, I ain't heavy (172-175 to be exact, and kept it off for the last 2 years). I eat healthy and get my lazy rear end to the gym for a 3-4 mile run 3 days a week. As someone said, it is simple -- more calories in than out, you gain weight. More calories out than in, you lose weight. It can be done. It just takes work, discipline, and a good support network (and no fast-food or soda -- diet or regular, as those are the death of American society).

Read it again. The 14 yr old DIDN'T buy 2 seats, but the agents decided to give her a second seat without charging her in order to not strand her.

The skinny chick was standing-by for an earlier flight. Most likely the agents pax count indicated they had a seat for the revenue standby, so they sent her down. Upon reaching the aircraft, they realized that the only open seat was partially occupied by the POS teanager. They decided to not seat the standby. I think they did the right thing.