Advocacy groups are calling for clearer anti-discrimination laws after some airlines forced larger-bodied passengers to purchase two seats. Budget carrier Scoot now prominently warns 'guests of size' on its booking page that they must pay for two seats or risk being denied boarding, without defining who qualifies.
The Obesity Collective, an Australian advocacy group, argues that rules for 'passengers of size' are vague and inconsistent across the industry, causing anxiety and unfair costs. Director Tiffany Petre said scientific understanding of obesity has evolved beyond viewing it as a lifestyle choice, yet airline policies often reflect outdated attitudes.
Several airlines, including Emirates, United Airlines and Jetstar, require some passengers to pay for two seats. In Canada, people with obesity have the right to two seats for the price of one on domestic flights following a 2008 Supreme Court ruling. However, in Australia and the US, the legality of such pricing remains unclear.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has stated that charging more for a passenger with obesity may constitute unlawful disability discrimination. The Consumers Federation of Australia said the practice 'underscores the lack of consumer protection standards in aviation'. The Obesity Collective is calling for a mandatory code to eliminate discrimination and provide consistent rules across all airlines.
