Older folk would pay airfares based on weight

A local survey into airfares based on weight provided a most surprising finding: The differences of opinion between those over and under 60 years of age.

While 53% of South Africans older than 60 believe it's perfectly acceptable to weigh-in like a boxer before a flight and be charged accordingly, 64% of younger folk say it's unacceptable. So, who is right - the youngsters or the older folk?

On an overall basis, 61% of the 2,334 South Africans who participated in the survey are against having airfares based on weight.

Most of those against a weigh-in reasoned that it would be discriminatory, against the Constitution and that some people have medical conditions that prevent them from controlling their weight. The participants said it would also be embarrassing for passengers.

"No way should overweight people be charged extra for their tickets. This is immoral," was a typical response.

The survey showed that 39% of people would prefer airfares to be based on a passenger's weight. The reasons vary from making economic sense (since fuel costs depend on weight) to encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles.

Market might be there

Certainly there's enough of a minority to make up a market for any airline brave enough to implement airfares based on weight. But judging by some of the feedback, the airline would need to brace itself for a spate of criticism and even possible court action.

As one participant pointed out: "Any airline trying to enforce such a rule is in for some serious trouble and will most certainly be facing a lot of grumpy overweights in court."

There was a lot of feedback from participants who felt that airlines need to do something about passengers who "peel over" into the seat next to them, particularly on the long-haul flights:

"Is it fair for an 'average' person to be sandwiched on an overseas flight between two overweight people who over-fill their seats," one respondent asked?

Many surveyed felt that there should be a weigh-in which included luggage and the passenger: "I have always maintained that luggage and the person should stand on the scale at check in.

"Why should a person weighing say 60kg not be allowed more luggage than that of one weighing 130kg" said a participant.

Acceptable plan

A large proportion of those who thought it acceptable to base airfares on weight felt there should be a threshold below which passengers wouldn't be penalised, with 90kg being a popular level mentioned.

Most participants focussed on the plight of heavier people, however the major beneficiaries of a weigh-in would be young people between 12 and 18.

Currently these youngsters pay the same fare as adults, meaning that children are effectively cross-subsidising adults. If airlines charged airfares based on their true cost (i.e. determined by weight), it would be cheaper for families with youngsters to fly.

South Africa Travel Online analysts pointed out that life assurers have no qualms about discriminating between people of different genders because females are charged different annuities as they are expected to live longer. Moreover if you've got a pre-existing medical condition when you take out life cover, the premium will be higher because you are more likely to die sooner.

So why should different standards apply to the airline industry?

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge