When Saibra Noel boards a plane, she has to endure the stares of her fellow passengers – it turns out that some of her fellow passengers even complained to the flight attendants after finding out that she was the person sitting next to them.
On TikTok, the overweight traveler often shares travel tips, recommendations and vlogs about her journey, but also documents some of her challenging experiences.
The 32-year-old admitted that while she loves seeing the world, traveling with a larger body can be difficult – especially when you’re flying in small seats.
According to Saibra, other passengers called out the flight attendant when she sat next to them and she received a barrage of cruel taunts online because of her height.
Little traveler Saibra Noel regularly shares travel tips, recommendations and vlogs about her journey on TikTok
Saibra said some passengers even called a flight attendant who was taller than them and now booked two seats when flying economy class
“My travel experience looks a little bit different to someone who doesn’t live in a bigger body,” the Los Angeles jet-setter told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“I need specific accommodations for safe and comfortable travel,” the avid traveler continued, adding that now she just wants to get from “point A to B” safely and comfortably.
“At this point in my life, I don’t feel like asking for a seat belt extender or needing an extra seat,” she explained.
The frequent flyer added that she has the same right to sit on the plane as anyone else.
“An airline’s decision to pack us in like sardines is not a reason for me to feel bad about not fitting into those arbitrary boundaries,” she argued.
Although now confident, Saibra admitted she didn’t always have the confidence to ask for extra space during her travels.
“We are conditioned to feel bad because we don’t fit into these spaces. So of course my self-esteem suffered initially,” she reflected.
“I’ve had people call the flight attendant because they were afraid to find out I was sitting next to them. “They always sorted it out and I was never thrown off the plane.”
Although now confident, Saibra admitted she didn’t always have the confidence to ask for extra space during her travels
The 32-year-old admitted that while she loves seeing the world, traveling with a larger body can be difficult – especially when you’re flying in tiny seats
The frequent flyer added that she has the same right to sit on a plane as any other passenger
The first time Saibra flew with a little more space, she said she tipped an airline employee and he offered to give her more space to make her feel more comfortable.
“I still think it’s the nicest way I’ve ever been called fat, but I was very conflicted about whether or not to be offended,” she admitted.
“However, with this arrangement I had to board in advance and for the first time in a long time the fear I had every time I traveled disappeared.”
The content creator said the extra space helped address some of her concerns and made her worry less.
“I no longer have to worry about someone trying to get me off the plane because my leg touched the other one,” she noted.
“It was a relief and I have never regretted it.”
Saibra also became more confident in standing up for herself and her needs.
“Every time I ask about the size guidelines and about a seat belt extender, I’m proud of myself for not being shy anymore and being able to stand up for myself,” she admitted.
If she flies now, Saibra books two seats if she flies economy class.
As she documents her experiences as a plus-sized traveler online, she often receives hateful comments, but is determined not to let trolls stop her from planning her trip.
The avid TikTok creator has plans to travel to South America, Rio, Australia and Antarctica
The content creator encourages people not to let fear or shame stop them from traveling.
A post that went viral with nearly 20,000 views received hundreds of likes and comments from social media users
In a clip shared on TikTok that has been viewed nearly 20,000 times, Saibra filmed herself in her seat on the plane and captioned the video: “POV: You get an extra seat on the plane.”
The post received hundreds of likes and comments from social media users.
“This should be a wake-up call,” one user warned.
“You should fly on a cargo plane,” another user quipped.
Someone else wrote: “This is nothing to be proud of.”
While other users supported Saibra, one user branded her an “icon”.
Another wrote: “I love it!”
The TikTok creator has plans to travel to South America, Rio, Australia and Antarctica and is urging people not to let fear or shame stop them from travelling.
“If that’s what you want, go for it,” she urged.
“If you need a seat belt extender, ask for it. If you need an extra seat, buy it.
“Discover the shame the world has brought upon you because you need this accommodation and hold back from the desires of your heart.
“You are worth the journey, no matter how heavy you are now!”
The content creator said the extra space on planes helped her worry less
Saibra encourages everyone to travel and says, “I am proud of myself that I am no longer shy and can stand up for myself.”
Saibra’s words follow a recent change by Southwest Airlines that allows overweight passengers to get additional seats for free.
The policy states that customers who “occupy any portion of the adjacent seats” can purchase as many additional seats as they need, which will then be refunded upon check-in.
The change has led to mixed feedback from customers.
While some body-positive shoppers have praised the policy for making it easier for obese people to travel, critics say it “favors” severely overweight people – giving them an unfair advantage.
Many on social media have pointed out that there is no space available for customers who are very tall and need extra legroom, travel with medical equipment or use wheelchairs.
Some customers criticized Southwest Airlines for its “ridiculous” policy, arguing that overweight passengers get free seats that match their height.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
