A Welsh empowerment coach, Meg Goldberger, has criticized airlines for what she describes as discrimination against plus-size individuals and poor service on flights. With air travel back in full swing, she called out the uncomfortable small seats and cramped toilets many passengers face, especially those who are overweight.
Goldberger, who weighs 280lbs, has called on airlines to better accommodate plus-size passengers by offering them free extra seats or upgrading them to business or first class when there is extra room. She believes this would help make flying more comfortable for everyone.
In an interview with The Scottish Sun, Goldberger emphasized, “This summer’s going to see more flights canceled, and plus-size people should not have to endure bullying and fat-shaming on planes.” She added that while she wouldn’t pay for upgrades, airlines should offer them to improve comfort.
She shared an example of mistreatment she experienced on a flight to Dubai in May 2022. Goldberger recalled how passengers called her “fat cow” and told her she belonged in cargo. The flight staff also ignored her request for a seatbelt extension, and when she finally got it, no one showed her how to use it. “We suffer long-term trauma or PTSD from in-flight fat-shaming,” she said.
Some airlines, such as Ryanair and Southwest, have policies that require passengers to pay for extra seats if they need more room, with Southwest offering a reimbursement.
Tiffany Wells, a size 26 retail merchandiser from London, also spoke out about her experiences. She said she was told by a passenger that she was “too fat for one seat” and should buy two. Wells said it’s unfair to charge extra due to size, especially when airlines have been shrinking seats. She also expressed frustration with rude passengers and flight staff who do nothing about the bullying.
Like Goldberger, Wells is urging airlines to prioritize comfort for all passengers, saying that many plus-size people are afraid to fly because of the fear of fat-shaming.
