Canada decides the Obese are entitled to two seats for the price of one

The highest court in Canada has ruled that airlines must award two seats for the price of one to the obese for domestic flights. The ruling is effective as per January 2009. Air Canada and WestJet filed appeals but they have been declined since neithe could prove that a "one person, one fare" structure would result in hardship for the airline.

The challenge now is to reach a consensus on when exactly obesity constitutes a disability. The court agrees that the law should not result in heavy people getting extra space just on account of discomfort but has not enforced any regulations on deciding who is worthy. Such decisions have been left to the discretion of the airlines.

The Canadians might consider looking south at American Southwest Airlines for guidance. It has a standard stipulation that people too large to lower the armrest deserve an extra seat. It seems to have worked so far without issue.

Interestingly, the "one person, one fare" policy is already in effect on buses, trains and ferries in Canada so it was inevitable that it would be extended to airlines.