Being overweight on the plane can result in disadvantages and additional costs. A TikToker tells how she deals with the problem.
Kassel – Airplane seats are not exactly known for their comfort. On the contrary: it’s cramped and uncomfortable on the plane; on long-haul flights, back and knee pain are part of the program for many. Of course, only those who fit into the seats can enjoy this pain.
Since these are similar in size for all airlines (at least in economy), severely overweight people face a problem. Should they book multiple tickets for themselves, hoping for an empty plane with more space, or can they count on help from the airlines? An influencer on TikTok reports how she deals with the problem and what tricks she uses to avoid additional costs.
Overweight on the plane: TikTokerin reports how she avoids extra costs
The influencer with the username “BoBerry” posts pictures and videos of herself on Instagram and TikTok in which she shows herself consistently self-confident. She also talks about her life – both to show how comfortable she feels in her body. She then went viral with a video on the subject of “Flying with Obesity” and it was viewed more than 3.7 million times (as of October 2022).
In it, she shows the difficulties she repeatedly faces on airplanes, because: She does not fit in a single seat. Nevertheless, BoBerry does not want to give up traveling and does not want to pay for an additional seat or a ticket in the more spacious business class to count. Discrimination against the overweight also reports a doctor who sees children in particular in danger.
Overweight: tips and tricks for having enough space on the plane
Her first tip: share the second seat with a thinner travel companion, such as a child. Of course, this is only possible if such a travel companion is available and willing to do so.
Her second tip: If you book your flight at very short notice, you can ask when booking how fully booked the flight is. If the plane is empty, the chances are very good that it will remain empty and that there will be no problems using a second seat.
Her third tip: Finally, she emphasizes that airlines have different policies when it comes to dealing with overweight customers. With an American line, there is even the possibility of getting a free second ticket if it is necessary for reasons of space.
Overweight in the plane: Every airline deals differently with customers who need space
As an American, BoBerry doesn’t talk about airline regulations, which are important in this country. However, Lufthansa is keeping a low profile on the subject. “Lufthansa transports passengers of all weight classes and sizes,” quotes the travel portal travel book a Lufthansa spokeswoman. This means that customers do not have to specify in advance if they require more than one seat and are not excluded from the flight because of their weight.
The situation is different with the Dutch airline KLM and EasyJet, which reserve the right not to take customers if they do not fit in a single seat and do not want to buy an upgrade. With AirFrance, on the other hand, there is the option of having part or even the entire purchase price of the second ticket reimbursed. There are also special rules for those who want to take their dog on the plane.
Comments show the many different opinions on the subject of being overweight on airplanes
There is disagreement in the comments of BoBerry’s video about her tips and tricks. While some find it unfair that BoBerry expects assistance with their body shape, others are enthusiastic about some airlines’ guidelines. Still others feel disadvantaged because nobody helps them, for example if they are too big for their seat. Here is a selection:
- “It makes me so angry. The comments and that there are no wider seats.”
- “I’m not sharing my seat unless you pay half my ticket.”
- “Meanwhile, I have to pay extra for two kilograms of excess luggage.”
BoBerry himself does not comment further on the subject. The tallest woman in the world also recently went viral on her very first flight. (loud)
#Overweight #woman #tips #space #problems #plane