Woman gets £132 compensation for sitting ‘between two obese people’ on flight – but people are divided
A PASSENGER has infuriated people after launching a rant about sitting between two overweight people on a short flight.
Sydney Watson, an American-Australian journalist, took to Twitter to complain about the passengers, saying: “If you need a seat belt extender, you are TOO FAT TO BE ON A PLANE”.
Her comments came after she was seated between overweight people on a three-hour American Airlines flight, during which she claimed she was being touched throughout.
In a Twitter tirade, she moaned about being “WEDGED between two OBESE people” on the flight, which she argued was “absolutely NOT acceptable or okay”.
At the time, American Airlines responded via their own Twitter account, saying they didn’t discriminate against body types.
They said: “Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We’re sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight.”
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However, in a surprising update revealed by Watson on Tuesday, it appeared the airline has had a change of mind.
In an email sent to her on Monday, a representative said they “sincerely regret the enjoyment and comfort” of her flight was “diminished due to another customer exceeding their seat’s space”.
The representative informed Watson she would have been entitled to move seats had there been an alternate option available on the flight.
In a “gesture of goodwill” she was issued a $150 (£132) trip credit.
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The email read: “I can understand your disappointment with the situation not being remedied to your satisfaction.
“We appreciate you contacting us regarding this matter. Above all, we appreciate your business and look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon.”
Watson posted a similarly annoyed reaction to the email on Twitter.
She said: “I’d rather take the $150 American Airlines offered me as a refund and give it to someone who needs a PT or a gym membership.”
Her complaints have divided opinion online, with many saying they were uncalled for, while others felt her stance was justified.
One person responded: “I’ve been touched by tall people, muscular people, just about anyone who isn’t 5’4” and sitting clinging to themselves. Seats are what they are.
A second said: “Maybe instead you should give it to a charity, and then do some deep reflection. You are milking the humiliation of two people for your own gain.”
A third argued: “I’d turn down the $150 and let them know that isn’t enough compensation for three hours of misery.”
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This plus-sized woman revealed what it’s really like for her to fly in economy.
An airline lets overweight passengers book two seats for the price of one.