Hi good people. Yesterday, I came across a picture of a plus-size passenger struggling to fit into his seat on the plane. The photo was trending online and it sparked a heated debate. People gave varied views about the situation, making the conversation very interesting.
Below is the trending photo.
Apparently, the flight was from Helsinki (Finland) to Copenhagen (Denmark). The photo of the plus-size passenger was taken by a fellow traveler on the plane.
You see, the plus-size passenger sat on a seat next to the plane’s aisle. He struggled to sit in his seat because the space was too small.
When he finally sat, his body protruded to his neighbor’s side. The neighbor was thus squeezed and uncomfortable.
In addition, the plus-size passenger’s body protruded into the plane’s aisle. As a result, passengers (including the one who took the photo) and cabin crew had to squeeze around the plus-size passenger to get to their seats or the bathroom.
The spectacle must have been unbearable for everyone (including the plus-size guy).
The photo of the plus-size guy’s body ill-fit into his plane’s seat ignited a fierce online debate. People had a field day airing their comments about the incident.
Here are some comments people made about the plus-size passenger struggling to fit into his plane seat:
“I feel sorry for this guy. He must have been embarrassed and uncomfortable when people squeezed past him to their seats. I guess some people on the plane were judging him, including the cabin crew. I also feel bad for the passenger sitting next to the plus-size guy. He must have felt uncomfortable as the plus-size guy’s body spilled over. Fortunately, it was a short flight”.
“I feel it’s only fair for the guy to pay for an extra seat. He should not allow himself or be allowed to affect the travel experience of other passengers”.
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call for airlines. It’s high time they addressed such situations sensitively and thoughtfully.”
“Such people should be made to purchase an extra seat regardless of their reason for being oversized. I don’t regard it as discrimination. It’s a safety measure”.
“If you can’t fit into a seat, buy a second one. It’s wrong to spill over to someone else space or prevent people from moving freely on the aisle”.
“’I’m obese – probably bigger than this guy. When flying, I always ensure I’m comfortable and crush no one else. I fly Business class or first class because the seats are bigger. The price is high but I care about my comfort and the comfort of others.”
“Airlines could make plane seats bigger and more comfortable. In some planes, passengers feel uncomfortable in normal seats. I can only imagine the poor guy’s discomfort.”
“I’m a plus-size woman. I’ve always purchased an extra seat. However, I’ve recently discovered business class where the seats are bigger. Buying one seat on business class is cheaper than buying two seats on economy class.”
“The airlines need to do something about the size of plane seats urgently. You see, they have to realize that humans get bigger over the generations. Airlines have to change with the times!”
“Unfortunately, airlines are businesses and thus try to maximize their profits as much as they can. They are thus unlikely to make seats for oversize people to fit comfortably. Doing so would mean the plane would carry fewer passengers leading to lower profits.”
“An oversized lady sat next to me last year. I had to sit sideways so that our bodies didn’t touch. I sat like that for four hours and my shoulders, hips, and legs were sore for days. It’s a shame that I didn’t get value for my money.”
“I once sat next to such a large guy on an international flight. My wife and I had to stand in the aisle in turns because the large guy took most of the space. The saddest thing is that the flight crew did nothing about it.”
“Last month, a heavyset gentleman sat behind me on the plane. He kept pulling my seat as he was uncomfortable. I didn’t want to make him more uncomfortable, so I didn’t recline my seat, despite my back problem. The following day, I was admitted to the hospital for a week for severe back pain. I think airlines should implement a seat policy to ensure the comfort of all passengers.”
This incident shows what plus-size and other travelers go through in public transportation such as planes, buses, trains, etc.
My take on this incident is that everyone traveling using public transport has a role to play in making the journey pleasant, safe, and comfortable for everyone. If all involved have a more accommodating and inclusive approach, everyone will have a great travel experience.
