Pay-by-Weight Airline Adds XL Class
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Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The tiny airline that drew international attention for its pay-what-you-weigh policy is making accommodations for passengers of a larger size, introducing XL Class.
Samoa Air chief executive Chris Langton told Australia News Network’s Pacific Beat radio program the company has modified one of the rows in the aircraft and added a ramp for easier access for passengers who weigh more than 130 kilograms, or about 285 pounds.
“Once you’re up around that sort of [weight] … a traditional seat on any airline is going to be uncomfortable,” he said. The row has been extended 12 to 14 inches and will debut this week.
Langton said he expects more airlines to make modifications based on the size and weight of passengers.
“That’s where the XL has come in — we do it with shirts and clothing and other things where we have different standard sizes,” he said.
Samoa Air did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
Samoa Air introduced the idea of a pay-by-weight fare system in April.
“You are the master of your Air’fair’, you decide how much (or little) your ticket will cost,” the website read at the time.
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