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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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4

Obese? Court Backs Two Seats for One Fare

Those 'functionally disabled by obesity' get fare break in Canada

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(Newser) – Obese air travelers in Canada who need two seats must be given the extra seat for free, Reuters reports. The Supreme Court of Canada has refused to hear an appeal from Air Canada and two other airlines after they failed to win a lower court appeal on the fare issue. That means the country’s “one person, one fare” policy for disabled people—including those who are “functionally disabled by obesity”—will stand.

Canada's courts have ruled that obese airline passengers who need two seats should be given the second for free.
Canada's courts have ruled that obese airline passengers who need two seats should be given the second for free.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Canada's courts have ruled that obese airline passengers who need two seats should be given the second for free.
Canada's courts have ruled that obese airline passengers who need two seats should be given the second for free.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Canada's courts have ruled that obese airline passengers who need two seats should be given the second for free.
Canada's courts have ruled that obese airline passengers who need two seats should be given the second for free.   (AP Photo/Gautam Singh)
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4 comments
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Michael_CT
Nov 21, 08 4:57 AM CST
Brilliant. . . can people with healthy waist lines also get a free seat? I mean, where does one draw the line? Reply
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Newser001
Nov 21, 08 9:41 AM CST
This is without a doubt, one of the most ridiculous rulings I've witnessed. Airline transportation costs are based on weight. Weight = Fuel. Why do you think there are weight restrictions on baggage? If you're obese, your ass is too big. Why? Because you lack self discipline, Guess what? Too damn bad! Grow up and stop acting like a child. I injured myself jogging. I've had 3 foot surgeries (facing a fourth) over the last 6 and a half years, ended up at 270 lbs. I couldn't exercise - I lost weight by controlling what I ate - caloric intake. I'm still recuperating - exercise is out of the question, but guess what? I now weight 200 lbs. No pills, not magic, just simple discipline and common sense. Dieting isn't fun, but it's a necessity in order to be healthy. If I can do it, you can do it. Pay double or take a train, bus or auto. I'm supposed to subsidize some fat person because they have no will power... piss-off! In the vast majority of cases, obesity is NOT a disease - it's simply laziness. Such BS. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
petepenguin
Nov 22, 08 12:03 AM CST
good for you doucebag.not everyone who is obese gets there from too much food.Are you an ignorant bastard as well as a brain dead one?
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radnip
Nov 22, 08 6:37 AM CST
Those airlines need to sue the Canadian government so they can get a policy of being reimbursed by the government for their lost earnings due to those lost seats. So the obese can't be forced to pay. Someone is being told to give FREE seats. The government should pay for that. Reply
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obesity • disabled • obese • Air Canada • airline passengers • airline seats • Candadian Transportation Agency • Federal Court of Appeal • Supreme Court of Canada

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