What We’re Reading: Should Obese Travelers Pay a ‘Fat Tax’?

This week, we’re looking at all things bad-mannered: from rude airline employees to equally rude passengers—and a professor with a harsh idea about airline pricing. Get the scoop in our weekly peek at travel news and stories.

Which Airline Has the Rudest Employees?

A new survey from our sister site Airfarewatchdog says American Airlines has the rudest employees in the industry. More than 1,000 travelers responded to the survey, which essentially confirmed that the legacy airlines have some work to do. The survey put United in second place, Delta in third place, US Airways in fourth place, and Spirit in fifth. Do you agree with the results?

Obese Travelers Should Pay “Fat Tax,” Says Professor

In the Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management, Dr. Bharat Bhatta writes that airlines should charge passengers according to their weight, since more fuel is required to transport heavier flyers. According to a report in the Daily Mail, “Dr Bhatta says the fare could be generated with a fixed rate for kilograms per passenger so that a person weighing 60kg pays half the airfare of a 120kg person. Alternatively, airlines could have a ‘base’ fare with an additional charge for heavier passengers to cover the extra costs, as well as a discount for lighter flyers.”

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We tackled this issue in this op-ed about treating passengers of size with dignity. What’s your take?

What’s the Rudest Thing You’ve Seen When Flying?

Lifehacker wants to know: What’s the rudest thing you’ve seen or experienced when flying? More than 150 readers responded to the query, offering tales of arm-rest hogging, offensive odors, and an all-around plague of inconsiderate flyers.

Now it’s your turn: What’s the rudest thing you’ve seen in the air?

(Photo: Plane Passengers via Shutterstock)