Airline responds to "fat-shaming" onboard comments
Dr Sydney Watson – a US-based Australian journalist and political commentator – took to Twitter on October 11 to complain about being sat between two obese people on an American Airlines flight.
Her mid-flight comments caused an immediate furore as she posted that “I am currently - literally - WEDGED between two OBESE people on my flight,” along with a photo of her personal space being invaded.
“This is absolutely NOT acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I'm stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for 3 hours.
“I don't care if this is mean. My entire body is currently being touched against my wishes. I can't even put the arm rests down on either side because there's no f***ing room.
“I'm sick of acting like fatness to this extent is normal. Let me assure you, it is not.
“If you need a seat belt extender, you are TOO FAT TO BE ON A PLANE.
“Buy two seats or don't fly.”
Dr Watson said she asked the passenger on her right if he wanted to move to sit next to his sister to which he declined.
She continued the rest of her flight sitting uncomfortably with no air hostess offering to switch her seat.
Her complaint went viral with the official American Airlines Twitter account responding to Dr Watson saying: “Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We're sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight.”
This however was not enough for Dr Watson who eventually found out that “what happened to me went against American Airlines own policies regarding overweight passengers.”
A few days later after her initial flight, an American Airlines worker got in contact with Dr Watson apologising for the inconvenience and offered her a $150 Trip Credit.
“I'd rather take the $150 American Airlines offered me as a refund and give it to someone who needs a PT or a gym membership,” she tweeted in response.
Still furious at what occurred on the flight, Dr Watson said she has no regrets over being in the news for fat shaming.
“I'm not sorry. I meant everything I said. Justifying obesity is NOT OKAY,” she said.
“And, rock on to anyone trying to lose weight and change their lives. I believe in you.”
Images: Twitter/Instagram