Aussie woman reveals the reality of flying as an ‘overweight passenger’ and the most ’embarrassing’ thing she faces before each flight: ‘I could hardly breathe’
- TikToker Ali Smith has revealed what it’s like flying as an overweight passenger
- In a now-viral video, she often needs to ask staff for a seatbelt extender
- But she says she often feels ’embarrassed’ to ask
- Ali also avoids using the tray table and compressive activewear
- The video has been viewed 1.3million times and has been praised by thousands
A TikToker has been praised by fans for sharing the reality of travelling on flights as an ‘overweight passenger’
Ali Smith, from Brisbane, Australia, shared a video claiming she often needs to ask staff for a seatbelt extender but feels ’embarrassed’ every time.
When flying she wears compressive activewear, avoids using the tray table and hopes no-one sits next to her due to the limited seating space.
Aussie TikToker Ali Smith (pictured) has shared the reality of what is like flying on a plane as an overweight passenger
In a now-viral TikTok video, Ali said she wears compressive activewear, avoids using the tray table and hopes no-one sits next to her due to the limited seating space. She also asks for a seatbelt extender and holds her arm to avoid coming in contact with the person next to her
In the video, she detailed the steps she takes to endure the flight and is often left feeling uncomfortable.
‘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.
‘Could this issue be fixed by me not being so big? Absolutely. Would it make an entertaining video? Not so much.
‘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, Ali tested the tray table and ‘wasn’t expecting’ to have enough room to be able to use it but she did.
‘Then I practiced how I was going to sit for the whole flight so I didn’t encroach on the person next to me,’ she said, and placed her left arm across her body while holding it with her right hand.
On this occasion the middle seat was empty, which Ali was happy about as she had extra room during the flight.
Overnight the video quickly went viral exceeding more than 1.3million views, and others felt comforted knowing they aren’t alone when feeling embarrassed asking for a seatbelt extender.
‘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.
‘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,’ another added.
A third praised Ali and said: ‘Thank you for normalising this!! I never hear anyone talk about these struggles and fears when flying!! Love your honesty!’
A number of flight attendants also jumped in the conversation stating there’s ‘no shame’ in asking for a seatbelt extender.
‘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 flight attendant 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.’
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