Air Travel

Heavy travelers flying United Airlines might find themselves paying for an extra seat. United is the third and latest airline to charge obese passengers for two seats instead of one. The guidelines are clear: Passengers need to be able to put the armrest between the seats down, and they need to be able to buckle their seat belt without an extender.

The decision, clearly, isn't without controversy. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance thinks United is way off course. "Tall, short, thin or fat, broad shoulders, wide hips or longer legs ... people come in all sizes and it is rare for any coach seat to provide a comfortable and pleasant travel experience," says a spokesman.

Other weight diversity advocates argue that since one-third of Americans are obese, airlines should upsize 30 percent of their seats, so that obese travelers can travel comfortably.

The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a decision to force Canadian airlines to charge the same rate for disabled passengers needing a personal attendant, as well as obese passengers. I think most people would agree that the ruling for the disabled passengers is a positive one. I suspect that most people are not as compassionate when it comes to the overweight. Cue the can of worms...

Summer is at its height (well in the northern hemisphere anyway)...

If you've been dieting for weeks or months to get in shape for your holiday, how can you ensure you don't undo all your hard work in just a week or two? Can you stick to healthy habits and still enjoy yourself?

If you're flying - and your baggage is overweight - you get charged more.

Body weight does not factor into the equation - but will that soon change?