No obese flyers in business class on new THAI jets

“Obese” passengers will no longer be allowed in Thai Airways’ business class on flights serviced by Boeing 787-9s, airline officials announced Friday, due to seatbelt limitations. “Due to safety regulations, we reserve the right of booking tickets to passengers who have waists wider than 56 inches and passengers with lap-held infants,” said airline safety official Capt. Prathana Patthanasiri. By obese, the airline means passengers with waistlines exceed 56 inches, who cannot fit inside the seatbelts equipped in that jet’s business section. Those riding in the other classes can still be as wide as they please. People planning cradle their babies in business class must also opt for a coach ticket or pay for baby seat instead since the new belts cannot accommodate lap-held infants. Thai Airways said it is complying with US FAA regulations since business class seat belts on this model of plane are equipped with mandatory airbags.<br/>