Airline Fat Tax: Legal Ruling May Pave the Way

It’s bad enough that airline passengers are pretty much treated like cattle these days. But now, in the United Kingdom, airlines have pretty much been given free rein to treat passengers however badly they want to—with no fear of reprisal.

A U.K. Court of Appeals recently ruled that passengers are not allowed to sue airlines for embarrassing treatment. The ruling came on a case involving two disabled passengers who sued Thomas Cook and British Airways for alleged mistreatment on a flight. The passengers were not allowed to sit next to their caretakers on the flights, and one man was apparently tipped out of his wheelchair.

The Daily Mail spoke with a barrister, Daniel Barnett, who stated, “Today’s court ruling makes it clear that airlines will never be liable for hurt feelings. Anything cabin crew say to passengers when they are on board will be done without fear of the consequences.”

With no need to worry about the feelings of passengers, or potential lawsuits, many wonder if this will open the door to airlines discriminating against overweight flyers, disabled flyers, or anyone else that they choose.

What do you think? Have we become too lawsuit-happy as a society? Or do you think airlines need to be kept in check with fear?

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