Which airline wants to weigh passengers?

Many reacted less-than-fondly to an announcement earlier this month that Korean Air, a South Korea-based airline, planned to weigh passengers before boarding. A representative for the airline told CNBC the practice would last for about three weeks, and is required by law.



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In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane. Special size passengers have little to no choice when it comes to this rule.

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In reality, no one would be forced to step on the scale, since the weigh-in is voluntary. The airline is also quick to reassure passengers that embarrassment would be minimal — none of the measurements are visible, even to the staff. In other words, it's purely a data-capture exercise.

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In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane.

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So can you expect to find yourself on a scale before boarding your next domestic flight? Likely, no, but it isn't impossible. The U.S. does not require airlines to weigh passengers as South Korea does. However, a 2019 advisory from the FAA said airlines can weigh passengers, according to CNBC.

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Do airlines check hand luggage weight? Well it does happen, and some airlines are strict, but the vast majority of them only weigh checked luggage at the desk. That's the luggage you've either paid for or have included depending on your ticket.

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How fat is too fat to fly? Even though there are no weight limits for fat passengers, there are normally three basic requirements for flying while overweight: Passengers must be able to sit with both armrests down. Passengers must be able to buckle their seatbelts.

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Most likely, it won't be comfortable, but you'll still fit at 300. Try and book next to an empty seat, if you can. I assume you already do that anyway, but I don't know how often you travel, or whether this is your first time. There's a Plus Size TikToker who gives tips for air travel.

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I am a bigger person, size 24-26-28. Will I fit in an airplane seat? You will probably need to buy two coach seats and ask for a seatbelt extender (or to have yours). Remember, two coach seats are generally much cheaper and more spacious than a single first class seat.

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How fat is too fat to fly? Even though there are no weight limits for fat passengers, there are normally three basic requirements for flying while overweight: Passengers must be able to sit with both armrests down. Passengers must be able to buckle their seatbelts.

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The FAA allows airlines to either weigh passengers on scales before boarding or ask a person their weight and add at least 10 pounds for clothing, according to a 2019 advisory circular from the agency.

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I am a bigger person, size 24-26-28. Will I fit in an airplane seat? You will probably need to buy two coach seats and ask for a seatbelt extender (or to have yours). Remember, two coach seats are generally much cheaper and more spacious than a single first class seat.

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American's website states that passengers who need a seat belt extender and whose body extends more than one inch past the armrest will need to buy a ticket for a second seat.

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In general, obese passengers on airlines who require a seatbelt extender and/or cannot lower the armrests between seats are asked to pay for a second seat on their flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane. Special size passengers have little to no choice when it comes to this rule.

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If you are one of the first to board, you can ask the flight attendant for a belt as you head to your seat. If you are not able to be an early boarder, try to grab an aisle seat and reach out to an attendant for an extended safety belt.

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Airlines with the Most Seat Space in Economy
  • Jet Blue. Jet Blue is the leader in the “most pitch” and “widest seat” contest because the majority of their economy and coach class seats are roomy. ...
  • Air Canada. ...
  • Virgin America. ...
  • Hawaiian Airlines. ...
  • American Airlines. ...
  • Cathay Pacific. ...
  • Emirates.


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Like most other airlines, United Airlines does require overweight passengers to purchase an extra seat, and if a passenger is unable to fit fully in their seat with both armrests down, a flight attendant or gate agent will likely require them to purchase a second empty seat in consideration of their fellow passengers.

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Comfort+ Delta Seats for Plus Size Passengers For a body that's round, stocky, or short coupled with wide, economy seats and Delta Comfort+ seats are essentially the same. In this upgraded class, you'll find a seat around 17 to 18.5 inches.

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There are no weight allowances or outright restrictions for passengers in place, although Southwest Airlines does have a Customers of Size policy which uses the armrest to determine whether a second seat should be purchased.

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If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

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Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches.

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For most airlines in the U.S., any bag over 50 lbs. is considered overweight. However, some carriers will charge you a fee for bags over 40 lbs., and certain flights have a maximum per bag limit of just 33 lbs. Once you know what you are dealing with, you can pack accordingly.

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