B2 – Upper Intermediate
Traveling by plane is the quickest way to get to your destination. Due to technological advances, it is also considered one of the safest forms of transportation. Another selling point for airline companies is the comfort they provide to their passengers. They offer wider seats, in-flight entertainment, more legroom and many more at additional costs.
However, for plus-size travelers the experience of flying can be daunting.
Let’s read the article and know more about the struggles of plus-size travelers and one particular plus-size traveler’s petition.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/plus-size-travelers-slam-airline-seat-policies/index.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “slippery slope” mean? “It can be a slippery slope.” Give an example scenario.
- What does the idiom “to be hit in the pocket” mean? “This ultimately means that more and more passengers are likely to be finding it difficult to fit into airplane seats, and some may be hit in the pocket as a result.” Use it in your own sentence.
- Define the word “encroach“. “One of the various demands listed in Chaney’s petition, which had received over 17,000 signatures at the time of writing, is that all airlines “provide accessible additional seats to customers-of-size” who may require more space or “encroach onto another passenger’s space.” Give one synonym and use “encroach” in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion on Jae’lynn Chaney’s demand? Is it reasonable or a form of entitlement?
- Do you agree that charging more to plus-size passengers is a human rights issue? Why or why not?
- What else do you know about airline policies in your country regarding plus-size passengers?
- Just as airline companies are charging plus-size travelers more, do you think passengers with smaller bodies should be charged less? Explain your stand.