Loyal readers know that I’ve been a long-standing fan of airlines charging by the pound rather than having a flat fare that is applied to all passengers – small, big and supersized.
Here are some ‘greatest hits’ posts on the topic.
Prices: Why don’t airlines charge more for these bags?
Norwegian economics professor jumps on the scale … endorses “pay what you weigh”
Tipping the scales: Airline starts weighing all passengers …
Let’s continue the dialogue.
According to The Economist ….
The average American man bulked up from from 166lb in 1960 to 190lb today, while the average woman jumped from 140lb to 166lb.
Note: That today’s average woman weighs about the same as an average man in the 1960s. Whoa, Nellie!
While Americans were ballooning, airline seats’ widths were constricting — from 18 inches in 1960 to 16.5 inches today.
To address the obvious issue, Congressman Steve Cohen proposed a law mandating a minimum amount of seat space for air passengers.
The measure failed.
Very clever cartoon from The Economist
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Not to worry, airlines are on the case.
We’ve previously reported on airline programs to charge passengers by-the-pound.
Now, there’s a new tactic being pursued …
The Homa Files 