British Airways has suspended two crew members for allegedly mocking an obese colleague’s weight in a private messaging group. They reportedly made fun of a 15-stone (210 lbs) stewardess in a WhatsApp chat that did not include her. Another staffer informed on them.
British Airways confirmed the suspension of the two staff members and announced a formal investigation. “We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying and always fully investigate any allegations brought to our attention,” the airline stated.
A source tells the British press that the “poor victim of the merciless fat jokes has been left utterly bereft,” and is now “scared to leave the house.”
Cabin crew members must perform manual tasks such as reaching overhead lockers and opening aircraft doors. British Airways specifies that cabin crew must meet certain height and reach requirements to be able to perform their duties effectively. However, there is no maximum weight limit for crew members.
Western airlines in the U.S. have been making accommodations for obese passengers for years, with Southwest Airlines having offered a free extra seat to so-called ‘Customers of Size’ who “encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat[s]” for decades.