Debates over ethical issues do not seem to end anytime soon. Over the past half century, ethical issues have been emerging in the global society, especially the industrialized world. For instance, the debate over the decriminalization of abortion and euthanasia has lingered around for quite too long without a consensus decision. On the other hand, the issue of gay marriages that emerge in 1970s remained surrounded by immense controversy until a few months ago when the US Supreme Court brought the issue to rest through upholding gay rights.
Surprisingly, the termination of gay marriages debate did not seem to change the course of ethical phenomena among the global society. Recently, a new ethical issue emerged: the pay-as-you-weigh policy. This policy requires obese people to pay extra charge in the airlines. In retrospect, obesity is considered as an ethical issue and it has emerged to be a controversial subject. It is an ethical issue because it causes adverse consequences to obese individuals, as well as, the society.
However, these factors do not seem to be part of the justification for the introduction of pay-as-you-weigh pricing in the aviation industry. Instead, the core argument by airline administrators and economists is that flying obese people increases fuel costs; thus, the so-called "fat-taxes" will address the issue of financial costs. Contrary to this perspective held within the aviation industry, environmentalists view obesity as an issue that has environmental cost.
The increased fuel consumption by airplanes is believed to exacerbate climate change, primarily global warming due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. From these perspectives, it is apparent that obesity is a controversial issue. Therefore, this research will provide a comprehensive overview of the ethical issue of charging overweight people on airlines.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Overview of the ‘Pay-by-Weight’ on Airlines
3. Case Scenario
4. Policies Related to ‘Pay-by-Weight’ Policy
5. The Right to be Fat
6. Legal Issue Case Related to ‘Pay-by-Weight’ Policy
7. Personal Reflection on the Ethical Dilemma
8. Conclusion
Objectives & Core Themes
This research examines the growing ethical and economic controversy surrounding "pay-as-you-weigh" policies in the aviation industry, exploring whether charging passengers based on body weight constitutes a fair economic practice or an act of discrimination against obese individuals.
- Economic impact of passenger weight on airline fuel consumption and profitability.
- Ethical justifications for and against "fat-taxes" in the aviation sector.
- Legal implications and existing anti-discrimination frameworks regarding weight.
- Practical case studies, including the implementation by Samoa Air and the Southwest Airlines "customers of size" policy.
- The broader societal debate on obesity as an environmental and economic burden.
Excerpt from the Book
Overview of the ‘Pay-by-Weight’ on Airlines
Ordinarily, airlines have been charging passengers as per seats rather than their body weight. However, this approach began experiencing opposition in the past decade. It is imperative that the airline industry is entangled in the globalization paradox (Thomas, 2011). The idea of charging passengers based on their weight emerged after economists in the aviation industry discovered a significant increase in fuel cost that was attributable to flying obese people.
In a nutshell, the issue of introducing ‘pay-by-weight’ system in the aviation industry has been sparked by the arguments of just three experts: Tony Webber, Bharat P. Bhatta and Peter Singer. It is apparent that opinions of these experts have influenced the way in which airlines view pricing of flights.
It all began with Tony Webber, who investigated changes in average body weight of people flying with Qantas, the Australian airline. Webber, who worked with the airline as the chief economist identified average weight increase since 2000 and calculated the correlated fuel cost. In his findings, he noticed that the average weight of adults increased by two kilograms; thus, increasing fuel cost. He interpreted these changes to be the reason for the airline’s decreasing profits. Webber hypothesized the fuel cost of flying Airbus A380 from Sydney to London in which he estimated the extra fuel cost at $472. Flying the airline in this route in both directions for a year meant incurring an additional fuel cost of $1 million. This additional cost accounts for 13% of Qantas profit. Following his investigations, Webber suggested that airlines should set a standard passenger weight to counter the increasing fuel cost. For instance, he gave an empirical weight of 75 kilograms as the standard weight. This implies that a passenger weighing 100 kilograms will be considered to be overweight by 25 kilograms, and this attracts a surcharge of $29 to fly from Sydney to London. On the other hand, a passenger with 50 kilograms body weight would be discounted the same amount.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the rise of obesity as a contentious ethical and environmental issue within the globalized aviation industry.
2. Overview of the ‘Pay-by-Weight’ on Airlines: This section details the economic origins of the "pay-by-weight" proposal, driven by expert research into fuel costs associated with passenger weight.
3. Case Scenario: This chapter analyzes the practical adoption of weight-based pricing by Samoa Air and the industry-wide reactions to such models.
4. Policies Related to ‘Pay-by-Weight’ Policy: This chapter examines the current lack of uniform legal guidance and public policy regarding weight-based airline surcharges.
5. The Right to be Fat: This section explores how fatness is increasingly viewed through the lens of legal discourse and identity-based human rights.
6. Legal Issue Case Related to ‘Pay-by-Weight’ Policy: This chapter discusses the legal challenges, such as the Kenlie Tiggeman case against Southwest Airlines, regarding discrimination.
7. Personal Reflection on the Ethical Dilemma: This chapter reflects on the controversy, questioning whether price differentials can effectively incentivize weight loss or if they primarily create social exclusion.
8. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the conflict between economic necessity for airlines and the legal and ethical protections for passengers.
Keywords
Pay-as-you-weigh, airline industry, obesity, fat-taxes, fuel efficiency, aviation economics, discrimination, ethics, passenger rights, environmental impact, Samoa Air, body weight, civil rights, public policy, air travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the debate surrounding the introduction of "pay-as-you-weigh" policies by airlines, which charge passengers based on their body weight rather than a flat seat price.
What are the central themes of the work?
The work explores the intersection of aviation economics, environmental concerns regarding fuel consumption, the ethical implications of weight-based surcharges, and the legal challenges regarding discrimination.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethical and practical feasibility of charging overweight passengers for their additional weight on flights.
Which scientific methods were used?
The research relies on a qualitative review of economic investigations, legal case analyses, and industry-specific policy assessments concerning commercial aviation.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the history of the proposal by economists, specific airline case scenarios like Samoa Air, and the conflict between corporate profit models and anti-discrimination legislation.
How would you characterize this work with keywords?
Key terms include "pay-as-you-weigh," "aviation economics," "discrimination," "ethics," and "passenger rights."
How did experts like Tony Webber influence this debate?
Tony Webber provided the initial economic impetus by linking increased passenger weight to rising fuel costs and decreasing airline profitability, proposing a standard weight model.
What role does the legal system play in this controversy?
The legal system serves as the primary barrier to these policies, as many jurisdictions view such surcharges as discriminatory against individuals who may be protected under disability or anti-discrimination legislation.
Why does Samoa Air's model differ from large carriers?
Samoa Air operates short-flight aircraft with fewer passengers, making the logistics of weighing each passenger significantly easier compared to large commercial airlines.
What is the "one person, one ticket" policy?
It is a long-standing industry norm that ensures equality in air travel, which current legal systems continue to uphold against attempts to introduce weight-based surcharges.
- Quote paper
- Patrick Kimuyu (Author), 2018, Ethical issues regarding the charging of overweight people on airplanes. The "pay-by-weight" policy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/387501
