Fat Tax back in the news

[Blackadder]

Airlines paying more for fuel because waistlines are expanding | News.com.au

 

[cove]

We haven't even started getting charged properly for bags and in flight toilets. There is so much opportunity for our airlines !

 

[Mal]

I love how the media makes so much noise about it being "a former Qantas executive" who is suggesting this.

Well he did work for Qantas, but is now playing the game of "consultant", so just released a random "press release" that the media lapped up. Ulterior motive: Cause public talking, promote his consultancy.

Meh. All hot air. Nothing to see here.

 

[JohnK]

We must be running out of airline related news stories. I think it must time for another couple getting caught trying to join the mile high club!

 

[simongr]

Eat the fatties!!!!

 

[samh004]

I’m happy with a fat tax, so long as I get a discount for being thin

 

[VHOEJ]

We must be running out of airline related news stories. I think it must time for another couple getting caught trying to join the mile high club!

Exactly.

And the 'outrage' from the suggestion is laughable. Just have a weight limit per passenger (pax, carry on and checked bag) and be done with it.

 

[TheFergus]

Can they pay triple medicare levy too?

 

[cove]

Did you know there is no stop limit on either of the flood limit and the medicare levy? It is taxable income multiplied by each of those levies.
Sun light tax??

 

[dfcatch]

Does this mean I can have more baggage as I weigh less than others?

 

[JohnK]

And the 'outrage' from the suggestion is laughable. Just have a weight limit per passenger (pax, carry on and checked bag) and be done with it.

If there is a weight limit by passenger then a lot of us are in big trouble.

Let's hope we never go down that path because airlines are not transporting cattle but transporting people....

 

[thewinchester]

I've already made my views known on pax of size and the issues arising from any possible strategies to deal with this. Rather than repeat it, you can either listen to the interview or read the transcript.

In short, if your width is because of a diagnosed medical condition then the airlines have to accommodate you as they would anyone else with a disability. If it's not, then the airlines can do whatever the hell they like up to and including charging you for a second seat.

And as I've said before, a business isn't a charity. If they want people to continue using them, they have to provide comfort. If pax of size impinge on the comfort of others to the point where it impacts revenue - they need to put in place reasonable and legal processes to counter the problem.