jayparkinsonmd:

The New York Times is reporting that the MTA is reassessing the width of its’ seats on public transit to account for our nation’s ever increasing backsides.

It’s interesting how our country is being redesigned for the new normal. Every industry is making their own rules— the airlines make obese people buy two seats for example. 

But the one thing that frustrates me about the airlines is the policy charging passengers for luggage based on weight:

Me: 159 pounds + 55 pound suitcase

Guy in front of me: 300 pounds + 45 pound suitcase

I get charged a hefty weight fine because my suitcase is 5 pounds overweight. If airlines are going to charge us for the weight of our luggage, they should assess our total weight, not just the weight of our luggage. It’s only fair.

The above falls a little closer to the definition of “equal,” which is dangerously far from and should not be mistaken for “fair.” Chances are you’re carrying your own bodyweight onboard and seating yourself. Meanwhile, other people are straining their backs handling your overweight checked luggage. Is it fair to dish them a 100-pound suitcase because you only weigh 120 pounds? What twisted, privileged body-shaming.