The U.K. Court of Appeals has ruled that fliers cannot sue for embarrassment caused when on board a plane, making way for a possible 'fat tax' on obese airline passengers, the Daily Mail reports.

This ruling followed a victory in the case against two passengers who sued British Airways and Thomas Cook travel agency over their treatment on two flights.

Christopher Stott and Tony Hook sued the companies after they were unable to sit next to caretakers on a flight and say they suffered "embarrassing" incidents like being tipped from a wheelchair in front of other passengers.

However, with fears of countless similar claims, the Court of Appeal sided with the operators even though the three appeal judges said they sympathized with the men. 

Since the ruling, a number of industry experts have suggested that a "fat tax" against obese passengers should be introduced, the Daily Mail reports.

Daniel Barnett, a lawyer in London, said the decision means passengers could not sue if crew members cause distress to passengers on board a flight, the Daily Mail reports.

Barnett told the Daily Mail that "Today's court ruling makes it clear that airlines will never be liable for hurt feelings." He adds: "Anything cabin crew say to passengers when they are on board will be done without fear of the consequences."

The fee could include forcing obese or disabled people to buy a second seat if they are unable to fit into one.

He went further, saying this means that they could therefore embarrass obese fliers into paying a "fat tax" when they board, having no right to dignity after they take flight.

Click here for more on this story from the Daily Mail.