New York – United Airlines will start charging obese passengers for a second seat on flights on or after March 4 for travel on or after April 15.

If a passenger cannot fit into a single seat, buckle their seatbelt – even with a seatbelt extender – or put the seat’s armrest down, the airline will ask that passenger to pay for an extra seat or stay behind.

Passengers falling under any of those criteria may be relocated next to an empty seat.

If no unused seats are available, the customer must either purchase an upgrade to a cabin with available seats or change to the next available flight and purchase a second seat.

Customers who meet the criteria and do not purchase the second seat will not be allowed on the flight.

"Please understand that we care a great deal about all of our customers’ well-being, and we have implemented this policy to help ensure that everyone’s travel experiences with United are comfortable and pleasant," United said on its Web site.

The article indicates this is partly due to passenger complaints.

I’ve got pretty solid opinions on this – but I’m interested in hearing what you think about this before I go blowing off my own steam

Care to banter?