Airline Fares by Weight? Fat Chance...

An economist in Norway suggested a "Pay-as-you-weigh" pricing for airline tickets.  The article postulates that as a matter of "efficiency and fairness", passengers who weigh more cost the airlines more and should therefore pay more.

Many airlines do have policies in place that partially addresses this issue, and there is no doubt that they they continue to look at revenue enhancing opportunities such as this.  Southwest and United have policies that if a passenger has difficulty fitting in one seat, he/she must purchase an additional seat.  There is no question that extra weight costs more fuel and has negative environmental impact.
Those who favor the Pay-as-you-weigh say that the average weight of the (U.S. traveler has increased substantially from the 1970's. As the airlines cram more seats, less room and pitch in close quarters is becoming a big problem on board. Just like you pay more for a larger and heavier packages to ship, why not reconsider the one-size-fits all, same price concept?  Airlines charge more for heavier baggage than smaller or lighter baggage.

Perhaps airlines should make an allowance for weight combination of the travelers and their luggage.  There will be an incentive to lighten up and save.