Should obese passengers be required to buy an extra seat? It's a question we've asked before around here, and one that people feel very strongly about. Today, CNN tackles the subject once again, citing policies from both Southwest and United.

According to their article, "U.S. obesity rates have mushroomed during the last 25 years, but the width of a coach airplane seat has changed little, remaining between 17 and 18 inches in most commercial planes."

The article also goes on to point out that economy seating is cramped for average-sized passengers too (you probably knew that) and most "seat space invasions" are due to wide shoulders. We can certainly vouch for that, what with all the millions of beverage cart wackings our poor shoulders have suffered through the years. Ouch!

So does more to love mean more to pay? Comment below.

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