Finally a(n inadvertent) weight-loss program that might actually work: Attack their wallets.

And, as anyone who has flown overseas seated next to a fatty will agree, there should also be a regulation giving those who are seated next to such folks some sort of discount (again, out of the big person's wallet) for having to give up the neutral zone under the armrest that the fatty's thigh will invariably seize and occupy.

I've known and loved plenty of fluffy folks, but there are certain situations where said fluffiness inconsiderately affects others, and that's not cool.

The problem with this is it provides a financial incentive for people who think flying with their obnoxious toddlers is a good idea. There should be a surcharge for anyone under 40 pounds.

But how does it work? Cause no one ever reports their weight accurately, even when it doesn't affect their wallets. Must buy a ticket at an airline office? Or, weight gets checked at the airport? What if I put on a few stones since I bought the ticket? Additional fees? Plus penalty charge?

Also, @HIT, fluffy? That roll under (and over) the armrest does not strike me as fluffy. Blubbery maybe?

@ GeezRilly:

I stand corrected. (In an effort to be more diplomatic after twice dropping the word 'fatty', i chose a word that seemed more polite for the last bit, albeit less accurate.)

Did you ever fly Ryanair when over there? They're bastards (read: logical & efficient) about making sure your baggage is under a certain size and weight -- i once had to remove a plastic bag with two apples and a bag of chips from my backpack to avoid something like a 20€ upcharge. People learn quickly. The result is an airline that is cheaper and more on-time than the others.

I'm sure these Samoa folks have taken notes. If you show up for your flight much heavier than you claimed at purchase, get ready for some painful penalty charges. More power to them.

The only way to encourage Americans to understand anything is by fucking with their money

Many helicopter companies already do this. When I flew the Grand Canyon, you had to report your weight when you booked your ticket, and weigh-in at the heliport.

A very large couple came in after I checked in. After they weighed in, the attendant ducked into the back, and the manager came out and explained "Sir and ma'am, you've weighed in 80 pounds heavier than what you entered. I'm sorry, but you won't be able to fly today." And they just had to leave - no refund, nothing. Blew my mind!

who even fly's anymore? ever since the TSA Homeland Goon Squad waltzed in to violate my rights at the airports i decided i would rather walk or just not go. so now the airlines wanna "charge by weight" ...ha... that would be zero dollars coming in from me.