Study by South Africa Travel Online reveals attitude towards basing airfares on passenger weight.

According to the survey a majority of South Africans aged over 60 think it's acceptable to base airfares on passenger weight, but most South Africans younger than 60 think it's unacceptable.

17 July 2013, Cape Town -- GoAir in India was recently in the news for saying that they're only hiring thin, female flight attendants, in a bid to save money on fuel (they didn't mention whether they'd only hire thin female pilots too!). This follows on from last year when Samoa Air became the first airline in the world to charge airfares according to weight (about R10/kilogram).

The most surprising discovery was the difference of opinion between those over and those under 60 years old. While 53% of South Africans older than 60 believe it's perfectly acceptable to weigh-in like a boxer before a flight and be charged accordingly, 64% of younger folk say it's unacceptable. So, who is right - the youngsters or the retirees?

On an overall basis, 61% of the 2334 South Africans who participated are against having airfares based on weight. Most of those against a weigh-in reasoned that it would be discriminatory, against the Constitution, that some people have medical conditions whereby they cannot control their weight, and that it would be just plain embarassing. "No way should overweight people be charged extra for their tickets. This is immoral." was a typical response.

The SouthAfrica.TO survey demonstrates that here is a substantial minority (39%) who are for airfares based on passenger weight, with reasons varying from it making economic sense (since fuel costs depend on weight) to it encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles (there were even a few who were concerned that heavy people would interfere with the aircraft's avionics!). Certainly there's enough of a minority to make up a market for any airline gutsy enough to implement airfares based on weight. But judging by some of the feedback received, the airline would need to brace itself for a spate of criticism & court action. As Gerry mentioned "Any airline trying to enforce such a rule, is in for some serious trouble and will most certainly be facing a lot of grumpy overweights in court."

There was a lot of feeback from participants who felt that airlines need to do something about passengers who "peel over" into the seat next to them, particularly on the long-haul flights: "Is it fair for an 'average' person to be sandwiched in on overseas flights, due to the person next to you over-filling their seat? Harsh but a reality." said Maria.

Many surveyed felt that there should be a weigh-in which included luggage and the passenger: "I have always maintained that luggage and the person should stand on the scale at check in. Why should a person weighing say 60kg not be allowed more luggage than that of one weighing 130kg" said a participant.

A large portion of those who thought it acceptable to base airfares on weight felt there should be a threshold below which passengers wouldn't be penalised, with 90kg being a popular level mentioned (Ed: Uh oh, I'm in trouble...4kg over the minimum!).

SouthAfrica.TO suggest that the older folk who are keen on airfares based on weight are likely to find allies amongst the very young. Most participants focussed on the plight of heavier people, however the major beneficiaries of a weigh-in would be children (who didn't participate in our survey). Currently children have to pay the same as adults, meaning that children are effectively cross-subsidising adults. If airlines charged airfares based on their true cost (i.e. determined by weight), it would be cheaper for families with small children to fly.

child paying an adult for a flight

South Africa Travel Online analysts pointed out that life Assurers have no qualms about discriminating between people - females are charged more to purchase annuities because they are expected to live longer, and if you've got a pre-existing medical issue that's your tough luck, you're going to pay more for your life assurance. Should we apply different moral standards to the airline industry?

About South Africa Travel Online

South Africa Travel Online is the largest South African owned travel agency which focusses on bringing the best travel deals to South Africans - both on international flights & domestic low cost airfares. South Africa Travel Online's mission is to bring to customers the cheapest flight specials, cruises and car rentals. In addition customers can earn flight discount vouchers, cruise vouchers & general travel vouchers by submitting reviews of their travel experiences.