I’m a plus-size woman – here’s what it’s really like flying economy as a fat person

A PLUS-sized woman has revealed what it is really like to fly as an overweight person.

Ali Smith, from Australia, shared her experience of being on a Jetstar flight on her TikTok account.

She said in the video, which has been watched more than 4.7million times: “You need to dress in compressive activewear. I could hardly breathe.

‘Then you debate whether to ask for a seat belt extender.

“I felt too self-conscious to ask for a seat belt extender, but after a little hustle and bustle, I made it fit.

“I thought I was going to amputate my legs, but I got there in the end.”

She added that she didn’t expect she would be able to use the tray table, but showed it folds down easily.

However, during the flight she said she sat crossed-armed to take up less space.

She added: “I am thoughtful, and I decided this is the only way.”

She also said thankfully no one sat in the middle seat between her and her boyfriend.

However, Ali said that while it was “on her” that flying was harder, she didn’t expect other people to change their behaviour.

She said in the comments: “It’s on me you know, it’s not anyone’s responsibility to treat me any differently for my own doing.”

Someone who worked for Jetstar commented: “Please do not hesitate in asking for an extension seatbelt, there is absolutely no shame in it and we are more than happy to help.”

Another flight attendant added: “We are trained to give the belt discretely even though using one isn’t embarrassing AT ALL! Those belts are so small.”

Ali isn’t the first person to share her experience flying as a plus-sized passenger.

Former BA flight attendant Tally Sharp, a size 22 influencer and model said: “No one should not be able to fly because of embarrassment or because they can’t fit on the seats.

“There are so many reasons why someone could be overweight. Who is anyone to judge? Maybe they can’t lose weight due to a medical condition, or mental health or a life situation.”

Jae’lynn Chaney, who is a size 24, also often struggles with her jet-setting lifestyle.

She said: “Someone my size is almost forced to purchase two seats in order to fly comfortably, which makes travel inaccessible to people who can’t afford the additional costs.

“From public transportation with seatbelts that don’t fit me, or seats that are too small, to plane bathrooms that I can’t even fit in – travelling as a plus size person comes with many challenges.”