Passengers weigh in on airlines ‘fat tax’

Published 2:48 pm Friday, April 17, 2009

United Airlines gained attention this week when it unveiled a fee policy for obese passengers.

Obese passengers who fly coach will be required to purchase a second seat in coach or will be required to upgrade to a business or first class (larger) seat.

Not to be outdone (or to allow a PR opportunity to slip away), Ryanair put up a poll on its Web site asking for input from travelers.

The Irish carrier asked passengers whether they’d rather see among other things a ‘fat tax’ on obese passengers, a pay-to-smoke cubicle onboard or pay for toilet paper with the face of Ryanair’s CEO on it.

The ‘fat tax’ is winning.