Airline 'fat tax': Should heavy passengers pay more?

[moonbladem]

From excess luggage to excess flesh -- an economist says flight fares should be based on body weight.An economics scholar in Norway has recommended that air ticket costs be calculated according to a passenger’s weight

Comments

[mastadge]

I propose that the fat tax be complemented by an asshole tax, whereby those above the asshole threshold pay extra and those below it receive a discount. The asshole threshold shall, of course, be scientifically determined and easily testable by TSA employees for maximum objectivity; any objections to it, therefore, automatically put one over the asshole threshold.

Seriously, this kind of bullshit for a "token" savings is, well, bullshit. If you're that concerned about the environment, invest in research into more efficient aircraft and engine design and fuel sources. Or, y'know, invest the money you're spending on this fattist crap instead in lobbying for reform of the major pollutant industries.

[fluffydragon]

I want to hug your entire comment.

[evilnel]

Seconded.

[zeldakitty]

I would also like to impose the asshole tax on men who splay their legs wide apart (in airplane seats) and into the comfort zone of others.

[lithiumflower]

I HATE GUYS WHO DO THIS ON THE SUBWAY. HAAAAAAAATE. CLOSE YOUR LEGS. PUT YOUR ARMS IN YOUR LAP.

Or the people who read the newspaper on the morning commute...with it splayed both pages open so their arm and half the paper are in your face. Fucker, fold that shit back and PUT IT IN YOUR LAP.

Why are people like this...T_T

[moonshaz]

As a former regular user of commuter trains, subway/el trains, and buses, I second, third, fourth, and fifth this!

The newspaper thing I really didn't run into, fortunately for me. (I'm a newspaper reader myself, but I was always EXTREMELY careful about folding and keeping the damned thing in MY space only. But men who think they need to splay way the hell out, everywhere, at all times, and in all circumstances ARE assholes, pure and simple. Huge ones.

[cinnamontoast]

Yesssss.

SPREADING UR LEGS DOES NOT MAKE YOU MANLY. IT MAKES YOU ANNOYING.

[yeats]

ah, the age-old bullshit of "pumpkin testicles."

[maenads_dance]

Just dealt with that on my flight this Sunday. Young dude who appeared to think that elbowing me every time he moved in his seat was A-OK.

[bananainpyjamas]

I just flew home on a red-eye and had trouble sleeping because the guy next to me was all up in my space (legs splayed apart AND leaning over into my seat). What's most annoying is that he could have easily shifted to the left a bit and still been in his seat. But I guess then he'd run the risk of doing all that shit to the male passenger on his left and we can't have that, of course.

[kishmet]

yes and of course they expect anyone female or female-looking to keep their legs pressed together like anchovies in a damn tin

I sat next to one dude who tripped the flight attendant 3+ times before he brought his legs in a little. Next time I think I'm gonna try spilling orange juice on them every time they spread out into my space because elbowing just does not work

[ceilidh]

fucking this. Not just on planes but anywhere else. I'm constantly seeing men who are spreading themselves into every available inch of space.

[rhysande]

+1

[paksenarrion2]

This is a great comment. Thank you times a million.

Also? Adorable icon. Is that your dog?