Joins Other Airlines In 'Pay For Two Seats' Policy

If you're among the heavier-set members of the world population, you may soon have to shell out additional cabbage to fly onboard a United Airlines plane.

WBBM-2 in Chicago reports United plans to implement an aggressive program, targeting passengers who "are unable to fit into a single seat in the ticketed cabin; are unable to properly buckle the seatbelt using a single seatbelt extender; and/or are unable to put the seat's armrests down when seated."

Under the policy, fliers who fit that description will be forced to purchase an extra seat... and if no empty seat is available, they'll be bumped onto a later flight.

"The seat purchase or upgrade must be completed for each leg of the itinerary," the United policy states. "If a customer meeting any of the above-listed criteria decides not to upgrade or purchase a ticket for an additional seat, he or she will not be permitted to board the flight."

United enacted the policy this week, retroactive to tickets bought on or after March 4. Wednesday was the first day the new policy was in effect.

The Chicago-based carrier -- already a perennial bottom-dweller on customer satisfaction lists -- defended the practice, even as WBBM reports some of United's own customer service agents questioned the legality of the decision.

"Please understand that we care a great deal about all of our customers' well-being, and we have implemented this policy to help ensure that everyone's travel experiences with United are comfortable and pleasant," United said on its Web site.

There seems to be conflicting precedents at work. Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines has had a similar policy in place since 2000... and while it has been contested at times, Southwest still reserves the right to charge for two seats if a single passenger occupies both. Most other US carriers have adopted similar policies.

Conversely, a Canadian court ruled in November 2008 airlines could not discriminate against those "functionally disabled by obesity" by charging them for two seats... a ruling that could impact US policies down the line.

In any case, United's policy has given its rival American Airlines some free, positive publicity. Airline spokesman Tim Smith told WBBM that, while American technically has a right to charge for a second ticket... it will only do so when all other options have been exhausted.

Further, "I don't remember us ever having to impose such a charge," added spokesperson Mary Frances Fagan.

FMI: www.united.com