A plus-size traveller has shared some of her most horrifying experiences, including other passengers calling the flight attendant when she has been seated next to them.
Saibra Noel, better known as @thehighyellowbrickroad online, is a content creator with over 434,000 likes.
The 32-year-old often shares travel hacks, recommendations and vlogs, as well as details on what it’s like travelling with a bigger body – such as flying in tiny seats.
“My travel experience looks a bit different than someone who doesn’t live in a larger body,” Saibra, from Los Angeles, California, told What’s The Jam.
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“I require certain accommodations for safe and comfortable travels.
“At this point in my life, I don’t feel any type of way about asking for a seat belt extender or needing an extra seat.
“It is simply what I require to get from point A to B safely and comfortably.
“I have the same right to be on a plane as anyone else, and an airline’s decision to pack us in there like sardines is not a reason for me to feel bad about not fitting within those arbitrary lines.”
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However, Saibra has not always felt this confident in asking for extras on her trips.
She said: “That being said, we are conditioned to feel bad about not fitting into those spaces so of course my self-esteem took a hit initially.
“Years ago, I was checking in for my flight and after I tipped, he offered to give me an extra seat for my comfort.
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“I still think that is the nicest way anyone has ever called me fat but I was very conflicted about whether I should be offended or not.
“However, with this policy I got to pre-board and, for the first time in a while, the anxiety I would get every time I travelled was gone!
“I no longer had to worry about someone trying to get me kicked off the plane because my leg touched theirs.
“That was a relief and I never looked back.
“If anything, every time I ask for the customer of size policy and for a seat belt extender, I am proud of myself for no longer feeling embarrassed and being able to advocate for myself.”
Saibra has also had to deal with other passengers’ negative reactions on flights.
She said: “I have had people call the flight attendant at the horror of discovering I was their seatmate.
“They always worked it out and I was never kicked off the plane.
“I am bigger now, so I get two seats whenever I fly economy but that was back when I was on the cusp.”
In a clip shared to TikTok, which has nearly 20,000 views, Saibra can be seen filming herself sitting in a plane seat, captioning the video: “POV: You get an extra seat on the plane.”
The post has gained hundreds of likes and comments from social media users.
One person said: “That should be a wake up call.”
Someone else commented: “You gotta fly on a cargo plane.”
Jurre wrote: “It’s not something to be proud of.”
Jack added: “Sad.”
Whereas other users were supportive of Saibra.
Nichole said: “PeridoT!!”
Ariel added: “Icon.”
Stephanie commented: “I loooove this!!”
Despite some hateful comments, Saibra is determined to not let trolls stop her from enjoying travelling, with plans to make her way to South America, Rio, Australia, and Antarctica.
She added: “Do not let fear or embarrassment keep you from travelling.
“If that is something you want, go do it.
“If you need a seat belt extender, ask for it. If you need an extra seat, get it.
“Unlearn the shame the world has made you feel for needing those accommodations because it is holding you back from the desires of your heart.
“You are worthy of travel at whatever weight you are right now!”
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