Air France-KLM denies putting squeeze on overweight flyers
AMSTERDAM – AirFrance-KLM has denied reports that obese people who are unable to fit into a single plane seat will have to pay a lot more to fly with the carrier.
AFP reported that extra-large flyers would have to pay 75 percent of the cost of a second seat (the full price excluding tax and surcharges) on top of the full price for the first.
The news agency quoted spokeswoman Monique Matze, who said the decision was made for "safety" reasons.
"We have to make sure that the backrest can move freely up and down and that all passengers are securely fastened with a safety belt," Matze said.
People who cannot fit into a single seat are fastened by slotting the belt tip of one seat into the plug of the next – stretching over both seats.
Later, Air France-KLM clarified the report, by saying in a statement, "Air France has no intention of making corpulent passengers pay for a second seat.
"However, Air France plans to make one single change to its service starting February 1, which is to refund corpulent passengers the cost of the second seat in economy they have purchased, if the Economy cabin is not fully booked.
"Since 2005, Air France has been offering corpulent passengers the possibility of purchasing a second seat to ensure they travel in optimum comfort and safety. This second seat benefits from a 25 percent discount."
Ian Jarrett
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