‘Her Husband Literally Took a Picture of Me’: Plus-Size Woman Sits in Delta Comfort Seat. Then She Catches Her Seatmate Texting About Her

A Delta passenger said her birthday trip turned into a humiliating ordeal after an elderly couple beside her took pictures and mocked her weight. She claimed the flight crew didn’t take the situation seriously until video evidence from other passengers corroborated her story.

What happened on the Delta flight?

Influencer Ashlyn Delaney (@ i.am.ashe) posted a viral TikTok video with over 270,800 views. The video recounted her humiliating experience on a Delta Airlines flight.

According to Ashlyn, she was flying back from Puerto Rico seated in a Delta Comfort seat when she noticed the couple beside her writing phone messages in Spanish. One message jeered, “There’s only one fat person on the flight, and guess who she’s seated next to.” Ashlyn then noticed pictures of herself on the husband’s phone.

Using a translation app, she confronted the pair. However, they denied taking pictures of her.

Ashlyn said she reported the situation to the flight crew but felt dismissed. 

She claimed the couple continued to deny everything until other passengers provided video proof. The nearby travelers captured the couple trying to delete the pictures and messages from their phones.

Although Ashlyn said the crew members later apologized, she didn’t believe they took the situation seriously. 

She claimed to be offered wine and extra snacks. For Ashlyn, that only added to her anguish. The creator said she was already conscious about eating, after being judged for her size.

Eventually, the couple was moved and they later apologized. Nonetheless, the creator chose to file a formal complaint.

Why did she purchase a Delta Comfort seat?

In the video, Ashlyn said she specifically purchased a Delta Comfort seat because the extra space made flying more comfortable. 

According to Delta, Comfort seats include additional space compared to main cabin seating. Dedicated overhead bins, earlier boarding and deplaning are also added perks. 

The creator suggested she paid for the upgrade with everyone’s comfort in mind. 

“I GOT COMFORT, none of our bodies were touching,” she exclaimed with crying emojis. Ashlyn lamented that this made the comments from the couple beside her even more upsetting.

Why are people talking about flying while plus-sized?

Ashlyn’s experience reflects a broader conversation online. 

“It’s so strange how bothered people act about larger bodies. The emboldened behavior to make fun of someone as if they’re not a human being,” said one viewer.

“[] People who have never been in a bigger body have no idea the fear we already have going on a flight and this just confirms that people hate us for no reason,” claimed another.

Other posts have also documented passengers encountering rude comments, disputes over space and other forms of body shaming while flying.

Additionally, airline policies have sparked controversy.

Other videos highlighted how airlines handle passenger discrimination.

Recently, Business Insider reported that multiple passengers have complained about a new “Customers of Size” Southwest policy. They claimed to be singled out by their size and told to purchase a second seat before boarding. This left them feeling publicly shamed.

@i.am.ashe Might delete later idk. But what I do know is don’t let hate bring you down, let it motivate you. YOURE STILL A BADDIEEE!!!! #curvytiktok #delta #plussizetiktok #storytime #puertorico ♬ Bossa Nova jazz that seems to fit in a cafe(1433079) – TAKANORI ONDA

Viewers praised the passengers who spoke up

Some commenters focused less on the body shamers and more on the passengers who backed up Ashlyn’s account. They applauded the onlookers for not remaining silent and standing up for what is right.

While the incident renewed debate about how plus-sized travelers are treated while traveling, many viewers focused on the strangers who refused to stay silent and watch Ashlyn suffer alone.

The bystanders made the decision to record what happened and corroborate her account. This showed how much strangers can make a difference in each other’s lives.

The Mary Sue reached out to Delta Airlines for comment via email. A spokesperson said the airline could not address the specific incident without additional information. The representative added, “Delta does not discriminate or condone discrimination of any person or group. And our Customer Care team looks into all claims and responds accordingly.”

Ashlyn was also contacted via TikTok direct message.

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