

What’s it like to fly when you’re fat?
38 snips Jan 24, 2025
In this insightful discussion, podcaster Ronald Young Jr., known for his work on Wait For It, and Aubrey Gordon, author and co-host of Maintenance Phase, dive into the uncomfortable realities of air travel for plus-size individuals. They explore the societal stigma surrounding fatness, sharing personal experiences of humiliation and the emotional complexities of flying. Addressing the inadequacies of the airline industry, they advocate for better accommodations and highlight the need for inclusivity, emphasizing that comfort should be a right for all passengers.
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Humiliating Deboarding
- Bridget McDonald was asked to deboard and reboard a Southwest flight due to the flight attendant invoking the "customer of size" policy.
- This was despite no passenger complaints and Bridget already having an empty seat beside her.
Anxieties of Flying While Fat
- Ronald Young Jr. discusses the anxieties of flying while fat, including security checks and fitting in seats.
- He aims to draw minimal attention to avoid potential humiliation.
Shrinking Ourselves
- Aubrey Gordon describes the common experience of fat people shrinking themselves on planes to avoid bothering others.
- She points out the lack of compassion from fellow passengers in such situations.