If you’re overweight you should pay more for airfares, a former Qantas executive has said because apparently more fuel is burnt when carrying a heavier passenger to their destination.

The former Australian flag carrier chief economist Tony Webber explained to media that airlines were paying at least AU$472 more per plane for fuel because the national average weight has increased, Herald Sun reported.

Heavier people were affecting aviation profits, he said and it is not fair to charge average weight people higher fees to compensate for overweight travellers.

"It's just a fact, and the thing is airlines consider these things when deciding how much fuel to put on the plane," Mr Webber said.

"I think it's discriminatory that people who watch their weight actually have to pay a higher airfare because of people who are overweight."

Mr Webber continued to explain how the fares would be more ‘evenly’ distributed, suggesting that people pay a certain charge for every kilo they weighed past the ‘average’ limit.

While people who weigh below that set limit would be charged less because they would 'use up' less fuel.

"I definitely think some low-cost carriers will contemplate breaking up their charges or get people to stand on the scales with their baggage," he added.

What do you think, insulting or something airlines should consider?