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A passenger who needed an extender for her seatbelt while flying, and whose video about it became popular, has responded strongly to negative comments from online trolls.
In December, Samyra Miller posted a video on TikTok showcasing her experience on a Delta flight in the US. The clip captures her waiting for the seatbelt extender and highlighting the short length of the aircraft’s belts.
The video has received over 3.4 million views and has garnered more than 5,000 comments.
Numerous comments focused on Ms Miller’s appearance, including statements like “everyone else looks good” and “the belt isn’t the issue.”
Some individuals expressed disapproval of her method of requesting the extender, with one user stating: “You should have used the word ‘please’.”
The popular social media figure and musician posted a subsequent video addressing a comment that received over 19,000 likes but is currently not visible. The comment asked for a belt extender.
Ms. Miller stated that many individuals appeared to be more focused on the arrival of her request rather than the arrival of her belt extender.
“To those who expressed concern for my health in the comments, please also consider my safety and well-being while on an airplane. As a larger individual, discussions about my experiences, such as needing a seatbelt extender or advocating for more plus-size options from brands, often seem to shift the focus onto my delivery.”
“I am not seen as ‘passionate’ like my peers. Instead, I am labeled as ‘loud,’ ‘angry,’ and ‘entitled.’ Some may even say I have ‘audacity.’ But why am I, a fat, Black woman, not allowed to have wants, desires, and dreams? Society constantly pressures us to minimize ourselves, but for what purpose?”
The response video to her critics has amassed nearly 200,000 views, with numerous comments showing support. A user replied, saying: “You go, Samyra! That mean comment was just trying to control your tone. Those who discriminate against larger people are upset that we’re simply living our lives.”
Some disagreed, with one person saying that “you were being a bit impolite.”
In 2023, a popular traveler advocate suggested that airlines implement a “customer-of-size policy” in order to prevent mistreatment of plus-size customers.
Jaelynn Chaney, an advocate for people of all sizes and abilities based in Washington, US, is urging the Federal Aviation Authority to ensure that flights are comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of size.
In the previous month, Southwest Airlines implemented a policy for “Customers of Size” which grants them free additional space if they occupy more than one seat.
Individuals who take up more than their allotted seat(s) are given the option to purchase additional seats and will be reimbursed upon check-in.
Source: independent.co.uk
