A New York City-based content creator, who goes by Ashlyn online, has shared an account of an alleged fat-shaming incident aboard a Delta Airlines flight. Ashlyn, a plus-size influencer with over 20,000 followers on TikTok, detailed the experience on her platform, stating that an elderly couple seated next to her took her picture and discussed her weight via text messages in Spanish.
According to Ashlyn, the couple was overheard remarking about her size, with one of them allegedly saying, "There's only one fat person on the flight, and guess who she's sitting next to." Ashlyn reported seeing her image on the woman's phone, which she found to be a violation of privacy and an act of cruelty. This incident reportedly occurred on her birthday during a flight back to Puerto Rico.
Ashlyn confronted the couple, who initially denied taking her photo. However, other passengers intervened, providing video evidence of the couple taking pictures and attempting to delete their messages. Despite the couple's denials, fellow passengers confirmed Ashlyn's account.
Delta Airlines stated that the company "does not discriminate or condone discrimination of any person or group for any reason" and is "committed to treating everyone fairly and equally." A representative added, "We apologize to this customer for their experience, and our Customer Care team looks into all claims and responds accordingly."
Ashlyn, though she experienced significant self-consciousness during the remainder of the flight, expressed her intention to file a formal report. She noted that while the cabin crew eventually apologized, they did not check on her during the incident itself. She emphasized that "no matter what size you are, no one should disrespect you."
This incident highlights broader concerns about body shaming and discrimination faced by plus-size travelers. Other instances have included passengers being publicly humiliated by airline staff or facing policies that require the purchase of an additional seat for those exceeding certain size requirements. Social media platforms have become a space where individuals share such experiences, bringing attention to issues of fatphobia in public spaces.