Mais non, ce n'est pas 'fat tax', non non
Air France has clarified its policy for obese flyers following widespread media reports that the French flag carrier will insist some passengers buy two seats.
The airline denied that it plans to force certain customers to purchase a second seat, saying reports to the contrary had been misinterpreted by the British press.
Rather than making it compulsory for obese passengers to pay double-price, the company said that since 2005 it has offered this as “an option” for greater comfort.
Clarifying the recent amendment to its policy, Air France noted that from 1 February it will offer refunds to anyone paying for a second seat provided their flight is not full.
On fully-booked flights the customer will still have to pay an additional 75 per cent for the second seat – equivalent to the price of a full-fare ticket excluding taxes and surcharges.
“Air France has never made it compulsory for obese passengers to purchase a second seat,” the company said. “The airline has merely offered this as an option since 2005.”
Its statement went on to explain: “The only new addition to Air France’s policy comes in to force from 1 February 2010. From this date, Air France will refund the cost of any second seat purchased by obese passengers in economy class if the cabin is not fully booked.”
The French flag carrier was forced to clarify its policy after reports began circulating that it had decided to make obese passengers pay double for “safety reasons”.
Previously, low-cost carrier Ryanair had enraged discrimination campaigners after announcing its own plans to implement a 'fat tax' for obese passengers.
© Cheapflights Ltd (Creative Commons image: Tobyotter / Flickr)
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