According to latest news reports, at least one airline, United, is reinstating the rule that people who can’t fit into one airline seat must pay two fares. Southwest put in the rule several years ago, and after many complaints, it modified it. Now, if the overweight passenger books a Southwest flight that was not sold out, and could find an two empty seats together, only one fare purchase is required.

The latest United ruling requires each overweight passenger to buy two seats if he/she is "unable to comfortably fasten a safety belt with one extension or sit comfortably with armrests down". On United, whether the flight is full or not, and "even if the overweight passenger can be placed elsewhere in the aircraft next to an empty seat."

When we asked our 320-pound editor if she’d ever fly United again, her angry answer was, “Fat chance!” Therefore, other than for health reasons, the incentive for losing weight gets more necessary every time pleasingly or otherwise too plump people fly.