She’s So Heavy

A recent U.S. government report concludes that America’s obesity epidemic has consequences for the travel industry. “[G]rowing waistlines are hurting the bottom lines of airline companies as the extra pounds on passengers are causing a drag on planes,” according to an Associated Press story released late last week. “Heavier fliers have created heftier fuel costs.” There have been environmental costs, too: the extra fuel burned also released an estimated 3.8 million extra tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Airlines have responded by cutting their planes’ weight in a number of ways. They have eliminated magazines, replaced silverware with plastic and begun using lighter materials in their seats. Could this also be a reason why airlines no longer serve meals to passengers? Just a thought.

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