What People on Board a Plane Can Do to Make the Journey Pleasant, Safe, and Comfortable For Everyone
There are things plus-size, other passengers, and crew members can do to make the journey pleasant, safe, and comfortable for everyone. Let’s look at these things without further ado:
What A Plus-size Passenger Can Do To Make the Journey Pleasant, Safe, and Comfortable For Everyone
If you’re a plus-size passenger on a plane, try to ensure the comfort and safety of the other travelers. This will make the journey pleasant for all of you.
Here’s what you can do:
Find out the airline’s guidelines regarding plus-size passengers
This may include their policies for buying an extra seat, booking a seat at a specific position, or if they provide extra seats for free.
Check the airline’s seat size information
Airlines provide information about legroom, seat pitch, seat belt length, seat dimensions, etc, on their websites. This information is usually available for the plane you’d like to book.
Consider booking two seats
If you want to travel on economy, then it’s best to book an additional seat. Some airlines offer additional seats at a discounted price. Booking two seats adjacent to each other prevents you from encroaching on other people’s spaces and interfering with their travel experience.
It also ensures you don’t block the aisle as doing so can interfere with other people’s movement.
Most importantly, blocking the aisle is dangerous especially if an emergency arises.
Consider booking First Class or Business Class
Seats in first class and business class are more costly than in the economy class. However, seats in first and business class have more recline options, more legroom, and are wider. You thus remain secure and comfortable and don’t interfere with other people’s travel experience.
Request for a seat belt extender
If the seat belt doesn’t fit you, request for a seat belt extender. Planes usually have seat belt extenders. So, ask for one from the flight attendant before takeoff. A properly fastened seat belt is important for your safety during the flight.
Request to pre-board the plane if necessary
If you’re a plus-size passenger who needs assistance or extra time to board the plane, you can request to pre-board. Some airlines can allow you to do so. Pre-boarding enables you to settle down in your selected seat before the other passengers enter the plane.
You thus don’t attract the attention of others. So, they’ll have minimal opportunity of staring at you or judging you.
Be Mindful of the neighboring passenger
As a plus-size passenger, it’s important to be mindful of the neighboring passengers. For instance, be mindful of your usage of the leg space and armrest to make the journey comfortable and pleasant for all of you.
What The Other Passengers Can Do To Make The Journey Comfortable and Pleasant For Plus-size Passengers
Suppose you’re traveling with a plus-size passenger. In that case, it’s best to make extra effort to make the passenger’s journey comfortable and pleasant.
Here are things you can do:
Be empathetic to the plus-size passenger
As a passenger, it’s good to understand that many people find flying challenging. The plus-size passenger may find it even more challenging because of his size.
For instance, he could be self-conscious due to his size. So, avoid making the over-size passenger feel embarrassed in any way.
Avoid staring at the plus-size passenger
When you stare at a plus-size passenger, they may feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Please avoid staring at them.
Avoid making negative verbal comments about the plus-size passenger
Negative verbal comments may include offensive remarks, direct insults, nasty jokes, sarcastic comments, etc. It could also include complaining about the space the person is occupying.
If you make negative verbal comments about the plus-size passenger, you might make them feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, embarrassed, or offended. Kindly make them feel accepted on the flight.
Avoid negative non-verbal communication toward the plus-size passenger
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. So, avoid negative non-verbal communication towards the plus-size passenger.
Negative non-verbal communication could include sneering, glaring, huffing, sighing, rolling your eyes, frowning, or grimacing.
It could also include leaning away or scooting from the passenger. Ignoring the passenger is also negative non-verbal communication.
When you do any of the above things, you make the plus-size passenger feel judged, uncomfortable, humiliated, hurt, and unwelcome. Your negative attitude can make the travel experience really unpleasant for both of you.
Help the plus-size passenger without drawing attention
I liked the comment that said, “Last month, a heavyset gentleman sat behind me on the plane. He kept pulling my seat as he was uncomfortable. I didn’t want to make him more uncomfortable, so I didn’t recline my seat….”
The above person helped the heavyset gentleman without drawing attention.
You too can do the same when sitting next to a plus-size person. Help them respectfully and discreetly. In other words, your gesture should feel natural and not draw unnecessary attention.
