When Saibra Noel boards a plane, she has to endure the stares from her fellow passengers – revealing that some of her fellow travelers even complained to the flight attendants after finding out she was their seatmate.
The plus-size traveler often shares travel tips, recommendations and vlogs about her trip on TikTok, but she 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 flying in small seats.
According to Saibra, other passengers called the flight attendant when she was sitting next to them and she received a barrage of cruel taunts online about her height.
Little traveler Saibra Noel often shares travel tips, recommendations and vlogs about her trip on TikTok
In fact, Saibra says some passengers have even called a flight attendant who is taller than her, and now books two seats when flying economy
“My travel experience looks a little different than someone who doesn't live in a larger body,” the Los Angeles jetsetter told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“I need certain accommodations for safe and comfortable travel,” the avid traveler continued, adding that all she now wants to do is 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 had 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 because I didn't fit within those arbitrary boundaries,” she argued.
Although she is now confident, Saibra admitted that she had not always had the confidence to ask for extra space during her travels.
“We're conditioned to feel bad because we don't fit into those spaces, so of course my self-esteem took a hit initially,” she reflected.
'I've had people call the flight attendant because they were afraid to find out I was their seatmate. They always worked it out and I was never kicked off the plane.'
Although she is now confident, Saibra admitted that she had not always had 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 flying in small seats
The frequent flyer added that she had the same right to sit on a plane as any other passenger
Recalling the first time she flew with some extra space, Saibra said she tipped an airline employee and they offered to give her extra space for her comfort.
“I still think this is the nicest way anyone has ever called me fat, but I was very conflicted about whether I should be offended or not,” she admitted.
“However, with this policy I had to pre-board and for the first time in a long time the anxiety I got every time I traveled was gone.”
The content creator said that the extra space helped alleviate some of her concerns and made her less to worry about.
“I no longer had to worry about someone trying to get me off the plane because my leg hit theirs,” she noted.
“That was a relief and I've never looked back.”
Saibra has also become more confident in standing up for herself and what she needs.
“Every time I ask for the size policy and for a seat belt extender, I feel proud of myself for no longer feeling embarrassed and being able to stand up for myself,” she acknowledged.
Now when she flies, Saibra books two seats if she flies economy.
As she documents her experiences as a plus-size traveler online, she often faces hateful comments, but she is determined not to let trolls stop her from planning trips.
The avid TikTok creator has plans to travel to South America, Rio, Australia and Antarctica
Content creator urges people not to 'let fear or shame stop you from travelling'
One post that went viral with nearly 20,000 views has received hundreds of likes and comments from social media users
In a clip shared to TikTok that has been viewed nearly 20,000 times, Saibra filmed herself sitting in her seat on the plane, captioning the video: “POV: You get an extra seat on the plane.”
The post has received hundreds of likes and comments from social media users.
“That should be a wake-up call,” one user warned.
“You should fly on a cargo plane,” another user scoffed.
Someone else wrote: 'It's not something to be proud of.'
While other users supported Saibra, with one user branding her an 'icon'.
Another wrote: 'I love this!'
The TikTok creator has plans to travel to South America, Rio, Australia and Antarctica and is calling on people not to let fear or shame stop you from traveling.
“If that's what you want, go do it,” she encouraged.
'If you need a seat belt extender, ask for one. If you need an extra seat, buy it.
“Unlearn the shame the world has made you feel for needing that accommodation, for holding you back from the desires of your heart.
“You are worth traveling no matter what weight 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 for no longer being ashamed and being able to stand up for myself'
Saibra's words come in the wake of a recent change by Southwest Airlines that allows obese passengers to get extra seats for free.
The policy states that customers who “occupy any portion of the adjacent seat(s)” may purchase as many additional seats as they need, which will then be refunded upon check-in.
The change has led to mixed feedback among customers.
While some body-positive customers have praised the policy for making it easier for obese people to travel, critics say it “panders” to the very overweight – and gives them an unfair advantage.
On social media, many have pointed out that there is no available space for customers who are very tall and need extra legroom, who travel with medical equipment or are wheelchair users.
Some customers have criticized Southwest Airlines for its “ridiculous” policy, arguing that overweight passengers get free seats appropriate to their height.