Airlines

United Airlines Blocking Seats Due To Passenger Weight

United is currently forced to block three to six seats per Boeing 757

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Due to an increase in passenger weight in recent years, US airline United Airlines is reportedly forced to block out some seats on specific aircraft.

Employees of the airline claim that the maneuver is being performed to stay within the parameters of weight and balance in order to minimize any hazards that could impair the pilots’ ability to fly and land the plane. The move was made in response to the Federal Aviation Administration increasing its average passenger weight estimates in 2019 by 15 pounds for males and 34 pounds for women.

As you can see, each passenger’s average weight has gone up from 15 to 34 pounds. If these aircraft have an average of 180 seats, the weight difference per flight ranges from 2,700 to 6,100 pounds. We’re talking about an average weight increase of 4,400 pounds per flight if the gender split among passengers is assumed to be 50/50.

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United Airlines is having some difficulties this winter as a result of the FAA’s updated weight requirements. Between November 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, specifically, United will need to block seats on its Boeing 757 fleet. All routes will be affected by this in order to maintain compliance with the current weight and balance specifications for the Boeing 757. Depending on the Boeing 757 model, the number of blocked seats will vary; three to six seats are typically blocked.

United Airlines is blocking seats on its Boeing 757 planes to address weight gained by passengers in recent years. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the average American has put on 15 or more pounds. A barred Boeing seat is pictured on a United flight last week

Courtesy : United airlines & Daily mail

The marketing for these middle-blocked seats at the moment only refers to regular economy seats. They are not advertised as Economy Plus seats, or even as preferred seats for that matter. These seats are without a doubt the best in the cabin due to the fact that they are the blocked middle seats in economy.

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United’s Boeing 757s are having problems, especially in the winter, due to the average passenger weight rising over time. In order to meet weight and balance regulations, United is currently forced to block three to six seats per Boeing 757 for the entire winter season. The guaranteed blocked middle seats are offered by United at no additional cost, making them a great choice.

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Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.