Because of my weight, a girl on the plane asked that I be taken off, but I got my retribution by telling her that you can’t treat people that way.
I’ve always made an effort to avoid bothering people. Yes, I am a plus-size lady with health issues of my own that I have had for years. However, I always purchase two aircraft tickets to avoid attracting attention or creating inconvenience. My responsibility—my space. It’s an issue of respect for both myself and other people, not a luxury.
I also did that this time. I sat down, put on my headphones, picked two seats by the window, and mentally readied myself for the journey. Before she got on board, everything was quiet. A beautiful girl. Long legs, tight slacks, a light top, and a slim, tiny waist. Commercial hair shampoo. She exuded perfection in every way.
Although I didn’t give her much thought, I could feel her slowing down beside me. Then abruptly, with a sneer, she said:
“Oh no.”
I removed one headphone gradually.
“Are you speaking to me, please?”
She simply stared at me as if I were a stain on a perfectly clean surface without responding.
“I’m not seated beside you.”
I inhaled deeply.
“You’re not required to. Both of these chairs are mine. The tickets are here.
How is it possible for someone to let themselves go in this way? Have you ever looked in the mirror at yourself?
Everything went dark for a moment. I have heard this before, both online and in stores and on the street. But never like this—face-to-face, in person, confined in a small area.
“I’ve got health problems,” I remarked coolly. “And you don’t need an explanation from me.”
I looked out the window in the hopes that she would go. However, she continued. She raised her voice. Travelers started to turn around.
“People like you have no business flying. It’s not natural!
With trembling fingers, I got up and hit the call button. In a flash, a tall, self-assured, uniformed flight attendant appeared.
“What’s wrong?”
Indeed. I want to report verbal abuse and harassment. I displayed my two tickets. “This girl is demanding my seat and insulting me.”
The attendant initially appeared shocked, but after noticing my composure and quivering lips, she changed to “perfection.”
“Ma’am, could I please see your ticket?”
Curling her lip, the girl gave it to him. She didn’t even sit next to me. It was in a different row. The only thing she could say was that she “wasn’t going to sit next to someone like me.”
She was instructed to go to her designated seat by the attendant in a stern but courteous manner. The girl angrily protested about “discrimination against slim people,” rolled her eyes, and started to argue. Then, something very unexpected occurred.
The chief flight attendant arrived a little while later and stated:
“Ma’am, you are being asked to depart the airplane by the captain because of your misbehavior and disregard for crew directives. Please gather your things.
She turned pale. screamed. threatened to lodge grievances. However, she was removed from the aircraft ten minutes later. The same flight attendant approached me and remarked in a low voice:
“We apologize for the event. And I appreciate your poise.
They gave me a complimentary dessert and the crew’s message, “You are strong,” after takeoff. and deserving. I appreciate your generosity.
I’m not trying to win them over. Simply put, I’m sick of living up to the expectations of others.
