By David Landsel
You're paying to check your belongings, so why should other people's excess baggage get a free ride?
Thats the question being asked by a growing number of travelers. As airlines look for new ways to boost revenue, fees for checked bags are on the rise; so is scrutiny of overweight customers whose baggage is built in.
Its a touchy subject, Airfarewatchdog.com has found, and one that airlines have been happy to avoid discussing, where possible. As late as 2008, United Airlines wouldnt even address the matter with us.
But an outcry among passengers, tired of their seatmates taking up more than their fair share of jealously-guarded seat space, is said to have played a role in the airlines new rules for transporting “customers of size.” Where a terse “we have no policy” was once the standard response, United adopted new regulations in 2009. Customers who were unable to confine themselves to one seat would be required to buy a second, should the crew be unable to reseat them.
Its a policy thats becoming increasingly commonplace.
To many, the idea seems simple enough – if you cant fit into one seat, you should probably consider buying two.
Its not simple at all. Canadas government takes a dim view of the matter. In late 2008, the countrys Supreme Court upheld a ruling that prohibited airlines from charging the disabled or “obese” for a second seat, affecting Canadian flyers Air Canada and WestJet.
Here in the United States, some airlines with upfront policies have spent their fair share of time in the courts. Southwest has long been famously transparent about its second seat rule, the one that United and many other airlines have emulated. The company has been sued more than once by disgruntled passengers.
“On the lawsuits, all have ruled on the side of Southwest,” spokesperson Whitney Eichinger points out.
Southwests policy is that those who cannot fit in one seat must buy two.
“If the flight goes out with empty seats, Southwest will refund the cost of the additional seat,” Eichinger said.
Other airlines have had their share of legal trouble in this area.
In the past, Air France warned passengers with what they referred to as “high body mass” not to expect to be seated if they have not purchased an extra seat. This is a warning that many airlines, even those who officially have tried to downplay any official policy, have long given to travelers.
Some travelers, however, dont see the need. That, or the airline and the passenger disagree over what constitutes “need.” An Air France passenger traveling from New Delhi to Paris in 2006 sitting in a single seat was stopped by employees, who wrapped packing tape around him in public to prove that he was too fat. Citing humiliation, he sued, and won.
At the time, the airline had a program in place that offered passengers a second seat at a 25 percent discount, tax-free. It was a move that the airline had hoped would encourage customers to make arrangements in advance.
Last week, Air France made an update to the policy, bringing it more in line with Southwests policy, which has been around for decades. According to Air France spokesperson Karen Gillo, the second seat purchase is still optional. Now, however, the cost will be reimbursed if the flight is not fully booked.
“Its a way to encourage individuals to pre-plan to ensure their own comfort and safety; it allows them to travel with less stress,” she said.
Gillo stated that “for the mass majority of the cases, the flights arent fully booked” and passengers will be reimbursed.
Air France isnt the only one making tweaks these days. JetBlue spokesman Mateo Lleras said the airline is currently working to refine its policy.
Currently, Lleras said, the airline does its best to accommodate customers free of charge. It will charge if it has to, but says that it approaches the matter on a “case by case basis.”
“We understand this is a sensitive issue,” he said. “Every time we can accommodate a customer we will.”
Greetings Living Plus Size Beautiful And Thimbler Readers!!
Now I know our blog is usually for fashion but fellow Plus Size Divas and Dudes to look good you have to feel good! And well Have a I got a tip for you!!
Stress is a part of our lives, we are always stressing about something work, family, what clothes to wear (lol) .... Sometimes the world seems to pile up on us and we need to get away and have a moment to release all the tension of the weight of the world on our shoulders.
If we were rich and famous we would probably pack up and head to the spa..... But who can afford that type of luxury???? Normally I would say Not I.... but my darling blog followers do I have a fabulous treat for you!!!
Wouldn't you love to go and have a massage without the expensive $$$ spa prices?
Well Plus Size Divas and Dudes Read On......
"Thimbler Plus Size Diva Outside of Massage Envy"
I have found a fabulous place called Massage Envy!
I asked the ladies at Massage Envy- Falls Pointe in Raleigh- if I could Blog about my experience and They were very enthusatic about me sharing this with all of you my readers. So Here is a little about Massage Envy directly from their website:
Massage Envy has a Great Massage for Every Body
Massage therapy relaxes muscles, easing and soothing your aches and pains. It rejuvenates-- restoring balance to our body and being, making us better for all the things life throws our way. Massage Envy believes every body deserves a great customized massage, so we've made relaxation convenient.
Well this sounded perfect for me since as you know this Plus Size Diva is all about Customized things...( Remember I'm devoted to my Customized Thimbler Jeans) So Of course I would be all over a "customized massage" treatment!
So I decided to check them out....
Now darling Plus Size Divas and Dudes here is the best PART!!!
Can You believe this??? A introductory price of $49.00 for a full hour massage.. They also have a wellness program and for $59.00 a month you can join and recieve One Free massage a month and any additional massage past your free one is only $39.00!!!
So Darling Readers You have to check out Massage Envy- There are locations Nationwide but if you are in the Raleigh Durham Area Please Check out the
Massage Envy
9660 Falls of Neuse Rd Suite 167
Raleigh, NC 27615
To make an appointment call (919) 847-3633
Let them know that You saw this on www.Thimbler.com Blog or Living Plus Size Beautiful Blog from Chassie the Plus Size Thimbler Diva!!
Until Next time hope you have a chance to grab some relaxation..... Check out your Customized Massage Today!!!
Your in Fabulous Fashion-
Chassie
Chassie in her Custom Thimbler Jeans at Massage Envy Waiting for her Custom Massage
P.S. Thanks to Kara, Stephanie and my massage therapist Elizabeth!!
On September 15, 2009 I was one of thousands of people who participated in the Nationwide Massage for the Cure that took place at nearly 600 Massage Envy clinics across the country!! The goal was to raise $500,000 dollars nationwide (so far they have raised $800,000 dollars) for the Susan G Komen foundation, by offering $10 of each session going to Breast Cancer Research. So they are also a fabulous socially conscious company dedicated to helping the community!
[/caption]
[/caption]
[/caption]
Thimbler Crossover Blouse Custom-cut, White
3. Choose Fabrics that are compatible with your life style and enviroment.Basically If you live in Miami you probably shouldn't pick wool sweaters and if you Live in Ancorage you probably should pick a halter top :)
4. Perhaps the most Important rule of all is Be Comfortable. Do not buy clothing that wil pinch you, or bind you, or that you will have to loose a few more inches to get into. With all honestly this is just a waste of perfectly good money. The number one rule to looking Fabulous is Feeling Fabulous and you will never Feel Fabulous if you are worrying about when you get to take off what you are wearing.
