I have to say, Southwest's newest policy of putting pictures of half-naked super skinny swimsuit models in bikinis on their airplanes while simultaneously telling fatties "you're not welcome" by charging them extra is a great way of telling folks "No fatties allowed".

There are plenty of overweight people in America who aren't interested in being humiliated at the airport and being publicly judged by strangers by being assessed an extra fee in front of others. They will take their business elsewhere without bothering to go to the airport and ask "am I too fat for your airline?" . . . followed by "How many pounds must I lose before you'll book me like a "normal" person?".

Southwest might be a powerhouse that can turn away their business and still make money. United may be as well, but sincerely doubt it. It is the classic "bending over to pick up a penny while dropping a dollar" symptom for which airlines are infamous.

Understand: I agree with the logic behind the extra fee position. But this is a customer service industry, and there's no way to sell this in a positive manner.