ONLINE trolls have been slammed for cruelly shaming a plane passenger after a secret photo of him struggling to fit in a seat was shared online.
A fellow flyer snapped the man as he attempted to get into his aisle seat on a flight from Finland to Denmark on Monday.
Referring to the passenger, the man wrote on Facebook said he must be “uncomfortable” and said airlines must do more to help plus-size people.
However, many online trolls were drawn to the post – sharing cruel comments.
Other users however fought back – and called out the original poster for appearing to sneak the photo.
“Is shaming helpful? Why not contact all the airlines in their policies and do a thoughtful article?” one said.
Another added: “You only have to read some of the comments on here to see what this world is coming to.”
Others wrote “there should be at least one row for larger sized individuals”.
One said: ” One of the stewards should thoughtfully of told you to stop taking photos of strangers then ask you kindly to get off the plane.”
The post received more than 22,000 comments as of publication – with many discussing the debate of plus-size passengers.
Some said airlines need to make changes, while others argued it should the passenger’s responsibility to purchase more space.
And others accused airlines of downsizing seats, saying they are even uncomfortable for smaller people.
One wrote: “Airlines are a multi-billion dollar industry, they literally pass all the costs off on passengers.
“Planes have actually stayed the same if not gotten smaller over the last few decades but they have consistently added more seats in that same space.
“There’s no reason they can’t make planes an acceptable size for people.
“I am a large person, not excessively overweight but larger and I struggle in seats some time.”
It was unclear what airline the passengers were flying with when the photo, which appears to have been taken without the larger man’s knowledge, was taken.
One person argued: “No matter the reason someone is oversized, if they are, they have to purchase an extra seat.
“That is not discrimination, it is a safety requirement.”
A person who claimed to be plus-sized shared his thoughts on the seating issue.
He wrote: “It’s his responsibility to make sure he is comfortable.
“The airlines could do with making seats bigger and more comfortable. Not for guys like me but for the average person.
“Most people are uncomfortable in normal seats.”
Others argued it is the responsibility of airlines and plane manufacturers to expand seat sizes.
One user said: “The airlines need to be reined in. People are not livestock yet that is how the airlines look at them.
“Travel used to be enjoyable (even in economy) but now only those that can afford business or first class are treated as human.”
A second chimed in: ” I agree that the airlines need to address the situation.”
Another wrote: “Sadly airlines are a business. They will maximise profits as much as possible.
“Some enlarging of seat might be tolerated by corporate but they aren’t likely going to make seats to fit this guy comfortably.”
A fourth shared: “…I’m a big guy and always book a big front seat.
“Not much more cost if bought in advance and really makes it comfortable for me and other people. Other airlines should do the same.”
It comes after a flight attendant revealed an important pre-plane activity that makes travelling so much easier with kids.
Danielle Halstead, a former air hostess with 16 years of experience at TUI, has shared her top tips for ensuring a smooth journey with children.
The experienced former crew member advised passengers to bring their children’s favourite toys or blankets to help them feel comfortable in a new environment.
Travelling with kids on an overnight flight can be a nightmare if they don’t want to sleep.
Danielle also suggested taking them to the park for a bit of a runaround before heading to the airport to tire them out.
Staying hydrated on board is important, especially for children.
What are the rules for plus-sized passengers?
AIRLINES typically have rules and policies for plus-sized passengers to ensure both comfort and safety.
These rules can vary by airline, but here are some common guidelines:
Purchase of Additional Seat(s): If a passenger cannot fit into a single seat with the armrests down, they may be required to purchase an additional seat. This is to ensure both their comfort and that of the passengers seated next to them.
Some airlines offer a discounted or refundable option for the additional seat if the flight is not fully booked.
Seatbelt Extenders: Airlines typically provide seatbelt extenders for passengers who need them. However, the use of personal seatbelt extenders is generally not allowed for safety reasons.
Booking and Notification: It’s often recommended that plus-sized passengers inform the airline at the time of booking about their needs so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
Early check-in is often encouraged to ensure the best possible seating arrangements.
Specific Seating Policies: Passengers seated in emergency exit rows must meet certain physical requirements, including the ability to move quickly in an emergency. Plus-sized passengers may be ineligible for these seats.
If affordability allows, plus-sized passengers may consider booking first or business class, where seats are often wider and offer more legroom.
Refund policies: Some airlines may offer a refund for the cost of an additional seat if the flight is not fully booked, or if it is purchased in advance but not needed.
Passenger Rights: Airlines are required to comply with laws and regulations that prevent discrimination based on size. However, the implementation of these rules can vary depending on the airline and the country.
Airline-Specific Policies: Many airlines have specific pages or customer service lines to address the needs of plus-sized passengers. It’s important to check these resources when booking.
But many kids are fussy eaters and drinkers and may not want to drink any water on the flight.
The veteran flight attendant suggested giving them either “pineapples, melon, berries or even vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber”, as an alternative.
Keeping your child entertained while flying can save parents a lot of headaches.