(NewsNation) — The lack of comfortable seats for plus-size moviegoers may contribute to the movie industry’s attendance problem, mashable reports
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Although box office returns remain 30% less than pre-pandemic levelspersonal anecdotes from multiple sources, such as Reddit thread r/PlusSize, viral twitter conversations about the inaccessibility of the theater seat and the US-based application. AllGothat reviews public spaces for larger bodies, all suggest that the abandonment of plus sizes is a contributor.
Nearly a third of the world’s population is overweight or obesity. But while the obesity numbers continue to grow, movie theaters, and all entertainment seats in general, have stayed pretty much the same.
“That a third of the community does not feel comfortable in your establishment is bad news. So they’re very motivated to make some changes,” said Rebecca Alexander, CEO of AllGo, speaking on NewsNation’s “Rush Hour” on Friday.
The problem is so widespread that the FAA asked the public I came back in early August to leave feedback with suggestions on airline minimum seat dimensions and found I was inundated with comments. The issue also goes beyond airlines. Stadiums and theme parks also have a problem with plus sizes.
“The biggest problem is that you have an experience that very few of your customers enjoy,” Alexander said.
In addition to being CEO, Alexander is also the founder and AllGo.
“So even if you’re not a plus-size person, you still love getting on a plane? Is it a good experience? Absolutely not,” she continued.
Opponents argue that reducing the number of seats or making them larger can raise fares to offset costs, an excuse Alexander isn’t buying.
“Be creative. People are too focused on making small changes to a system that nobody likes. Let’s make big changes and see if we can get to a place where air travel is really fun again,” Alexander said.
NewsNation’s Leland Vittert questions whether the body positivity movement has anything to do with the rising numbers of obesity in the United States. Certified health coach Carrie Lupoli says the problem stems from Americans associating personal value with size.
“We want to love people where they are and help accommodate them and educate them on how they can be healthier. … Nine out of 10 deaths right now are due to a metabolic disease that has to do with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,” Lupoli said.
Lupoli blames the educational system in the US and says there are misunderstandings around “what we should be doing” to achieve optimal weight.
According to market research and business intelligence, the US plus-size market is currently worth $601 billion and is projected to nearly double in size in the next ten years.
This is a complex problem that affects the population at an economic and psychological level.
At this time, the FAA determines the maximum number of seats on an airplane testing to see if a full evacuation can be completed in 90 seconds. Safety advocates suggest that one solution is for the FAA to test these evacuations with realistic passengers: the FAA reports Current emergency tests are performed without regard to children or the elderly.