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Tall passenger Adam Menzies sues
Qantas over extra charge for leg room
A TALL passenger has
accused Qantas of discriminating against him by making him pay for extra leg
room.
Australian Adam Menzies - who is 213cm (7 foot) tall - says he cannot
"physically fit" into standard seats, and says they pose a risk to his safety.
He said it was discriminatory for Qantas to make him pay extra for exit row
seats. He said he was being forced to "pay over what the average person has to".
Qantas denied the allegations, saying the same rules applied to all passengers.
A spokesman said Mr Menzies was seeking "preferential treatment".
Mr Menzies told the Herald Sun the legal action followed a holiday to the US
with his wife late last year.
Despite assurances from his travel agent he would be in the exit rows, he was
later told by Qantas the seats cost extra and were already booked by frequent
flyers.
.In court documents, the 31-year-old said he was "effectively ... sold a seat I
would not fit into". He said after he arrived at Melbourne Airport to find no
exit seats available on his flight, Qantas staff found him a bulkhead seat that
provided extra leg room.
But the father of one had to pay $80 extra for the exit rows on his way home
The Herald Sun understands initial mediation between the two parties has been
unsuccessful.
"Other people may choose to pay extra for leg room, but for a person of my
height, it's a requirement not a choice," Mr Menzies said.
"This policy leaves people above the average height disadvantaged and puts their
health at risk.
Qantas said its rules were within legal guidelines.
"All Qantas customers are able to book and pay for seats providing extra leg
room; however, this customer is seeking preferential treatment simply because he
is tall," a spokesman said.
"Qantas' approach is reasonable and appropriate and consistent with other
airlines around the world."
Mr Menzies denies he wants special consideration.
"I literally can't fit in the seats," he said.
Mediation resumes in November before a hearing in March next year.Reply to:
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