An Aussie TikToker has shared the struggles she experiences flying on a commercial airline as an overweight passenger in a viral video.
Ali Smith, from Brisbane, took to the platform with a video saying she can “hardly breathe” when she’s confined to her seat during the flight.
“This is what it’s like flying Jetstar as a fat person,” Smith narrates in the video. “Step one is dressing in compressive activewear – I could hardly breathe. Then you’re going to debate whether to ask for a seatbelt extender,’ she said in the clip.
She added, “Could this issue be fixed by me not being so big? Absolutely. Would it make an entertaining video? Not so much.
@alismithhhh Hopefully I’m not the only one 😅✨ #plussizeedition #flyingplussize #plussizetiktok #jetstar ♬ Music For a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles
“I didn’t ask for a [seatbelt] extender because I got too embarrassed. But with a little hustle-bustle it fit – I felt like I was going to decapitate my legs, but I got there in the end.
Next, Smith tested the tray table as she was worried there wouldn’t be enough room for the table to sit flatly.
“The next thing is to test the tray table. I was not expecting to be able to use my tray table but in the end, it was okay. And, I practised how I was going to sit for the entire flight so I didn’t encroach on the person next to me because I am thoughtful.”
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“Then I practised how I was going to sit for the whole flight so I didn’t encroach on the person next to me,’ she said.
Smith’s video has racked up over 1.4 million views, with both Jetstar staff commenting on the video, and fellow passengers who find it uncomfortable to fly because of their weight.
“I’m a flight attendant! And we are trained to give the belt discretely even though using one isn’t embarrassing AT ALL! Those belts are so small!” one user said.
Another added: “As Jetstar crew 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.”
Some users posted appreciative comments thanking Smith for making them feel more comfortable flying.
“I’m flying for the first time in a few years and was overthinking this so much 😭 so thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone,” one wrote.
Another posted, ‘Thank you for showing this – I cried on my Qantas flight because the table wouldn’t go down and needed the extender,’ one person wrote in the comments.
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