United Airlines is operating some flights with empty seats due to the increasing weight of the average air traveler.
The airline is blocking off up to six middle seats on Boeing 757 flights because of federal weight and balance restrictions.
“The temporary change is a result of the increased average customer winter weights as prescribed by the FAA,” the airline says.
Airlines have to account for a little more weight per passenger due to heavier winter clothing while base weight averages were increased in 2019 to account for the increasing weight of passengers.
United is forced to keep seats blocked through April 30.
In 2015-2018, the average US adult male weighed nearly 200 pounds (90 kilograms) with a 40-inch waist, up from 166 pounds in 1960, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
