‘Smells like a class action suit’: Omaha woman shamed at airport over needing ‘extra room,’ vows to never fly Southwest Airlines again
TikTok user @erikawithak27 had never anticipated what she was about to experience while boarding a Southwest Airlines flight from Omaha. What should have been a normal experience for her turned into a tale of embarrassment and anger that is sure to leave a lasting impression on her life.
On February 10, 2026, Erika, who goes by the account name @erikawithak27, shared a video on TikTok narrating her unpleasant experience with Southwest Airlines, which had left her on the verge of tears. The incident even led to her pledge not to fly with that airline ever again. So what really happened? Long story short, she was subtly fatshamed by an airline employee at the airport who basically asked her if she needed extra ‘room’ (translating to: if she needed an extra seat) because she was big, and she alleged that all of it was to ensure that she and other passengers travelled comfortably. She was subjected to the same treatment again when she boarded the flight and given the same excuse for their behaviour.
User @erikawithak27 is accusing Southwest Airlines of discrimination
As mentioned before, Erika’s recent Southwest Airlines flying experience was not at all good. While she was asked about the possibility of needing an extra seat because she was plus-sized, she was also asked to adjust herself while she was on the flight. Speaking about the second incident, Erika, in the TikTok video she uploaded to her account a few days ago, mentioned how airline staff asked her to put her armrest down to ensure that her co-passengers had a comfortable journey. Her best friend, who was travelling with her and sitting beside her, did not have a problem with this, but these people continued to insist that she make adjustments. At one point, she was even asked to sit at the back of the plane, away from her friend, making her journey uncomfortable.
In the video, Erika claimed that she fit in the seat despite Southwest employees suggesting that she wouldn’t. She even had her armrest down. To prove it, she shared some pictures of herself with her seat belt on and her armrest where it should be, clearly depicting that what these employees were telling was completely wrong, extremely disrespectful, and discriminatory. “You know that you are going to get a group of people, vulnerable group of people that are already probably nervous to fly, and you are going to shame them and humiliate them into buying an extra seat, and they’ll just do it and be quiet. I will not be quiet,” said Erika, talking about the incident.
People on TikTok are angry on Erika’s behalf and have a lot to say about the Airline industry
While highlighting the underlying problems of the Airline industry, TikTok user @ hanbran0116 commented under Erika’s post, saying, “Capitalism has brainwashed us into thinking a fat person is the problem when it’s the corporations squeezing ALL of us into spaces we don’t fit. Airplanes are horrible for tall people, disabled people, etc. not just fat people. More space is better for EVERYONE!” User @ madlanestudio made a similar observation and wrote, “Girl, I am NOT plus size. I went on a flight recently in the new planes and barely freaking fit! It’s designed to get more money!”
A lot of people wanted Erika to take action. For example, user @angelareed71 wrote, “Smells like a class action suit is brewing. You cannot treat people this way.” User @elletamez wrote, “I would sue them. The policy seems arbitrary and capricious on top of being somewhat discriminatory. They should make larger seats available for people who need them.”
Does Southwest Airlines require people to pay for an extra seat if they are plus-sized?
Starting January 27, 2026, any individual travelling by Southwest Airlines who cannot fit within the armrests of their seat is required to book an additional seat in advance.
Earlier, plus-sized individuals were allowed to pre-book additional seats with the guarantee of a refund later or were allowed to request a free seat at the airport at the time of journey. However, according to the revised rules, plus-sized people would no longer be guaranteed a reimbursement for their extra seat if they are travelling on a fully booked flight. In the off chance that they are travelling on a comparatively empty plane, they can demand repayment, but there is no guarantee that they will be granted the same.
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