Be patient with the plus-size passenger
The plus-size passenger may require more time to board the plane and settle into their seat. Also, they may take more time when disembarking from the plane. If you’re on the flight, please be patient with the oversized passenger.
Avoid taking photos or videos of plus-size passengers
I was horrified to see the photo of the plus-size passenger trending online. Fortunately, the person who took the photo took the back view of the passenger. People can’t see the face of the passenger.
As a passenger, it’s wrong to take photos or videos of plus-size passengers, or any other passenger. It’s even worse to circulate such pictures or videos online. Taking photos and videos of people without their consent violates their privacy.
In addition, sharing photos or videos of the plus-size passenger could lead to body shaming of the person. People may start judging, mocking, and ridiculing the person. The person wakes up one day and finds he’s the laughingstock worldwide.
This could affect the person’s self-esteem and self-worth. The person could also feel embarrassed, ashamed, anxious, stressed, or even depressed.
So, try to treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect – including the plus-size passenger. Most importantly, consider how your actions affect other people.
Speak up when a plus-size passenger or any other passenger is treated badly
If you notice other passengers or the crew treating a plus-size passenger badly, it’s good to speak up. When you speak up, you promote a culture of dignity, respect, and inclusion for all passengers.
What The Cabin Crew Can Do To Make The Journey Comfortable and Pleasant For Plus-size Passengers
The role of cabin crew includes ensuring the safety, dignity, respect, and comfort of all passengers – including plus-size passengers.
Here are some things the cabin crew can do to ensure the journey is comfortable for plus-size passengers.
Provide a seat belt extender to the plus-size passenger quietly
As a cabin crew, it’s important to pay special attention to plus-size passengers and any other passengers with special needs.
So, check on the plus-size passenger to find out if he is okay and comfortable. Check if he requires a seat belt extender. If he does, provide it quietly and assist the passenger to use it without drawing unnecessary attention to him.
Help the passenger discreetly and respectfully
If the plus-size passenger requires any kind of help, provide it discreetly and respectfully so that he maintains his dignity.
Some help the plus-size passenger may need includes settling into the seat comfortably, fastening the seat belt, or stowing luggage.
Allow the plus-size passenger to pre-board
If you allow the plus-size passenger to pre-board, you give him time to settle into his seat before the other passengers board the plane.
As a result, the plus-size passenger doesn’t attract attention as he boards the plane or settles in his seat. That helps to protect his dignity.
Maintain professionalism throughout the journey
As a member of the cabin crew, try to be a role model for all the passengers. You can do this by maintaining professionalism throughout the journey.
Here’s how you can maintain professionalism:
- Be respectful to all passengers, including the plus-size passenger.
- Avoid body language or words that could make the plus-size passenger feel stigmatized or uncomfortable.
- Be neutral when conflicts arise between plus-size passengers and other passengers.
- Avoid taking sides during such conflicts because doing so would make some passengers feel disrespected and unheard.
- Try to resolve the conflicts with a neutral and calm tone.
- Treat all passengers equally. This includes when offering drinks, snacks, and other services.
- Defend plus-size passengers or any other passenger facing discrimination. For instance, if other passengers are harassing, bullying, mistreating, or mocking a passenger, step in and address the situation calmly and respectfully.
- Ensure nobody is discriminated against during the flight.
Conclusion
The trending photo of a plus-size passenger struggling to fit into his seat and his body covering part of the aisle created a healthy debate about plus-size passengers using public transport. The photographer tried to protect the guy’s dignity by not showing us the face of the person – he took a rear view of the guy.
Plus-size passengers and all travelers using public transport deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
The plus-size passengers, other passengers, and crew members should play their role to make the journey pleasant for everyone.
I hope you’ll apply some of the tips in this post the next time you use public transport.
What’s your take on plus-size passengers using public transport? We’d love to hear your views in the comments section below. Cheers!
Also read: 6 simple ways you can show kindness to others – being kind is very rewarding.
